Tropical Pineapple Coconut Cake

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 32 min
🍽 Serves: 12
★★★★★
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This Tropical Pineapple Coconut Cake is a sunny slice of paradise that’s perfect for any occasion. With its bright pineapple flavor and a hint of coconut, it’s like a mini-vacation in dessert form. Plus, it's super easy to whip up using a boxed cake mix as the base!

Ingredients for Tropical Pineapple Coconut Cake

Cake Mix: The yellow cake mix serves as a reliable and convenient base, saving you time while ensuring a consistent, delicious result.

Crushed Pineapple with Juice: Adds natural sweetness and moisture, infusing the cake with a fresh, fruity flavor.

Sweetened Shredded Coconut: Incorporates texture and a subtle coconut essence, enhancing the tropical vibe.

Eggs: Provide structure and richness, helping the cake rise and hold together.

Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender without overpowering other flavors.

Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake.

Butter: The base of the frosting, bringing creaminess and richness.

Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and creates a smooth, spreadable texture.

Pineapple Juice: Intensifies the tropical essence in the frosting.

Toasted Coconut: A crunchy, flavorful garnish that completes the cake's tropical theme.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your frosting is too thick, add a bit more pineapple juice to reach the desired consistency.
  • For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of salt to the frosting to balance the sweetness.
  • Make sure the cake is fully cooled before frosting to prevent the butter from melting.

Serving Suggestions

This cake shines brightest on a sunny afternoon, perhaps accompanied by a chilled glass of iced tea or lemonade. For a more indulgent treat, pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the tropical flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, but be sure to crush it finely and include the juice to maintain the cake's moisture.
How do I toast the coconut?
Spread it evenly on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.

Tropical Pineapple Coconut Cake Recipe Walkthrough

First, set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C). While it's warming up, take a 9x13-inch baking dish and grease it lightly — you don’t want your cake sticking to the sides!

In a large mixing bowl, combine your yellow cake mix, crushed pineapple (with the juice), shredded coconut, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well-mixed and the batter looks smooth.

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, making sure to spread it out evenly so it bakes uniformly. Pop it into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 28-32 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

While the cake is baking, you can get started on the frosting. Beat the butter until it’s nice and fluffy. Gradually add in powdered sugar and pineapple juice, mixing until the frosting is smooth and creamy.

Once your cake has cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Finish it off by sprinkling the toasted coconut on top — it adds a lovely crunch and a bit of flair.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy — minimal prep makes it a go-to for busy days.
  • Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
  • Delivers a delightful tropical flavor that feels like a treat.
  • Perfectly moist cake with a luscious pineapple frosting.

Ingredients

1 box of yellow cake mix
1 cup of crushed pineapple with juice
1/2 cup of sweetened shredded coconut
3 large eggs
1/3 cup of vegetable oil
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1/2 cup of butter
2 cups of powdered sugar
2 tablespoons of pineapple juice
1/4 cup of toasted coconut for topping

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, crushed pineapple with juice, shredded coconut, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well until smooth.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting by beating the butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and pineapple juice, beating until smooth.
6. Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the frosting over the top.
7. Sprinkle toasted coconut over the frosting for garnish.
8. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

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