Heavenly Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Sweet dreams come alive with this pineapple coconut dream cake that transports you to tropical paradise.

Creamy layers of coconut promise a delightful escape from ordinary desserts.

Ripe pineapple chunks nestled between soft cake layers create a magical sensory experience.

Whispers of island breezes drift through each delectable bite.

Tropical ingredients dance together in perfect harmony, crafting a dessert that feels like a warm vacation embrace.

Smooth frosting and juicy fruit promise pure culinary bliss.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of this extraordinary treat.

Why Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake Is Tropical Heaven

• Tropical Taste Explosion: Dive into a delightful cake bursting with pineapple and coconut flavors that transport you to a sunny paradise.
• Stress-Free Baking Adventure: Follow simple steps to create a stunning dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a professional bakery.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and celebrations where you want to impress everyone with minimal effort.
• Versatile Treat for All Occasions: Enjoy as a weekend indulgence, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert that suits any moment of sweet craving.

What Goes Into Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake

• Flour: The foundational dry ingredient that provides structure to the cake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's richness.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and creates a soft, tender crumb.

• Crushed Pineapple: Brings tropical sweetness and adds natural moisture to the cake.
• Coconut Milk: Provides a rich, creamy tropical flavor and additional moisture.
• Shredded Coconut: Adds texture and intensifies the coconut profile of the cake.

• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a tangy, creamy base for the frosting.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth frosting texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a classic, aromatic flavor to the frosting.

• Toasted Coconut Flakes: Adds crunch and decorative appeal to the cake surface.
• Fresh Pineapple Chunks: Provides a fresh, vibrant finishing touch to the dessert.

How To Bake Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake The Easy Way

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 350°F and lovingly coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with grease to help the cake slide out perfectly.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt

Blend these dry ingredients until they become best friends.

Step 3: Whip Wet Components

In another bowl, whisk eggs and vegetable oil until they dance together with a light, frothy energy.

Step 4: Combine Wet And Dry

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring just enough to marry them without overworking the batter.

Step 5: Add Tropical Treasures

Fold in drained crushed pineapple and shredded coconut, spreading them evenly like little flavor gems throughout the batter.

Step 6: Pour In Coconut Magic

Gradually mix in coconut milk to boost moisture and bring tropical vibes to your cake.

Step 7: Prepare For Baking

Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even, gorgeous surface.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Send the cake into the oven for 35-40 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

Step 9: Cool Down

Let the cake chill in the pan for about an hour at room temperature, giving it time to settle.

Step 10: Whip Up Frosting

Cream together softened cream cheese and butter until they’re silky smooth and fluffy.

Step 11: Create Frosting Magic

Gradually blend in powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting becomes irresistibly smooth.

Step 12: Frost With Love

Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting across the top with care.

Step 13: Add Crunch And Sparkle

Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the frosting for a delightful textural surprise.

Step 14: Garnish With Flair

Dot the edges with fresh pineapple chunks to create a stunning, tropical presentation.

Step 15: Chill And Serve

Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes, allowing the frosting to set and flavors to mingle deliciously.

Tips To Make Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake Perfect

• Prevent Cake Sticking: Grease the pan thoroughly and consider lining with parchment paper for effortless cake removal.
• Mixing Magic: Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake light and tender, stopping when ingredients are just combined.
• Moisture Master: Add coconut milk gradually to control batter consistency and ensure a perfectly moist tropical cake.
• Frosting Finesse: Let the cake cool completely before applying cream cheese frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
• Toasting Technique: Lightly toast coconut flakes in a dry skillet for enhanced flavor and a delightful crunch before sprinkling on top.

Flavorful Twists On Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake

• Gluten-Free Hawaiian Dream: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version, maintaining the tropical essence while ensuring dietary compatibility.
• Vegan Pineapple Paradise: Swap eggs with mashed bananas or applesauce, use coconut oil instead of butter, and create dairy-free frosting using cashew cream or vegan cream cheese alternatives.
• Low-Sugar Tropical Treat: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce overall sugar content while preserving the cake's moist texture and vibrant flavor profile.
• Nutty Coconut Elevation: Incorporate chopped macadamia or pecans into the batter, adding extra crunch and deepening the tropical nutty undertones of the classic Hawaiian cake.

What Tastes Great With Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake

• Tropical Rum Pairing: Sip on a chilled piña colada that echoes the cake's fruity pineapple and coconut notes, creating a harmonious island-inspired dessert experience.
• Complementary Coffee Match: Brew a smooth Hawaiian Kona coffee with its subtle nutty undertones, perfectly balancing the cake's sweet cream cheese frosting and tropical flavors.
• Textural Wine Companion: Select a crisp Riesling with its bright acidity and subtle sweetness, cutting through the rich cream cheese frosting while enhancing the cake's tropical essence.
• Artisanal Ice Cream Sidekick: Serve a scoop of coconut or vanilla bean gelato alongside the cake, adding a refreshing and creamy dimension that amplifies the dessert's luxurious texture.

How To Store Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake For Later

• Store covered cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping it fresh and moist in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual cake slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags for convenient storage up to 3 months.
• Keep cake loosely covered with plastic wrap at room temperature for 1-2 days if serving soon, maintaining its soft texture.
• Gently warm individual slices in microwave for 10-15 seconds or let refrigerated cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore optimal taste and texture.

FAQs On Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake

• Can I use fresh pineapple instead of crushed canned pineapple?

You can use fresh pineapple, but make sure to drain it thoroughly. Chop it finely and pat dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture in the cake.

• Is coconut milk necessary for this recipe?

Coconut milk adds rich tropical flavor and moisture. If unavailable, you can substitute with whole milk or buttermilk, though the distinctive coconut taste will be slightly reduced.

• How do I know if the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The top should also be golden brown and slightly springy to touch.

Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 10-20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Tropical paradise meets dessert bliss in this pineapple coconut dream cake, a sweet escape that whisks senses to island shores. Luscious layers of moist coconut cake and tangy pineapple create a delectable journey you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

Pineapple and Coconut Components:

• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup coconut milk

Frosting and Topping:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup toasted coconut flakes
• 1/4 cup pineapple chunks for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure smooth cake release.
2. Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry ingredient base.
3. Whisk eggs and vegetable oil in a separate bowl until well combined and slightly frothy.
4. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring until just incorporated to maintain a light cake texture.
5. Fold in the drained crushed pineapple and shredded coconut, distributing evenly throughout the batter.
6. Gradually mix in coconut milk to enhance moisture and tropical flavor profile.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for even baking.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour at room temperature.
10. Cream together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
11. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting reaches a silky consistency.
12. Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly across the surface.
13. Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the frosted cake for added texture and visual appeal.
14. Garnish with fresh pineapple chunks around the edges for a vibrant finish.
15. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow frosting to set and flavors to meld.

Notes

• Swap out all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this tropical treat.
• Use coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener as a lower glycemic alternative to white sugar, making the cake more diabetes-friendly.
• Toast coconut flakes just before sprinkling to enhance their nutty flavor and create a delightful crunch that elevates the cake’s texture.
• Consider reducing cream cheese frosting sweetness by adding a hint of fresh lime zest, which brightens the tropical flavor profile and cuts through the richness.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 59 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg