Heavenly Hawaiian Paradise Cake Recipe: A Taste of Tropical Bliss

Dreamy Hawaiian paradise cake transports you to a tropical wonderland of sweet indulgence.

Soft, luscious layers whisper memories of island breezes and sun-kissed landscapes.

Delicate textures mingle with vibrant flavors that dance across your palate.

Each slice promises a culinary adventure beyond ordinary desserts.

Complex yet approachable, this cake weaves together unexpected taste sensations that surprise and delight.

Imagine a dessert that captures the essence of relaxation and pure joy.

You can find yourself enchanted by its magical combination of ingredients that celebrate tropical elegance.

Come experience a slice of edible bliss that promises to brighten any moment.

Hawaiian Cake That Tastes Like Summer

• Bursting with sweet pineapple and rich coconut, this cake transports your taste buds to a Hawaiian beach with every delightful bite.
• Requires minimal baking skills and basic ingredients, making it perfect for novice bakers or busy home cooks wanting a delicious dessert without complex techniques.
• The gooey topping and moist cake create an irresistible combination that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, and casual celebrations.
• From mixing to baking, this recipe takes less than an hour, offering a speedy dessert solution that doesn't compromise on incredible taste and texture.

What You Need for Tropical Hawaiian Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A key structure for the cake's texture and stability.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cake's golden color.
• Baking Soda: Essential leavening agent for cake's rise and lightness.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add moisture to the cake.
• Crushed Pineapple: Adds tropical flavor and natural moisture.
• Canola Oil: Ensures cake remains soft and tender.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor balance.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and aromatic complexity.

• Evaporated Milk: Creates rich and creamy topping base.
• Butter: Provides richness and smooth texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the topping.
• Chopped Pecans: Introduces nutty crunch and texture.
• Shredded Coconut: Brings tropical Hawaiian character.

• Vanilla Extract: Completes the topping with warm, sweet notes.

Instructions for Baking a Paradise Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Space

Crank the oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and coat it with a generous layer of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Cake Base

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking soda
• Eggs
• Crushed pineapple (with juice)
• Canola oil
• Salt
• Vanilla extract

Whisk everything together until the batter looks smooth and silky, with zero lumpy spots.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the velvety batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick comes out completely clean when poked into the center.

Step 4: Craft the Tropical Topping

• Evaporated milk
• Sugar
• Butter

• Vanilla extract
• Chopped pecans
• Shredded coconut

Step 5: Dress the Cake

Pull the freshly baked cake from the oven. Use a fork to create a constellation of holes across the top. Gently pour the warm, luscious topping over the cake, making sure it seeps into every little pocket.

Step 6: Let the Cake Chill

Give the cake some time to cool completely at room temperature. This allows the topping to set and the flavors to mingle and dance together.

Top Tips for Light and Fruity Cake Layers

• Master the Mixing: Blend ingredients gently but thoroughly to prevent overmixing, which can lead to a tough cake texture. Stir until just combined for a light, tender crumb.
• Pineapple Precision: Drain the crushed pineapple slightly to control moisture, ensuring the cake doesn't become too wet or dense.
• Topping Temperature Trick: Keep the topping warm when pouring over the cake to help it penetrate deeply into the poked holes, maximizing flavor absorption.
• Pecan Perfection: Toast pecans briefly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the cake's topping.
• Cooling Wisdom: Let the cake cool completely at room temperature to allow the topping to set properly and develop a rich, cohesive texture.

Storing a Moist and Bright Hawaiian Cake

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Room Temperature: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days if your kitchen is cool and dry.
• Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or place in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore moisture and bring back the delicious toasty flavor.

Pairing Ideas for a Tropical Dessert Finish

• Pair with Tropical Coconut Rum Cocktail: Blend a refreshing coconut rum cocktail that echoes the cake's Hawaiian-inspired flavors, enhancing the pineapple and coconut notes with a smooth, boozy kick.
• Match with Macadamia Nut Coffee: Brew a rich, medium-roast coffee with ground macadamia nuts, complementing the cake's nutty pecan topping and providing a warm, comforting accompaniment.
• Serve alongside Passion Fruit Sorbet: Add a tangy, cool passion fruit sorbet as a palate-cleansing side, cutting through the cake's sweetness and bringing a bright, tropical contrast to each bite.
• Combine with Caramel Macchiato: Enjoy a caramel macchiato that mirrors the cake's toasty, buttery notes, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and creamy flavors.

