Pineapple and coconut are the ultimate tropical duo, and this Pineapple Coconut Cake brings them together in the most delightful way. The cake itself is rich and moist, infused with real crushed pineapple and coconut milk for an irresistible tropical flavor. Between the layers, a luscious pineapple pudding filling adds extra juiciness, while the coconut cream cheese frosting gives it the perfect creamy, tangy finish.
This cake is a showstopper for any occasion, whether it’s a springtime gathering, a summer celebration, or simply a treat yourself moment. Each bite is light yet decadent, bursting with fruity goodness and a hint of vanilla warmth. Serve it chilled for the best texture, and don’t forget to top it off with some toasted coconut for that extra crunch!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- ½ cup oil (110g)
- ½ cup sour cream (135g)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (300g)
- 3 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- ½ cup coconut milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 ¼ cups all purpose flour (295g), fluffed and leveled
- 1 cup crushed pineapple with juice
- ¾ cup sweetened, shredded coconut
For the Pineapple Filling:
- 1 ¼ cup crushed pineapple with juice
- ½ cup milk
- 1 package vanilla instant pudding mix (102g)
For the Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 cup cream cheese, room temperature (250g/8oz)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar (480g)
- 1 pinch salt
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour three 8” round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, sour cream, and sugar.
- Add eggs, vanilla extract, coconut extract, and coconut milk. Whisk until combined.
- Whisk in baking powder, baking soda, and salt until fully incorporated.
- Stir in flour until just combined. Slowly fold in crushed pineapple and shredded coconut.
- Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Pineapple Filling:
8. In a bowl, stir together crushed pineapple, juice, milk, and instant pudding mix until thickened. Set aside.
For the Frosting:
9. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add butter and beat until combined.
10. Add vanilla extract, coconut extract, and salt, mixing until well incorporated.
11. Gradually add powdered sugar in batches, beating until the frosting reaches your desired sweetness and consistency.
Assembly:
12. Place one cake layer on a cake stand. Spread with half of the pineapple filling, leaving a small border around the edge.
13. Place the second cake layer on top and spread with the remaining pineapple filling.
14. Top with the final cake layer and frost the entire cake with the coconut cream cheese frosting.
15. Decorate with toasted coconut, if desired. Refrigerate for 4-6 hours before slicing for best results.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 739 kcal per serving | Servings: 12
Pineapple Coconut Cake: A Taste of the Tropics in Every Bite
Few desserts capture the essence of a tropical paradise quite like Pineapple Coconut Cake. This delightful treat is a combination of moist pineapple infused cake layers, a luscious pineapple pudding filling, and a creamy coconut cream cheese frosting. Every bite is packed with a burst of tropical flavors, making it a favorite for special occasions or whenever you’re craving something sweet and refreshing.
Pineapple Coconut Cake is not just delicious it’s also visually stunning. The golden cake layers speckled with coconut shreds and crushed pineapple create a beautiful contrast against the fluffy white coconut frosting. Topped with toasted coconut flakes or even a few pineapple slices, this cake is a true showstopper. Whether you’re baking for Easter, a birthday celebration, or simply treating yourself, this dessert is guaranteed to impress.
The Origins of Pineapple Coconut Cake
While the exact origins of Pineapple Coconut Cake are unclear, both pineapple and coconut have been beloved ingredients in desserts for centuries. Pineapple, originally from South America, became widely popular when it was introduced to tropical regions like Hawaii and the Caribbean. Today, it’s a staple in many classic baked goods, bringing a naturally sweet and tangy flavor to cakes, pies, and puddings.
Coconut, on the other hand, has been used in desserts worldwide, particularly in tropical and coastal regions where it grows abundantly. Whether in the form of shredded coconut, coconut milk, or coconut extract, this ingredient adds a rich and creamy texture to sweets. Together, pineapple and coconut create the perfect balance of sweetness and depth, making them a match made in dessert heaven.
The idea of pairing these two tropical flavors in a cake likely stems from classic Southern and Hawaiian baking traditions. Many Southern style cakes use pineapple for moisture, while coconut has long been a favorite ingredient in American and Caribbean desserts. Over time, bakers began experimenting with combining the two, leading to the creation of the now beloved Pineapple Coconut Cake.
