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Tropical Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake Recipe

Tropical Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake Recipe


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4.9 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Creamy Hawaiian pineapple coconut dream cake blends tropical paradise flavors with luxurious texture. Sweet island ingredients create a delightful dessert that transports senses to warm, sunny beaches.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (20 oz / 567 g) crushed pineapple, undrained
  • 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) coconut milk (or heavy cream)
  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • Eggs
  • Vegetable oil
  • Water
  • 1 cup (100 g / 3.5 oz) shredded sweetened coconut
  • 2 cups (480 ml / 16 fl oz) heavy whipping cream
  • ¼ cup (30 g / 1 oz) powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (50 g / 1.8 oz) toasted coconut flakes
  • Pineapple slices or chunks (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with grease and flour.
  2. Batter Creation: Mix yellow cake mix with crushed pineapple, blending until smooth and homogeneous, then pour into prepared pan.
  3. Baking Process: Bake for 25-30 minutes, verifying doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center, which should emerge clean.
  4. Moisture Infusion: Immediately after removing from oven, perforate cake surface with fork, creating channels for liquid absorption.
  5. Milk Soak: Whisk sweetened condensed milk and coconut milk, then evenly drench the warm cake, allowing complete liquid penetration.
  6. Coconut Layer: Sprinkle shredded coconut generously across the saturated cake surface.
  7. Cooling Stage: Let cake reach room temperature, allowing flavors to meld and settle.
  8. Cream Topping: Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, then delicately spread over cooled cake.
  9. Finishing Touches: Garnish with toasted coconut flakes and optional fresh pineapple pieces.
  10. Chilling: Refrigerate for at least one hour to enhance flavor integration and achieve ideal serving consistency.

Notes

  • Enhance Pineapple Moisture: Use room temperature crushed pineapple to ensure better cake batter integration and prevent dense texture.
  • Prevent Soggy Bottom: Pierce cake thoroughly and evenly with fork to create consistent channels for milk mixture absorption, avoiding uneven moisture distribution.
  • Coconut Toasting Technique: Lightly toast coconut flakes in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly to achieve golden color and enhance nutty flavor without burning.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cake one day in advance to allow flavors to develop fully, storing covered in refrigerator for maximum taste depth and smoother whipped cream consistency.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 365
  • Sugar: 36 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg