Sweet Escape: Savor the Perfect Pineapple Coconut Cake Recipe!

Photo byAngie Bright

Pineapple Coconut Cake: A Slice of Tropical Paradise

Nothing transports you to a sunny, tropical paradise like the combination of sweet pineapple and rich coconut. If you’re craving a dessert that delivers a bit of island magic, this Pineapple Coconut Cake is exactly what you need. The cake’s moist texture and the tropical flavors come together to create a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or treating yourself to something special, this cake brings the feel of a tropical getaway to your table.

The Pineapple Coconut Cake pairs a fluffy, buttery base with the tropical richness of coconut milk and pineapple juice, while the icing incorporates real pineapple and coconut for that extra burst of flavor. Topped with shredded coconut and crushed pineapple, each bite feels like a tropical breeze. Let’s get started on how to bring this delicious creation to life.

Recipe: Pineapple Coconut Cake

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 cups white sugar
• 2 teaspoons coconut extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs
• 3 cups self-rising flour
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
• ½ cup pineapple juice

For the Icing:

• ¼ cup confectioners' sugar (or more as needed)
• ¼ cup pineapple juice
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon coconut extract
• ¼ cup shredded coconut
• 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven
   Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and prepare two 9-inch square pans to ensure easy removal of the cakes after baking.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter
   In a large mixing bowl, cream ¾ cup of butter using an electric mixer until it becomes light and fluffy. Slowly drizzle the vegetable oil into the creamed butter, continuing to beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and consistent.Gradually add the sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the coconut extract and vanilla extract for that rich tropical flavor. Now, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.Next, alternate adding the flour and coconut milk to the batter, starting and ending with the flour. Be gentle with your mixing to avoid overworking the batter. Finally, stir in the pineapple juice until everything is just combined.
3. Bake the Cake
   Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cakes; they should come out clean when done. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool completely before icing.
4. Make the Icing
   While the cake cools, it’s time to make the icing. In a small bowl, mix the confectioners' sugar and pineapple juice until the sugar dissolves. Beat the butter into the sugar mixture until the icing becomes light and fluffy. Add the coconut extract and continue beating until smooth. Adjust the consistency of the icing by adding more confectioners' sugar if needed.
5. Assemble the Cake
   Place one of the cooled cakes on a serving platter and spread a generous layer of icing over the top. Place the second cake on top, creating a delicious cake sandwich. Use the remaining icing to coat the entire cake, smoothing it over the sides and top.
6. Decorate
   For the finishing touch, dust the sides of the cake with shredded coconut and arrange the drained crushed pineapple on top for a burst of flavor and color.

A Slice of Heaven

This Pineapple Coconut Cake is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves tropical flavors. With every bite, you’ll experience the softness of the cake, the sweetness of pineapple, and the rich creaminess of coconut. Perfect for parties, holidays, or just because, it’s sure to leave a lasting impression. Whether you're enjoying it on a warm summer day or bringing the tropics into a chilly winter afternoon, this cake will surely brighten up your day.

So, grab a fork and dive into a slice of pure tropical bliss!

Here are some great sources where you can find detailed versions of Pineapple Coconut Cake recipes and inspiration for making your own tropical dessert:

1. Southern Living provides a rich Pineapple-Coconut Cake recipe that combines sweet pineapple with coconut layers, topped with tangy cream cheese frosting. Their version is a crowd-pleaser and focuses on both texture and flavor​(Southern Living).
2. Taste of Home features a contest-winning recipe with layers of pineapple mousse, cream cheese, and coconut that is light and fluffy. Their tips include how to store, freeze, and make the cake ahead of time for added convenience​(Taste of Home).
3. Allrecipes offers a step-by-step version that's close to your provided recipe, using coconut milk and pineapple juice for the cake, and incorporating crushed pineapple into the icing. It's a delicious take on the classic flavor combination​(Allrecipes).
4. My Cake School also has a fantastic recipe for a coconut cream cheese frosted cake with pineapple filling, perfect for those who want a balance of sweetness and richness in their desserts​(My Cake School).

You can explore these resources to get more insights into each recipe and some additional baking tips!