What Makes This Cake Special?
One of the reasons Pineapple Coconut Cake is so popular is its unique combination of flavors and textures. The cake itself is light yet rich, thanks to the addition of coconut milk and crushed pineapple. Unlike traditional vanilla or chocolate cakes, this one has a naturally fruity taste that keeps every bite refreshing.
The pineapple filling adds another layer of flavor, ensuring the cake remains ultra-moist and bursting with fruity goodness. Instead of a heavy buttercream frosting, this recipe uses coconut cream cheese frosting, which provides a slightly tangy contrast to the cake’s sweetness. The cream cheese also helps balance the flavors, preventing the cake from being overly sugary.
Finally, the toasted coconut garnish enhances both the taste and texture. It provides a light crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake and creamy frosting, making the dessert even more irresistible.
Perfect Occasions for Pineapple Coconut Cake
This cake is versatile enough to be enjoyed at a variety of gatherings. Some of the best occasions to serve it include:
- Easter & Spring Celebrations – With its bright, tropical flavors, Pineapple Coconut Cake is an ideal choice for Easter brunches or springtime gatherings. It adds a refreshing twist to traditional Easter desserts.
- Summer Barbecues & Picnics – Because of its light, fruity taste, this cake is a wonderful addition to any summer event. It pairs well with grilled dishes and refreshing drinks.
- Birthdays & Special Occasions – If you’re looking for a cake that stands out from the usual chocolate or vanilla options, this one is a fantastic choice. It’s unique, flavorful, and always a crowd pleaser.
- Holiday Celebrations – While tropical flavors might not be the first thing that comes to mind during the holiday season, Pineapple Coconut Cake is a welcome treat at Christmas or Thanksgiving, offering a bright contrast to heavier winter desserts.
Expert Tips for the Best Pineapple Coconut Cake
To ensure your Pineapple Coconut Cake turns out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
1. Use High-Quality Ingredients
Since this cake relies on natural flavors, it’s essential to use high quality ingredients. Fresh or canned crushed pineapple works well, but be sure to use the juice for extra moisture. Likewise, full-fat coconut milk will give the cake a richer taste.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter
Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Stir the ingredients just until they are combined to maintain a light and fluffy texture.
3. Let the Cake Cool Completely Before Frosting
Applying frosting to a warm cake can cause it to melt and slide off. Be patient and allow the cake layers to cool fully before assembling.
4. Toast the Coconut for Extra Flavor
Toasting shredded coconut before using it as a garnish adds a deeper, nuttier flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cake. Simply spread the coconut on a baking sheet and toast it in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Refrigerate for a More Intense Flavor
This cake tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, as the flavors have time to meld together. If possible, make it a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator.
How to Store Pineapple Coconut Cake
If you have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious!), you can store the cake properly to enjoy it later:
- In the Refrigerator: Since this cake contains cream cheese frosting, it should be stored in the fridge. Cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
- In the Freezer: If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze individual slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer safe bag. The cake can be stored for up to 3 months. To serve, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Variations of Pineapple Coconut Cake
While the classic recipe is amazing as is, there are many ways to customize it to suit your taste:
- Pina Colada Cake: Add a splash of rum extract or coconut rum to the batter for a boozy twist inspired by the classic cocktail.
- Nutty Pineapple Coconut Cake: Fold in chopped macadamia nuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the sour cream with dairy free yogurt and use dairy free cream cheese for the frosting.
- Sheet Cake Version: Instead of baking in round cake pans, pour the batter into a 9×13 inch pan and bake for a simpler, more casual version of the cake.
Conclusion:
Pineapple Coconut Cake is the ultimate tropical dessert, bringing together the freshness of pineapple, the richness of coconut, and the creaminess of a decadent frosting. Its balance of flavors and textures makes it a standout cake for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a birthday party, or simply as a treat for yourself, this cake will transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise with every bite.
If you love fruity, refreshing cakes that aren’t overly heavy, this one is a must-try. Once you bake it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular favorite in your dessert rotation!