Sweet Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake Recipe

Heavenly Tropical Sweet Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake Recipe

Dessert enthusiasts rave about this delectable sweet pineapple coconut dream cake that promises pure tropical bliss.

The dreamy combination of tropical flavors dances on your palate with every delightful bite.

Layers of moist, tender cake meld seamlessly with creamy coconut frosting and tangy pineapple chunks.

Inspired by classic island traditions, this cake brings sunshine to your dessert table.

Each slice tells a story of vibrant flavors and unexpected textures.

Rich, decadent, and utterly irresistible, this cake transforms an ordinary moment into a celebration.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that feels like a mini tropical vacation.

Ingredients for Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake

For Cake Base:
  • Vanilla Cake Mix: Provides the fundamental structure and sweet foundation, opt for a high-quality mix for better texture.
  • Crushed Pineapple: Adds moisture and tropical tang, choose well-drained chunks for balanced wetness.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures cake remains tender and rich, select a neutral-flavored oil for clean taste.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients and create soft crumb, use fresh room-temperature eggs for optimal mixing.
  • Water: Helps blend ingredients smoothly, use filtered water for pure flavor.
For Frosting Components:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates smooth, tangy frosting base, select full-fat variety for richest consistency.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps stabilize frosting, use unsalted for better flavor control.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall dessert flavor, choose pure extract over artificial versions.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens frosting, sift to prevent lumps.
For Tropical Garnish:
  • Shredded Coconut: Provides delightful texture and tropical accent, toast lightly for enhanced flavor.
  • Pineapple Chunks: Offers fresh burst of fruit, select ripe and firm pieces for garnish.

Tools for Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake Success

  • Mixing Bowl: Large bowl for combining cake ingredients smoothly.
  • Electric Mixer: Essential for beating cream cheese frosting to light and fluffy consistency.
  • 9×13-inch Baking Pan: Perfect size for spreading cake batter evenly.
  • Toothpick: Helps check cake doneness by inserting into center.
  • Spatula: Useful for spreading batter and frosting evenly.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for ingredients.
  • Wire Cooling Rack: Allows cake to cool completely after baking.

How to Make a Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake

  • Mix Cake Batter

Grab your mixing bowl and toss in all the cake ingredients. Whirl everything together until the mixture looks silky and smooth. Aim for a creamy texture that promises deliciousness.

  • Prepare Baking Pan

Grab your rectangular pan and give it a quick spray of cooking oil. Make sure every corner is covered to prevent any cake sticking disasters.

  • Pour and Bake

Transfer the batter into the pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Slide the pan into a preheated oven waiting at 350 degrees. Let it transform into a golden wonder for about 35 minutes.

  • Whip Up Frosting

While the cake cools, blend cream cheese and butter until they’re light as clouds. Fold in powdered sugar and vanilla, creating a dreamy white blanket for your cake.

  • Decorate and Chill

Lavish the cooled cake with creamy frosting. Sprinkle shredded coconut over the top for a tropical touch. Pop the whole creation into the refrigerator for a couple of hours to let the flavors dance and mingle.

  • Slice and Serve

Pull out your chilled masterpiece and cut into perfect squares. Serve and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure dessert joy.

Tips for a Moist Pineapple Coconut Cake

  • Tropical Twist Tips: Make This Cake Extraordinary
  • Moisture Magic: Keep cake super moist by not overmixing batter and using crushed pineapple with its natural juice to prevent dryness.
  • Make-Ahead Miracle: Prepare cake a day before serving to let flavors intensify and cream cheese frosting set perfectly.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap standard cake mix with gluten-free vanilla cake mix to accommodate wheat-sensitive guests without compromising delicious tropical taste.
  • Nutty Crunch Upgrade: Sprinkle toasted macadamia or sliced almonds over coconut topping for extra texture and rich, nutty flavor profile.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace cream cheese frosting with coconut whipped cream or dairy-free cream cheese alternative for those with lactose restrictions.

Serving Pineapple Coconut Cake with Flair

  • Tropical Brunch Delight: Pair this cake with a fresh fruit salad and mimosas for a vibrant weekend morning spread.
  • Beach Party Centerpiece: Serve slices alongside coconut sorbet or pineapple gelato for a cool, tropical-themed dessert at summer gatherings.
  • Afternoon Tea Treat: Cut into smaller squares and arrange on a pretty platter with hot tea or iced coffee for an elegant afternoon snack.
  • Picnic Perfect Dessert: Pack individual slices in portable containers for a sweet outdoor meal companion that captures sunny, relaxed vibes.

Storage Guide for Pineapple Coconut Cake

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining its moisture and preventing flavor loss.
  • Slice-and-Freeze Method: Cut individual cake portions, wrap them separately in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw slices in the refrigerator for a convenient grab-and-go dessert.
  • Room Temperature Timing: Keep the cake at room temperature for no more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth and maintain food safety standards.
  • Moisture Preservation Trick: Place a piece of bread next to the cake in the storage container to absorb excess moisture and keep the cake's texture soft and delectable.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 12

Print
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Sweet Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake Recipe

Sweet Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Sweet pineapple coconut dream cake combines tropical flavors in a moist, delightful dessert. Hawaiian-inspired layers blend creamy coconut frosting with tangy pineapple for a refreshing treat you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240 ml) coconut milk
  • 1 cup (240 ml) crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ tsps baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tsps vanilla extract
  • 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 12 tbsps coconut milk (for consistency)
  • ½ cup toasted coconut flakes
  • ½ cup pineapple chunks

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C), positioning the rack in the center for uniform heat distribution. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
  2. Batter Creation: In a large mixing bowl, combine vanilla cake mix, crushed pineapple with juice, shredded coconut, vegetable oil, eggs, and water. Blend thoroughly using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes smooth and homogeneous.
  3. Baking Process: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, ensuring an even surface. Bake for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean when the cake is fully cooked.
  4. Cooling Stage: Remove cake from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature, creating the ideal foundation for frosting.
  5. Frosting Development: Cream together softened cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Gradually incorporate vanilla extract and powdered sugar, mixing until a silky, spreadable frosting forms.
  6. Decoration and Finishing: Once cake has reached ambient temperature, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly across the surface. Sprinkle additional shredded coconut for texture and visual appeal. Optionally, garnish with fresh pineapple chunks to enhance the tropical essence.
  7. Serving Preparation: Refrigerate the cake for at least two hours to allow flavors to meld and set. Cut into precise squares and serve chilled, presenting a luscious tropical-inspired dessert.

Notes

  • Prevent Cake Sticking: Generously grease and flour the baking pan, using parchment paper for easier removal and guaranteed non-stick surface.
  • Pineapple Moisture Control: Drain crushed pineapple slightly to prevent excess liquid from making the cake too dense or soggy during baking.
  • Mixing Technique Matters: Blend ingredients thoroughly but avoid overmixing, which can develop tough gluten and create a dense cake texture.
  • Coconut Enhancement: Toast shredded coconut before adding to the recipe for deeper, nuttier flavor and increased aromatic complexity.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Global

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 35 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

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