Description
Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake is a tropical dessert that lives up to its name with every bite. Combining the sweet, juicy flavor of pineapple with the rich, creamy taste of coconut, this cake creates a vacation-worthy dessert that’s perfect for holidays, birthdays, summer gatherings, potlucks, and special family celebrations. Moist, fluffy, and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, this cake is a true crowd-pleaser that instantly transports you to a tropical paradise.
Ingredients
🍍 For the Cake
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
🧀 For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
🥥 For Garnish
- 1 cup toasted coconut flakes
- Pineapple chunks
- Maraschino cherries (optional)
- Chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
Line bottoms with parchment paper.
Set aside.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat butter until smooth.
Gradually add sugar.
Beat for 4–5 minutes until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time.
Mix well after each addition.
Add:
- Vanilla extract
- Coconut extract
Step 4: Add Pineapple and Dry Ingredients
Mix in crushed pineapple.
Alternate adding:
- Flour mixture
- Buttermilk
Begin and end with the flour mixture.
Mix until just combined.
Fold in shredded coconut.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Divide batter evenly among prepared pans.
Bake for 25–30 minutes.
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes.
Transfer to wire racks and cool completely.
Step 6: Prepare the Frosting
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
Gradually add powdered sugar.
Mix in vanilla extract.
Beat until creamy.
Step 7: Assemble the Cake
Place first cake layer on a serving plate.
Spread frosting evenly.
Repeat with remaining layers.
Frost top and sides.
Press toasted coconut onto the sides.
Decorate with pineapple chunks and cherries.
Notes
- Use crushed pineapple with juice for maximum moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter.
- Use room-temperature ingredients.
- Cool completely before frosting.
- Toast coconut carefully to avoid burning.
- Refrigerate because of the cream cheese frosting.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 690
- Sugar: 60g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 78g
- Protein: 7g