Description
Tropical paradise meets sweet indulgence in this Pineapple Coconut Surprise Cake, blending luscious island flavors with creamy textures. Moist layers and unexpected filling promise a delightful escape that will transport taste buds to sun-kissed shores.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 8 ounces (226 grams) crushed pineapple (drained; reserve juice)
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
Flavor Enhancers:
- 3.4 ounces (96 grams) vanilla instant pudding mix
- ½ cup water
Optional Ingredients:
- 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F (175°C) and preparing a 9×13-inch baking vessel with non-stick spray or parchment paper for effortless cake extraction.
- In a spacious mixing vessel, unite the yellow cake mix and vanilla pudding mix, creating a foundational blend that promises rich texture and depth.
- Incorporate eggs, vegetable oil, and water into the dry mixture, whisking until the batter achieves a silky, uniform consistency without aggressive stirring.
- Gently introduce drained crushed pineapple, delicate shredded coconut, and optional chopped nuts, folding them carefully to distribute ingredients evenly throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the velvety batter into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to create a smooth, level surface that ensures consistent baking.
- Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, monitoring until a inserted toothpick emerges clean, signaling perfect doneness.
- After removing the cake, immediately perforate the warm surface with a fork, creating channels for pineapple juice to seep through and enhance moisture and tropical essence.
- Allow the cake to cool completely within the pan, enabling flavors to meld and texture to stabilize before slicing into delectable squares.
- Present the cake as is, or elevate its appearance with a sprinkle of additional coconut or a delicate dusting of powdered sugar for visual and flavor complexity.
Notes
- Tropical Twist: This cake brings a burst of island-inspired flavors with its perfect blend of pineapple and coconut, transforming a simple dessert into a vacation-worthy treat.
- Moisture Magic: Poking holes and drizzling pineapple juice ensures an incredibly moist and flavorful cake that stays soft and delicious for days.
- Quick Prep Hack: Using a boxed cake mix with pudding mix creates a foolproof base that guarantees a tender, rich texture every single time.
- Texture Paradise: The combination of crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, and optional nuts adds delightful layers of crunch and tropical complexity to each bite.
- Make-Ahead Marvel: This cake can be prepared in advance and keeps wonderfully at room temperature, making it ideal for gatherings or unexpected sweet cravings.
- Versatile Serving: Enjoy plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or dressed up with whipped cream for an elegant dessert that suits any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Global
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg