Introduction
Hawaiian Pineapple Cake is a tropical-inspired dessert that brings the sweet, juicy flavors of pineapple together with a soft, fluffy cake base. With a touch of coconut and a hint of vanilla, this cake captures the essence of the tropics in every bite. Topped with a creamy frosting and garnished with more pineapple, it’s the perfect treat for summer gatherings, family celebrations, or just when you want to indulge in a slice of paradise. This cake is as vibrant as it is delicious, offering a refreshing contrast to heavier desserts.
I remember the first time I made this for a family get-together. The combination of the tropical pineapple and coconut flavors filled the room with a warm, summery aroma, and everyone loved the light, airy texture of the cake. What’s great about Hawaiian Pineapple Cake is how versatile it is—you can add extra coconut on top for added flavor or even sprinkle a bit of toasted coconut for a bit of crunch. The frosting, which is smooth and creamy, perfectly complements the tropical flavors, making each bite a delightful experience.
This cake is surprisingly easy to make, too. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a fluffy cake and top it with the most decadent frosting. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, Hawaiian Pineapple Cake is sure to transport you to a tropical paradise!
Perfect for:
- Tropical-themed parties
- Summer picnics
- Birthdays and celebrations
- Pineapple lovers
- Casual gatherings
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why Hawaiian Pineapple Cake will become a go-to dessert:
- Tropical Flavors: Pineapple and coconut come together to create a cake that feels like a tropical vacation.
- Moist and Fluffy: The cake base is incredibly moist and tender thanks to the pineapple juice and coconut.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, this cake is straightforward to prepare.
- Versatile Frosting Options: Top with cream cheese frosting for a tangy contrast or opt for whipped cream for a lighter touch.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether for a large party or small family gathering, this cake always gets rave reviews.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 30-35 minutes
- Cooling Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 12 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 20g
Ingredients
For Hawaiian Pineapple Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, drained (reserve juice)
- ½ cup shredded coconut
- ½ cup pineapple juice (from the drained pineapple)
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons pineapple juice (from the reserved juice)
- Optional: Toasted coconut for garnish
Ingredient Highlights
- Crushed Pineapple: The key to keeping the cake moist and providing that sweet, tangy flavor.
- Shredded Coconut: Adds texture and a deeper tropical taste.
- Butter and Eggs: Help create a rich, soft cake base.
- Cream Cheese: Gives the frosting a creamy, slightly tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cake.
- Pineapple Juice: Infuses the cake with an extra layer of pineapple flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make Hawaiian Pineapple Cake:
Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the pineapple juice. Mix until just combined.
- Add the Pineapple and Coconut: Gently fold in the crushed pineapple (drained) and shredded coconut.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting:
- Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until smooth.
- Add Vanilla and Pineapple Juice: Add the vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of pineapple juice, beating until well combined. If the frosting is too thick, add another tablespoon of pineapple juice to reach your desired consistency.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
Serve and Garnish:
- Garnish (Optional): For a tropical touch, sprinkle toasted coconut on top of the frosting. Slice into squares and serve!
How to Serve
- Tropical Theme Parties: Serve with pineapple slices, fresh coconut, or tropical fruit salad for a complete Hawaiian experience.
- With Ice Cream: Pair with vanilla ice cream or coconut sorbet for an extra indulgent treat.
- For Afternoon Tea: Perfect for tea time with a cup of iced tea or lemonade.
- As a Birthday Cake: Ideal for celebrating birthdays or summer parties with a tropical vibe.
Additional Tips
- Be sure to drain the pineapple well to prevent the cake from becoming too soggy.
- Toast the coconut before using it for garnish for added flavor and texture.
- If you prefer a lighter frosting, whipped cream can be used instead of cream cheese frosting.
- Use fresh pineapple if you prefer it over canned for a more natural flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Cupcakes
- Pineapple Mango Cake
- Vegan Hawaiian Pineapple Cake
- Gluten-Free Hawaiian Pineapple Cake
- Pineapple Lime Cake
- Chocolate Pineapple Cake
- Pineapple Upside-Down Cake with Coconut
- Carrot Pineapple Coconut Cake
- Pineapple and Banana Cake
- Tropical Pineapple Coconut Pound Cake
Freezing and Storage
- Freezing: Wrap the cake tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.
- Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Special Equipment
- Electric mixer
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Wire rack for cooling
FAQ Section
- Can I use fresh pineapple? Yes, just be sure to chop and drain it well.
- Can I use a different frosting? Yes, whipped cream or buttercream works well too.
- How can I make the cake more tropical? Add chopped mango, papaya, or other tropical fruits into the batter.
- Can I make this cake in advance? Yes, it holds up well for 1-2 days, especially when refrigerated.
- Can I make this gluten-free? Yes, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend.
Conclusion
This Hawaiian Pineapple Cake is a slice of paradise on a plate, offering the perfect blend of tropical flavors, sweetness, and a moist, fluffy texture. With its juicy pineapple and light cake layers, this dessert is a refreshing treat that captures the essence of a tropical getaway.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, this cake will transport you to a warm, sunny beach with every bite. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Each piece is a taste of summer that’s sure to brighten your day.
I’d love to see how your Hawaiian Pineapple Cake turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Enjoy every tropical bite!