Meet your new favorite dessert: the Coconut Pineapple Delight Cake. This tropical treat is perfect for brightening up any occasion with its luscious mix of coconut and pineapple flavors. It's a breeze to make and a joy to eat!
Butter gives the cake a rich, tender crumb. Make sure it's softened for easy mixing. Sugar sweetens the cake, but also helps with its texture and color. Fresh eggs add structure and moisture, while vanilla extract lends a lovely aroma. All-purpose flour forms the base, with baking powder and baking soda helping it rise. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors. The star, crushed pineapple, adds moisture and a burst of tropical sweetness, while coconut milk enriches the cake with a creamy texture. Sweetened shredded coconut brings a chewy texture and boosts the coconut flavor, and chopped pecans add a crunchy finish.
This cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a more tropical experience, serve with fresh pineapple slices or a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it's hot and ready when your batter is. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan—this helps the cake release easily once baked. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take a few minutes and is key for a tender cake.
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time. This helps them incorporate smoothly into the mixture. Stir in the vanilla extract for that aromatic touch. In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps to aerate the flour and remove any lumps.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the coconut milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until blended to avoid overmixing. Stir in the crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. These should be evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. You'll know it's done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into it. This helps the cake set and makes it easier to slice.