Dreamy Hawaiian Paradise Coconut Pineapple Cake Recipe

Tropical paradise bursts with flavor in this coconut pineapple cake that captures island magic in every delectable slice.

Sweet and tangy ingredients dance together, creating a sensational dessert that whisks you away to sunny beaches.

Imagine soft, moist layers infused with rich coconut and bright pineapple notes that sing with exotic charm.

Creamy textures and luscious undertones make this cake a true celebration of Pacific island cuisine.

Vibrant ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a delightful experience that tingles your taste buds with each heavenly bite.

Tropical dreams come alive through this exceptional dessert that reinvents simple ingredients into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

You can want to savor every moment of this incredible cake that brings a slice of Hawaiian bliss right to your plate.

What You’ll Need for Coconut Pineapple Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental base for the cake's structure and texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, fluffy consistency.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

• Butter, Sugar: Create a rich, creamy foundation with excellent moisture and sweetness.
• Eggs: Provide structure, richness, and help bind the cake ingredients together.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warm aromatic flavor to the entire cake.
• Coconut Milk: Introduces tropical richness and contributes to the cake's moisture.

• Crushed Pineapple, Shredded Coconut: Bring authentic Hawaiian tropical flavors and interesting texture to the cake.
• Cream Cheese, Powdered Sugar, Butter: Form a smooth, creamy frosting with balanced sweetness.
• Pineapple Chunks, Toasted Coconut Flakes: Provide beautiful garnish and extra flavor complexity.

Baking Steps for Hawaiian Paradise Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

• Butter the sides
• Dust with flour
• Line bottom with parchment paper

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Mix

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Ensure the mixture looks completely smooth with zero lumps.

Step 3: Whip Butter and Sugar

Grab a large mixing bowl and transform butter and sugar into a fluffy cloud. Beat for 3-5 minutes until the mixture looks light and dreamy.

Step 4: Introduce Eggs and Flavor

Crack eggs one by one into the butter mixture, beating thoroughly between each addition. Splash in vanilla extract and mix until everything looks silky smooth.

Step 5: Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternate adding dry ingredients and coconut milk to the butter mixture. Start and end with dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined – no overmixing!

Step 6: Fold in Tropical Goodness

• Crushed pineapple
• Shredded coconut

Distribute evenly throughout the batter.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pour batter equally into prepared pans. Slide into the oven and bake 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 8: Craft Creamy Frosting

• Cream cheese
• Butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Beat until impossibly smooth and luscious.

Step 9: Assemble Tropical Masterpiece

• Level cake layers if needed
• Spread frosting between layers
• Cover entire cake with remaining frosting
• Sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes
• Decorate with fresh pineapple chunks

Step 10: Store and Serve

Refrigerate cake in airtight container up to 5 days. For a warm slice, microwave briefly (10-15 seconds).

Enjoy your tropical cake adventure!

Tips for a Moist and Tropical Cake

• Cream with Care: Whip butter and sugar until ultra-light and fluffy, taking 3-5 minutes, which creates a tender, moist cake texture that melts in your mouth.
• Alternate Wisely: When adding dry ingredients and coconut milk, alternate in small batches to prevent overmixing and maintain a smooth, silky batter consistency.
• Gentle Folding Technique: Use a soft, sweeping motion when incorporating pineapple and coconut to keep air bubbles intact, ensuring a light and delicate cake crumb.
• Temperature Precision: Allow ingredients like eggs and butter to reach room temperature before mixing, which helps create a more uniform and well-incorporated batter.
• Cooling Mastery: Let cake layers cool completely before frosting to prevent the cream cheese icing from melting and sliding off, ensuring a professional-looking finished dessert.

Storing and Reheating Pineapple Coconut Cake

Refrigerate Carefully: Store your Hawaiian Coconut Pineapple Cake in an airtight container to prevent moisture loss and maintain its delightful texture. Place cake slices in a sealed container with a tight-fitting lid to keep them fresh.

Preserve Freshness: Keep the cake refrigerated for up to 5 days, ensuring the cream cheese frosting stays cool and maintains its creamy consistency. Protect the cake from absorbing other refrigerator odors by covering it completely.

Warm Gently: When ready to enjoy a slice, microwave briefly for 10-15 seconds to slightly warm the cake. Avoid overheating, which can dry out the delicate texture and compromise the cake’s soft, moist crumb.

Ideal Pairings for This Tropical Dessert

• Pair with Tropical Mai Tai: Complement the cake's Hawaiian flavors with a classic mai tai cocktail, blending rum, orange curaçao, fresh lime juice, and orgeat syrup for a vibrant, matching tropical experience.
• Serve with Coconut Rum Punch: Create a smooth, creamy punch using coconut rum, pineapple juice, and a splash of cream to echo the cake's rich coconut and pineapple notes.
• Match with Macadamia Nut Coffee: Brew a light roast coffee with macadamia nut syrup, providing a nutty undertone that enhances the cake's tropical sweetness and adds a gentle Hawaiian-inspired contrast.
• Cool with Passion Fruit Sorbet: Offer a tangy passion fruit sorbet alongside the cake, cutting through the richness and providing a refreshing palate cleanser with authentic tropical flair.

