A Taste of Paradise: Pineapple Coconut Cake with a Sweet and Nutty Icing

Photo byAngie Bright

There’s something about the combination of pineapple and coconut that instantly transports you to a tropical paradise. The tropical flavors are the stars in this delicious Pineapple Coconut Cake, a dessert that’s as light as a summer breeze and sweet enough to satisfy any sweet tooth. It’s the perfect cake for those who crave a burst of fruity goodness paired with a rich, nutty icing.

Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a way to bring some sunshine into your kitchen, Pineapple Coconut Cake is a treat that will have everyone asking for seconds. The soft, moist cake is packed with crushed pineapple, giving it a naturally sweet and tangy flavor, while the shredded coconut in the icing brings that unmistakable tropical flair. This is more than just a cake; it’s a dessert experience that will take your taste buds on vacation.

Recipe: Pineapple Coconut Cake

Ingredients:

Cake:

• 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple (with juice)
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup oil
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 cups flour
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt

Icing:

• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 1 cup butter
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 cups shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven
   Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter
   In a large bowl, combine the crushed pineapple (with its juice), eggs, oil, sugar, brown sugar, flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish.
3. Bake the Cake
   Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be golden and fragrant.
4. Prepare the Icing
   While the cake bakes, combine evaporated milk, butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Once thickened, stir in the shredded coconut and chopped pecans.
5. Ice the Cake
   Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the hot icing over the hot cake. Let the icing soak into the cake as it cools, creating a moist, flavorful dessert that will melt in your mouth.

The Tropical Magic in Every Bite

What makes this Pineapple Coconut Cake truly special is the combination of textures and flavors. The cake itself is soft and moist, with a light sweetness from the pineapple that’s perfectly balanced by the rich, buttery icing. The addition of shredded coconut and chopped pecans gives the icing a satisfying crunch, making each bite a delightful contrast of smooth and crisp. This cake is perfect for family gatherings, summer parties, or just a midweek treat.

Not only is this cake incredibly delicious, but it’s also simple to make, using everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. The ease of preparation combined with the impressive flavor makes this recipe a keeper for any occasion.

Here are some excellent sources for Pineapple Coconut Cake recipes, each offering unique takes on this delicious dessert:

1. AllRecipes offers a classic Coconut Cake with Crushed Pineapple, which combines shredded coconut and crushed pineapple for a moist and flavorful cake. This recipe also includes a rich buttercream frosting, making it a perfect choice for those who love traditional flavors with a tropical twist​Allrecipes​Allrecipes.
2. Taste of Home features a Contest-Winning Pineapple Coconut Cake that balances the sweet pineapple with creamy coconut, all covered in a luscious mousse. It's a crowd favorite and includes helpful tips for assembling and serving​Taste of Home.
3. Southern Living provides a more elaborate version with layers of coconut cake, pineapple filling, and tangy cream cheese frosting. This recipe stands out for its detailed instructions on creating a perfectly balanced and indulgent tropical dessert​Southern Living.

You can explore these recipes further through their respective links on AllRecipes, Taste of Home, and Southern Living for step-by-step guidance.