Island Paradise: Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake Recipe

Sweet tropical breezes drift through this heavenly pineapple coconut dream cake that captures the essence of island paradise.

Soft, moist layers sparkle with tangy fruit and creamy coconut undertones.

Each slice promises a delectable journey through Hawaiian-inspired flavors that dance on your palate.

The cake combines classic baking techniques with vibrant ingredients that sing of sunshine and relaxation.

Delicate crumbs meld with rich, smooth frosting in a dessert that transforms an ordinary afternoon into a mini vacation.

Creamy coconut and bright pineapple weave together, creating a dessert that feels both comforting and exotic.

Dive into this dreamy recipe and let your taste buds sail away to tropical bliss.

Fun Serving Ideas For Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake

• Tropical Slice Paradise: Elevate each serving with a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra decadence. The sweet golden liquid adds a rich, luxurious touch to the cake's tropical flavor profile.
• Island Brunch Companion: Pair this cake with a fresh fruit smoothie or a cup of Hawaiian coffee. The complementary flavors will transport your taste buds to a sunny beach getaway.
• Presentation Perfection: Serve individual slices on decorative plates with a small mint leaf or edible flower. This elegant touch transforms the dessert into a restaurant-quality experience that delights both eyes and palate.
• Chilled Delight Technique: Let the cake sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly. This allows the flavors to bloom and creates a more tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that guests will love.

Storing Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake

• Cake Care Strategies
• Refrigeration Magic: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cool environment helps maintain the cake's moisture and prevents the whipped cream from breaking down.
• Freezing Technique: Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 weeks, ensuring a delightful treat is always ready when cravings strike.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cake base and coconut soak one day in advance. Add the whipped cream frosting just before serving to keep the texture light and fluffy.
• Serving Smart: Remove the cake from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to let it slightly soften, allowing the flavors to bloom and the texture to become more inviting.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Calories: 430 kcal

Servings: 11

What’s Inside Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake

• Yellow Cake Mix: Convenient base that creates a tender, moist foundation with the sweet tropical twist of pineapple.
• Crushed Pineapple: Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and vibrant fruity flavor to elevate the cake's texture and taste.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk, Coconut Milk: Creates a luscious, creamy layer that infuses the cake with rich, tropical decadence and irresistible moistness.

• Shredded Coconut: Provides delightful texture and authentic Hawaiian island essence.
• Heavy Cream: Delivers a light, airy frosting with luxurious smoothness.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, aromatic undertones.
• Toasted Coconut Flakes: Adds crunch and deepens the coconut flavor with a golden, nutty profile.
• Pineapple Slices: Optional fresh garnish that brings bright, tropical visual appeal.

Cake Tools For Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake

• Mixing Bowl: Large bowl for preparing cake batter and whipped cream.
• 9×13-inch Baking Pan: Standard pan for baking the cake evenly.
• Electric Mixer or Whisk: Perfect for whipping cream to stiff peaks.
• Fork: Used to poke holes in the warm cake for milk absorption.
• Small Bowl: For mixing condensed milk and coconut milk.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Toothpick: Helps check cake doneness by testing center.
• Spatula: Helps spread whipped cream frosting smoothly.

How To Bake Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake

• Oven Preparation

Warm up your oven to create the perfect baking environment. Coat your baking pan with a light layer of grease to ensure smooth cake removal.

• Cake Batter Magic

Blend yellow cake mix with a tropical twist by incorporating crushed pineapple instead of water. The juicy fruit will infuse the cake with extra moisture and flavor. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, creating a smooth surface.

• Baking Journey

Let the cake transform in the oven, watching it rise and turn golden. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean, signaling a perfectly baked cake.

• Moisture Infusion

While the cake is still warm, create little pathways using a fork. Gently pour a mixture of sweetened condensed milk and coconut milk, allowing it to seep into every delicious crevice. Sprinkle shredded coconut across the top for a tropical texture.

• Creamy Topping

Whip up a cloud-like cream using heavy cream, powdered sugar, and a hint of vanilla. Spread this dreamy layer across the cooled cake, creating a smooth canvas.

• Tropical Finale

Enhance the cake’s appearance with toasted coconut flakes and optional fresh pineapple pieces. Chill in the refrigerator to let the flavors mingle and intensify.

Tips To Make Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake Better

• Tropical Cake Mastery: Expert Tips & Delicious Twists
• Moisture Magic: Poke plenty of holes in the warm cake to help the coconut-condensed milk mixture penetrate deeply, creating an incredibly moist and decadent dessert that melts in your mouth.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap the traditional yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix to make this tropical treat accessible for those with dietary restrictions while maintaining the same luscious flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut whipped cream and use dairy-free condensed milk to transform this cake into a completely dairy-free tropical sensation that everyone can enjoy.
• Flavor Boosters: Enhance the cake's tropical essence by adding a splash of rum to the soaking liquid or sprinkling toasted macadamia nuts on top for an extra layer of authentic Hawaiian-inspired texture and flavor.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: This cake actually tastes better when prepared a day in advance, allowing the flavors to fully develop and creating an even more intense tropical experience that will wow your guests.

Tropical Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Tropical Hawaiian pineapple coconut dream cake blends island flavors in a delightful dessert. Layers of moist coconut cake, tangy pineapple filling, and creamy frosting create a paradise on your plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 can (20 oz / 567 g) crushed pineapple, undrained
• 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) coconut milk
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• Eggs (as per box instructions)
• Oil (as per box instructions)
• Water (as per box instructions)
• 2 cups (480 ml / 16 fl oz) heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup (30 g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (80 g) shredded sweetened coconut
• ½ cup (40 g) toasted coconut flakes
• Pineapple slices or chunks (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with flour, ensuring complete surface coverage.
2. Batter Creation: Blend yellow cake mix with undrained crushed pineapple, mixing until smooth and consistent, then pour into prepared pan and distribute evenly.
3. Initial Baking: Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should emerge clean when inserted into the center.
4. Flavor Infusion: While cake is warm, puncture surface with a fork, then whisk sweetened condensed milk and coconut milk together and pour over cake, allowing complete absorption.
5. Coconut Layer: Sprinkle shredded coconut across the surface, creating an even tropical coating.
6. Cooling Process: Let cake cool completely at room temperature to allow flavors to meld and settle.
7. Cream Topping: Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, then spread evenly across cooled cake.
8. Final Touches: Garnish with toasted coconut flakes and optional fresh pineapple slices.
9. Serving Preparation: Refrigerate for at least one hour to enhance flavors and achieve optimal serving temperature, then slice and enjoy the tropical dessert.

Notes

• Pineapple Substitution Strategy: Use fresh or canned crushed pineapple with no added sugar for optimal moisture and natural sweetness, ensuring the cake remains moist without excessive sweetness.
• Milk Absorption Technique: Pierce cake holes carefully and evenly to guarantee uniform milk distribution, preventing dry spots and creating consistent, luscious texture throughout the dessert.
• Coconut Enhancement Tip: Toast coconut flakes beforehand in a dry skillet to develop deeper, nuttier flavor and add sophisticated golden-brown color to the cake’s appearance.
• Chilling Precision: Refrigerate cake for at least 2-3 hours before serving to allow complete flavor melding and achieve ideal creamy consistency, making the dessert more refreshing and structured.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg