This Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake is a tropical delight that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the rich flavor of coconut. With layers of moist cake and creamy frosting, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup toasted coconut flakes (for garnish)
- 3 cups cream cheese frosting
Directions:
- Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
- Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the coconut milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Add Pineapple and Coconut:
- Fold in the crushed pineapple and shredded coconut until evenly distributed.
- Bake:
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Frosting and Assembly:
- Once cooled, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the process with the third layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake.
- Garnish:
- Garnish with pineapple chunks and toasted coconut flakes.
Helpful Tips:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Draining Pineapple: Properly drain the crushed pineapple to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
- Toasting Coconut: Toast the coconut flakes in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pairing: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Presentation: Garnish with additional fresh pineapple slices or maraschino cherries for a festive look.
FAQs:
- Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
- Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but make sure to finely crush and drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
- Can this cake be made ahead of time?
- Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Frost the cake the day you plan to serve it.
- Can I use a different frosting?
- While cream cheese frosting complements the flavors well, you can also use buttercream or whipped cream frosting if preferred.
Prep Time:
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutrition:
- Calories: 550 kcal per serving
- Servings: Makes approximately 12 servings
Enjoy this tropical Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake that’s sure to transport you to a sunny paradise with every bite!
Recipe Card
Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake
This Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake is a tropical delight that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the rich flavor of coconut. With layers of moist cake and creamy frosting, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
- – 3 cups all-purpose flour
- – 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- – 1/2 teaspoon salt
- – 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- – 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- – 5 large eggs
- – 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- – 1 cup coconut milk
- – 1 cup crushed pineapple drained
- – 1 cup shredded coconut
- – 1/2 cup pineapple chunks for garnish
- – 1/2 cup toasted coconut flakes for garnish
- – 3 cups cream cheese frosting
Instructions
Preheat and Prep:
- – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
Dry Ingredients:
- – In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar:
- – In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- – Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the coconut milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
Add Pineapple and Coconut:
- – Fold in the crushed pineapple and shredded coconut until evenly distributed.
Bake:
- – Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- – Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Frosting and Assembly:
- – Once cooled, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the process with the third layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake.
Garnish:
- – Garnish with pineapple chunks and toasted coconut flakes.