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Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake

Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake
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The Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake is a moist, tropical-inspired dessert featuring juicy pineapple and creamy coconut flavors. This easy-to-make cake combines fluffy layers with a rich coconut cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion from birthdays to brunch. Its versatile nature allows customization for vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free diets while delivering a refreshing mini-vacation in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup well-drained crushed pineapple
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 3–4 tablespoons coconut milk or cream (to desired consistency)

Optional Garnishes

  • Toasted coconut flakes
  • Pineapple chunks

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder into a large mixing bowl. Stir in the shredded coconut and granulated sugar until evenly combined.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and well-drained crushed pineapple. Ensure the pineapple is not dripping wet to keep the batter balanced.
  3. Combine and Fold: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, gently folding until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense cake; stop when the batter is uniform with no visible flour streaks.
  4. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into greased round cake pans. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting.
  5. Prepare the Frosting: Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add coconut milk or cream to achieve a spreadable consistency while enhancing the coconut flavor.
  6. Assemble and Frost: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting. Top with the second layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Decorate using toasted coconut flakes or pineapple chunks for extra texture and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Drain pineapple well to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and even baking.
  • Lightly toast shredded coconut beforehand to enhance nutty flavors in frosting or as topping.
  • Fold batter gently to keep cake soft and tender rather than chewy.
  • Chill cakes completely before frosting to prevent melting or sliding.
  • Fresh pineapple can be used in place of canned for brighter flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: pineapple coconut cake, tropical cake, coconut cream cheese frosting, moist cake, dairy-free cake option, gluten-free cake option, vegan cake option, tropical dessert

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/pineapple-coconut-dream-cake/