Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake
The Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake is a tropical-inspired dessert that artfully combines the juicy sweetness of fresh pineapple with the rich, nutty flavor of coconut. This moist, creamy cake features tender layers enriched with coconut milk and topped with luscious whipped cream or frosting, perfect for any celebration or casual gathering. Bright, refreshing, and easy to customize, it’s a delightful way to bring a taste of paradise to your table.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tropical
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour)
Fresh Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups fresh pineapple, chopped
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free baking blend for GF option)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded coconut (plus extra for topping)
- 1 ½ cups sugar
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs (or 3 flax eggs for vegan version)
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting
- Whipped cream or coconut cream frosting
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your cake pans. Chop the fresh pineapple into small pieces. Measure out shredded coconut and all other ingredients to have them ready.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even rising and prevent clumps.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy to incorporate air for a tender cake texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract, stirring to create a smooth and well-incorporated batter base.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and coconut milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined without overmixing.
- Fold in Pineapple and Coconut: Gently fold the chopped pineapple and shredded coconut into the batter, distributing evenly without overmixing.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into prepared pans and bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Frost: Allow the cake layers to cool completely before layering with whipped cream or your chosen frosting. Top with extra pineapple chunks and toasted coconut for garnish.
Notes
- Use fresh pineapple for the best flavor; canned pineapple is less vibrant.
- Do not overmix batter after adding dry ingredients to avoid a dense texture.
- Chill the frosting before spreading for a cleaner finish.
- Lightly toast shredded coconut to enhance flavor and add texture.
- Ensure cakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: pineapple cake, coconut cake, tropical dessert, gluten-free cake, vegan cake option, holiday cake, summer dessert