Flavor Twists for Hawaiian Coconut Cake

• Tropical Rum Splash: Enhance the Hawaiian vibe by adding 2-3 tablespoons of dark rum to the cake batter, creating a more adult-friendly version with deeper tropical flavors.
• Gluten-Free Island Dream: Swap all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend, keeping the cake's moisture and tropical essence intact for those with dietary restrictions.
• Vegan Paradise Layer: Replace eggs with mashed bananas, use coconut oil instead of butter, and select dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a completely plant-based tropical experience.
• Nutty Coconut Crunch: Mix chopped macadamia nuts into the batter and sprinkle additional toasted nuts between cake layers for extra texture and authentic Hawaiian flair.

FAQs for Hawaiian Paradise Coconut Pineapple Cake

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day before and store them wrapped in plastic at room temperature. The frosting can also be prepared in advance and refrigerated.

• What if I can't find fresh pineapple?

No worries! Canned crushed pineapple works perfectly. Just make sure to drain it well before adding to the batter to prevent excess moisture.

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

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, your cake is done. The edges should also be slightly pulling away from the pan sides.

• Can I freeze this Hawaiian Paradise Cake?

Yes, you can! Wrap the unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.

Why Hawaiian Paradise Coconut Pineapple Cake Tastes Like Vacation

• Dive into a slice of paradise with this Hawaiian-inspired cake that transports your taste buds to a sun-soaked beach getaway. Each bite bursts with the sweet, tangy flavors of fresh pineapple and rich, creamy coconut.
• This recipe simplifies gourmet cake-making with straightforward steps that even novice bakers can conquer. The alternating wet and dry ingredient method ensures a perfectly moist, tender crumb every single time.
• Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or special celebrations, this cake impresses guests with its elegant layers and stunning tropical garnish. Kids and adults alike will fall in love with its irresistible combination of creamy frosting and fruity goodness.
• Enjoy stress-free entertaining with a dessert that stays fresh for up to 5 days and requires minimal prep time. The simple storage instructions make it an ideal make-ahead treat for busy home cooks seeking delicious convenience.

Hawaiian Paradise Coconut Pineapple Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet Hawaiian paradise coconut pineapple cake delivers tropical bliss with each delectable slice. Luscious layers of island-inspired goodness promise a delightful escape that delights senses and transports you to sun-drenched shores.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 5 large eggs
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 cup shredded coconut

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 4 cups powdered sugar

Flavoring and Frosting Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup (8 ounces / 226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup pineapple chunks (for garnish)
• ½ cup toasted coconut flakes (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Meticulously prepare the baking environment by warming the oven to 350°F and artfully preparing three round cake pans with grease, flour, and parchment paper liners to guarantee effortless cake release.
2. In a pristine mixing vessel, thoroughly integrate the dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, and salt – ensuring a completely uniform powder without any lingering clumps.
3. Utilize a robust electric mixer to transform butter and sugar into a cloud-like, aerated mixture, whipping energetically for approximately 3-5 minutes until the texture becomes exceptionally light and voluminous.
4. Methodically incorporate eggs into the butter mixture, introducing them individually and blending completely after each addition, then infuse with pure vanilla extract for enhanced aromatic depth.
5. Carefully alternate adding dry ingredients and coconut milk to the butter base, gently folding with minimal stirring to maintain the batter’s delicate airiness, completing the process with dry ingredients.
6. Tenderly fold crushed pineapple and shredded coconut throughout the batter, distributing the tropical ingredients evenly to guarantee consistent flavor in every slice.
7. Distribute the luminous batter equally among prepared pans, then slide into the preheated oven, baking for 25-30 minutes until a slender testing skewer emerges pristinely clean.
8. While cakes cool, craft a velvety cream cheese frosting by blending cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until achieving a silky, luxurious consistency.
9. Once completely cooled, level cake layers if needed, then construct a magnificent tropical confection by layering and lavishly coating with cream cheese frosting, finishing with artful garnishes of fresh pineapple chunks and toasted coconut flakes.
10. Preserve the cake’s exceptional quality by storing in a sealed container within the refrigerator, where it will maintain its delectable character for up to five days, ready to be enjoyed chilled or briefly warmed.

Notes

• Tropical Bliss Awaits: This Hawaiian-inspired cake bursts with sweet pineapple and coconut flavors that transport you to a beachside paradise.
• Texture Magic Technique: Creaming butter and sugar thoroughly creates an incredibly light, moist cake that melts in your mouth with each delightful bite.
• Ingredient Harmony: Coconut milk replaces traditional milk, intensifying the tropical essence and ensuring a rich, tender crumb throughout the cake.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: Perfectly prep this cake a day in advance, allowing flavors to meld and frosting to set for an even more delicious dessert experience.
• Garnish with Flair: Toasting coconut flakes before sprinkling adds a nutty, caramelized dimension that elevates the cake’s visual and flavor profile.
• Storage Wisdom: Refrigeration keeps the cream cheese frosting stable and maintains the cake’s freshness for up to five days, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 40 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg