Introduction

Get ready to make an incredible Tropical Pineapple Coconut Cream Cake that everyone will love! This recipe combines simple ingredients with great flavor to create something truly special. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is both delicious and easy to prepare.

Follow along as we show you how to make this wonderful recipe step by step!

Of course! A Tropical Pineapple Coconut Cream Cake is the ultimate escape in dessert form. It’s a moist, flavorful cake bursting with pineapple and coconut, layered with a luscious coconut cream frosting, and often topped with toasted coconut.

Here are two fantastic versions: one from scratch and an incredibly easy “doctored cake mix” version that tastes homemade.

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Recipe 1: From-Scratch Pineapple Coconut Cake

This cake is incredibly moist and packed with real fruit flavor.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 30-35 minutes
Cooling/Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: About 3.5 hours
Serves: 12

Ingredients

For the Cake

· 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
· 2 teaspoons baking powder
· ½ teaspoon baking soda
· ½ teaspoon salt
· ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
· ½ cup vegetable or coconut oil
· 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
· 3 large eggs, room temperature
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
· 1 teaspoon coconut extract
· 1 cup full-fat canned coconut milk, well-shaken
· 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained

For the Coconut Cream Frosting:

· 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
· 4 cups powdered sugar
· ½ cup full-fat canned coconut milk, well-shaken
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
· 1 teaspoon coconut extract
· Pinch of salt

For Assembly & Topping:

· 1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut, divided (toasted and untoasted)
· Maraschino cherries, well-drained (for garnish)
· Pineapple slices (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. Make the Cake: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream the butter, oil, and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla and coconut extracts.
4. Combine Dry and Wet: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the coconut milk in two parts, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Fold in Pineapple: Gently fold in the entire can of undrained crushed pineapple.
6. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 15 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Make the Frosting: While the cakes cool, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, coconut milk, extracts, and salt. Beat on high speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
9. Toast the Coconut: Spread about 1 cup of the shredded coconut on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 5-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown. Watch closely as it burns easily!
10. Assemble the Cake:
    · Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting over the top. Sprinkle with untoasted shredded coconut.
    · Place the second cake layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
    · Press the toasted coconut onto the sides of the cake and sprinkle some on top.
    · Garnish with maraschino cherries and pineapple slices if desired.
    · For best results, refrigerate for at least an hour before slicing to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to set.

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Recipe 2: Easy “Doctored” Pineapple Coconut Cake

This is famously easy and unbelievably moist.

Ingredients:

· 1 box (15.25 oz) white or yellow cake mix
· 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla or coconut cream pudding mix
· 1 cup canned coconut milk
· ½ cup vegetable oil
· 4 large eggs
· 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained
· 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
· 1 recipe Coconut Cream Frosting (from above) or 1 tub (16 oz) vanilla frosting, whipped with 2-3 tablespoons of coconut milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch pan or two 9-inch round pans.
2. In a large bowl, combine all cake ingredients. Beat with a hand mixer for 2 minutes until smooth.
3. Pour into prepared pan(s) and bake. A 9×13 pan will take 35-40 minutes; round pans will take 25-30 minutes. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
4. Cool completely, then frost and top with toasted coconut.

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Tips for Success & Variations

· Don’t Drain the Pineapple! The juice is essential for the cake’s incredible moisture and flavor.
· Coconut Milk: Use full-fat, canned coconut milk for the richest flavor and creamiest texture. Shake the can well before using.
· Toasting Coconut: Toasting is highly recommended as it enhances the flavor and adds a wonderful crunch and visual appeal.
· Cream Cheese Frosting Variation: For a tangy twist, make a coconut cream cheese frosting: Beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese with ½ cup butter, then add 4 cups powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, and 2-3 tbsp coconut milk.
· Poke Cake Version: Bake the cake in a 9×13 pan. While still warm, poke holes all over the top with a skewer. Pour a can of sweetened condensed milk or cream of coconut over the warm cake. Let it cool, then frost with whipped topping and sprinkle with coconut.

Why This Cake is a Winner

· Tropical Escape: Every bite tastes like a vacation.
· Incredibly Moist: The pineapple and coconut milk ensure the cake stays moist for days.
· Impressively Delicious: It looks and tastes like it came from a bakery, but is easily achievable at home.

Enjoy this taste of the tropics

Conclusion

Congratulations on making this delicious Tropical Pineapple Coconut Cream Cake! We hope you and your loved ones enjoyed every bite of this flavorful dish. This recipe is perfect for sharing with family and friends, and we’re confident it will become a regular favorite in your kitchen.

🍽️ Looking for more amazing recipes? Browse through our collection of delicious dishes on YumPost! From quick weeknight dinners to impressive desserts, we have something for every taste and occasion.

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