Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake

The Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake is a tropical dessert that brings together the delightful flavors of pineapple and coconut in a moist, fluffy cake. With a rich and creamy frosting that’s both light and indulgent, this cake is perfect for special occasions or a refreshing treat on a warm day. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, holiday, or just looking for a delicious dessert, this cake will be a showstopper.

Total Time: 2 hours (including cooling and frosting time)
Serving Size: 12-14 servings
Difficulty Level: Medium

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Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix (or use homemade cake recipe)
• 1 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained (reserve 1/4 cup of juice)
• 1/4 cup coconut milk (or regular milk)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup coconut milk (or regular milk)
• 3-4 cups powdered sugar (depending on desired consistency)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut (for topping)
• 1/4 cup crushed pineapple (for topping, optional)

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Equipment Needed:

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Cooling rack
• Small saucepan (optional, for toasted coconut)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

1.1 Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

1.2 Mix the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, shredded coconut, crushed pineapple (drained), coconut milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to blend all the ingredients together until smooth and well combined. The batter will be slightly thick, but that’s normal.

1.3 Bake the Cake

Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, bake for an additional 5 minutes and check again.

1.4 Cool the Cake

Once the cake is fully baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15-20 minutes. After it has cooled slightly, transfer it to the wire rack to cool completely. Cooling the cake completely will prevent the frosting from melting.

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Step 2: Make the Frosting

2.1 Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter

While the cake is cooling, make the frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and unsalted butter together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. This may take about 2-3 minutes.

2.2 Add the Coconut Milk and Vanilla

Add the coconut milk and vanilla extract to the mixture and continue to beat until combined.

2.3 Add the Powdered Sugar

Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Continue adding sugar until the frosting reaches a thick yet spreadable consistency. You may need 3 to 4 cups of powdered sugar, depending on how thick or thin you want the frosting.

2.4 Taste and Adjust

Taste the frosting and adjust for sweetness or coconut flavor. If you prefer a stronger coconut taste, you can add a little more coconut milk or a pinch of coconut extract (optional).

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Step 3: Frost the Cake

3.1 Frost the Cake

Once the cake has completely cooled, spread a generous layer of frosting evenly over the top using a spatula. Make sure to cover the entire surface.

3.2 Add the Toppings

After frosting the cake, sprinkle the top with shredded coconut. For added flavor and texture, you can lightly toast the shredded coconut in a small saucepan over low heat for 3-4 minutes until golden and fragrant, then sprinkle it on top. Additionally, you can scatter crushed pineapple on top for an extra burst of tropical flavor.

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Step 4: Serve

Once the cake is frosted and topped, cut it into squares or slices and serve. This cake is perfect for a summer party, holiday gathering, or just as a sweet treat to brighten up your day. The combination of soft, moist cake and creamy, tangy frosting is irresistible!

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Tips and Notes

1. Make Your Own Cake Mix: If you prefer to make your own cake from scratch, you can replace the boxed cake mix with a homemade yellow cake recipe. Make sure to adjust the ingredients to accommodate the pineapple and coconut for added flavor and texture.
2. Pineapple Variations: If you like a stronger pineapple flavor, feel free to add a little more crushed pineapple in the cake batter or the frosting. Just be sure to drain it well to prevent excess moisture in the cake.
3. Toasted Coconut: Toasting the coconut adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the cake, but it’s optional. For a simpler version, you can use shredded coconut straight from the package.
4. Storing the Cake: This cake stays moist for days. To store it, cover the cake with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. If you prefer the cake at room temperature, let it sit out for about 20 minutes before serving.
5. Freezing the Cake: You can freeze the cake if you have leftovers or if you want to make it ahead of time. Wrap the cake in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. To defrost, let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours, then frost and serve.

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Conclusion

The Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake is a tropical-inspired dessert that will leave everyone craving more. With its moist, flavorful cake and creamy, coconut-infused frosting, it’s the perfect treat for those who love the bright, sweet flavors of pineapple and coconut. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in something sweet, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!