Ways to Make the Hawaiian Cake Your Own

• Tropical Sunset Cake: Replace pecans with macadamia nuts for an authentic Hawaiian flavor profile. Add a splash of rum to the topping for extra depth and tropical essence.
• Pineapple Coconut Breeze: Incorporate shredded coconut directly into the cake batter for enhanced texture and tropical notes. Swap canola oil with coconut oil to intensify the coconut flavor.
• Mango Luau Layer: Add diced fresh mango to the cake batter for a vibrant fruity dimension. Drizzle a light mango glaze over the top after the pecan-coconut topping sets for extra tropical brightness.
• Passion Fruit Paradise: Mix passion fruit puree into the cake batter for a tangy twist. Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top of the final cake for added crunch and island-inspired presentation.

Common Questions About Paradise Cakes

• How long does this Hawaiian Paradise Cake take to make?

The total preparation and baking time is around 50-55 minutes, with 10-15 minutes of prep and 35-40 minutes of baking time.

• Can I substitute the canola oil with another type of oil?

Yes, you can use vegetable oil or coconut oil as alternative options that work well in this recipe.

• Is it necessary to use evaporated milk for the topping?

Evaporated milk provides a rich, creamy texture, but you could use regular whole milk as a substitute if needed. However, the consistency might be slightly different.

• How should I store this Hawaiian Paradise Cake?

Store the cake covered at room temperature for 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The topping keeps the cake moist and delicious.

Hawaiian Paradise Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Tropical paradise meets sweet indulgence in this Hawaiian Paradise Cake, blending island-inspired flavors with multilayered goodness. Color and taste dance together, inviting you to savor a delightful slice of Hawaiian culinary magic.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

main ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 20 ounces (567 grams) crushed pineapple (undrained)

wet ingredients:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) canola oil
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) evaporated milk
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 grams) salt
• 2 teaspoons (10 grams) baking soda
• 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) pure vanilla extract

topping and garnish:

• 1 ½ cups (300 grams) sugar
• ¾ cup (170 grams) unsalted butter or margarine
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup (100 grams) chopped pecans
• 1 cup (80 grams) shredded coconut

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 350°F and coating a rectangular baking vessel with a light grease layer to prevent sticking.
2. Consolidate all primary cake components – flour, sugar, baking soda, eggs, crushed pineapple, canola oil, salt, and vanilla extract – into a spacious mixing vessel. Whisk vigorously until the mixture achieves a silky, lump-free consistency.
3. Transfer the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, carefully spreading the mixture to create an even surface. Place the dish into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes, monitoring until a slender testing utensil emerges clean when inserted into the cake’s center.
4. While the cake transforms in the oven, craft the luxurious topping by combining evaporated milk, sugar, and butter in a medium saucepan. Maintain constant stirring over medium heat until the butter melts and the mixture reaches a rolling boil. Continue heating for an additional 3 minutes, then remove from thermal source.
5. Enhance the topping by incorporating vanilla extract, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut, stirring until thoroughly integrated.
6. Extract the freshly baked cake from the oven and puncture its surface systematically with a fork, creating channels for the topping to infiltrate.
7. Gently cascade the warm, decadent topping over the cake, ensuring complete coverage and maximum absorption into the cake’s interior.
8. Allow the Hawaiian Paradise Cake to rest and cool naturally at ambient temperature, permitting the topping to set and flavors to harmonize before serving.

Notes

• Tropical Treasure: This Hawaiian Paradise Cake brings the sunshine and flavors of the islands right to your kitchen with its luscious pineapple-infused base and decadent nutty coconut topping.
• Quick and Easy Mixing: No fancy techniques needed – simply dump and stir all cake ingredients together for a foolproof, stress-free baking experience that guarantees delicious results.
• Perfect Moisture Balance: The undrained crushed pineapple ensures the cake stays incredibly moist and tender, creating a soft, delectable texture that melts in your mouth.
• Strategic Topping Technique: Poking holes in the warm cake allows the rich, buttery topping to penetrate deeply, infusing every bite with incredible flavor and keeping the dessert supremely indulgent.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together, making it an ideal dessert for gatherings or preparing in advance.
• Storage Wisdom: Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness, ensuring you can enjoy this tropical treat leisurely.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg