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Pineapple Coconut Cake: The Ultimate Tropical Dessert Recipe


  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 12-16 servings 1x

Description

Moist and flavorful Pineapple Coconut Cake topped with a luscious coconut cream cheese frosting. Packed with tropical flavors, perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained
  • 1 cup shredded coconut, sweetened or unsweetened
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup shredded coconut, sweetened or unsweetened, plus more for garnish
  • 24 tablespoons milk or cream, to adjust consistency
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice (from the crushed pineapple can)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes).
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  6. Gently fold in crushed pineapple (undrained) and shredded coconut.
  7. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
  8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. In a large bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
  11. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
  12. Add milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
  13. Gently fold in the shredded coconut.
  14. Once the cake is completely cool, spread the coconut cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
  15. Sprinkle additional shredded coconut over the frosting for garnish.
  16. If you’re making the pineapple glaze, whisk together the pineapple juice and powdered sugar in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the frosted cake.
  17. For best results, chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  18. Slice and serve!

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for best results.
  • Don’t overmix the cake batter.
  • Cool the cake completely before frosting.
  • Adjust sweetness to your preference.
  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Variations: Add nuts, use different extracts, make cupcakes, or create a layer cake.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes