Island Paradise: The Quick Hawaiian Coconut Pineapple Cake Recipe

Tropical breezes and sweet memories dance through this Hawaiian paradise coconut pineapple cake that brings sunshine right to your plate.

Layers of moist, tender cake burst with the vibrant flavors of the islands.

Succulent pineapple and rich, creamy coconut combine in a dessert that transports you to a beachside paradise.

Each slice tells a story of warm ocean winds and lush landscapes.

The delicate balance of tangy fruit and smooth, velvety texture makes this cake a true celebration of Hawaiian culinary magic.

Dive into this delectable treat and let your taste buds embark on a delightful tropical escape.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 460 kcal

Servings: 13

What You’ll Need for Hawaiian Paradise Coconut Pineapple Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the sturdy structure and delicate crumb for a light Hawaiian-style cake.
• Baking Powder: Ensures the cake rises beautifully and creates a soft, airy texture.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the sweetness of the cake, bringing out deeper flavors.

• Butter: Creates rich, velvety texture and adds luxurious depth to the cake's taste.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a golden, tender cake crumb.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cake's rich, smooth consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic undertones that complement tropical ingredients.
• Coconut Milk: Introduces luscious tropical moisture and authentic Hawaiian essence.
• Crushed Pineapple: Infuses natural sweetness and provides delightful fruity moisture.
• Shredded Coconut: Brings tropical texture and authentic island-inspired flavor profile.

• Cream Cheese: Delivers tangy, smooth base for a luxurious frosting experience.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates silky, spreadable frosting with perfect sweetness.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create stable, creamy frosting texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances frosting's overall flavor complexity.

Tools That Help Build Tropical Cake Layers

• Mixing Bowls: 3 different sizes for dry ingredients, wet ingredients, and final batter mixing.
• Electric Mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar, beating eggs, and preparing frosting.
• Whisk: Perfect for combining dry ingredients without lumps.
• 9-inch Round Cake Pans (3): Needed for baking cake layers evenly.
• Parchment Paper: Crucial for preventing cake from sticking to pan bottoms.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements guarantee delicious results.
• Toothpicks: For checking cake doneness by inserting into cake center.
• Spatula: Helps fold ingredients and scrape batter smoothly.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Allows cakes to cool evenly without getting soggy.

Bake a Pineapple Coconut Cake with Ease

• Oven Warmup

Get your kitchen ready by heating the oven to a cozy 350°F. Grab three cake pans and give them a quick spray with cooking oil, then dust with flour to help the cake slide out perfectly.

• Dry Mixture Magic

In a mixing bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt until they’re best friends and completely blended.

• Butter Bliss

Grab your mixer and whip butter and sugar into a cloud-like, fluffy dream. This is where cake magic starts happening!

• Egg Symphony

Add eggs one by one, letting each settle into the butter mixture. Splash in some vanilla for an extra flavor boost.

• Batter Transformation

Gently fold dry ingredients and coconut milk into your mixture. Don’t overmix – treat the batter like a delicate dance partner.

• Tropical Treasures

Sprinkle in crushed pineapple and coconut, giving the batter a quick, gentle swirl to distribute those island flavors.

• Baking Adventure

Pour batter into prepared pans and slide into the oven. Bake for about 30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

• Creamy Crowning

Whip up cream cheese frosting by blending cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until silky smooth.

• Cake Celebration

Let cakes cool completely, then layer with frosting. Decorate with fresh pineapple chunks and toasted coconut for a tropical finale.

Extra Tips for a Paradise-Level Flavor

• Tropical Texture Tricks: Add extra moisture by folding in small chunks of fresh pineapple directly into the cake batter for surprising bursts of fruity flavor.
• Coconut Crunch Boost: Toast shredded coconut in a dry skillet before adding to the batter or sprinkling on top for a deeper, nuttier taste and delightful crunch.
• Flavor Fusion Swaps: Replace coconut milk with pineapple juice for an intense tropical profile, or experiment with adding rum extract for an adult-friendly tropical twist.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cake layers in advance and freeze wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to one month, which helps lock in moisture and makes party prep easier.
• Frosting Flexibility: Transform the cream cheese frosting by mixing in crushed pineapple or adding a splash of coconut extract to intensify the tropical essence of this delectable dessert.

Presenting This Cake with Island Vibes

• Tropical Luau Dessert Night: Transform your cake into a festive Hawaiian-themed party centerpiece with colorful tropical decorations, bright tiki torches, and island-inspired music playing softly in the background.
• Island Brunch Companion: Serve slices alongside fresh Hawaiian coffee or a refreshing mimosa with pineapple juice for a delightful weekend morning treat that transports guests to a relaxed beach setting.
• Picnic Perfect Pick: Pack individual slices in cute containers for outdoor gatherings, beach days, or summer potlucks where this sweet tropical dessert will be the star of the spread and impress friends with its vibrant flavors.
• Romantic Sunset Dessert: Create an intimate dining experience by plating the cake with a drizzle of caramel sauce, a scoop of coconut sorbet, and fresh mint leaves, perfect for a romantic evening at home with stunning sunset views.

Smart Ways to Keep It Moist and Lovely

• Cake Cooling Strategy: Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature before covering or storing to prevent condensation and maintain its delicate texture.
• Refrigeration Wisdom: Wrap individual cake slices in plastic wrap or store in a sealed container to keep moisture locked in and prevent the cake from drying out during refrigeration.
• Freezing Technique: Cut the cake into portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring maximum flavor retention when thawed at room temperature for 1-2 hours.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cake layers in advance and store them separately from frosting. Wrap each layer in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2-3 days, assembling just before serving to keep the cake fresh and perfectly textured.

Tropical Paradise Coconut Pineapple Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hawaiian paradise coconut pineapple cake combines tropical flavors in a moist, delightful dessert. Bakers can expect a luscious treat celebrating island-inspired ingredients with creamy coconut and sweet pineapple notes.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 5 large eggs
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 2 ½ tsps baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsps vanilla extract
• 1 cup (8 oz / 226 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup pineapple chunks (for garnish)
• ½ cup toasted coconut flakes (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare three round cake pans by greasing, flouring, and lining with parchment paper to ensure easy cake removal.
2. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together in a mixing bowl until completely combined and lump-free.
3. Butter and Sugar Transformation: Cream butter and sugar using an electric mixer for 3-5 minutes until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and dramatically increased in volume.
4. Wet Ingredient Integration: Blend eggs into the butter mixture one at a time, fully incorporating after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract to enhance flavor profile.
5. Batter Construction: Alternately fold dry ingredients and coconut milk into the base, mixing gently to preserve the batter’s delicate texture, concluding with dry ingredients.
6. Tropical Ingredient Distribution: Gently fold crushed pineapple and shredded coconut throughout the batter, ensuring even flavor dispersion.
7. Baking Process: Divide batter equally among prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness with a clean skewer.
8. Frosting Creation: Whip cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until achieving a smooth, luxurious cream cheese frosting.
9. Cake Assembly: Once completely cooled, level layers if necessary, then construct the cake by layering with frosting and decorating with fresh pineapple chunks and toasted coconut flakes.
10. Storage and Preservation: Refrigerate in a sealed container for optimal freshness, maintaining delectable quality for up to five days.

Notes

• Precise Ingredient Temperature: Ensure all ingredients, especially butter, eggs, and cream cheese, are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
• Careful Mixing Technique: Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a tough, dense cake; mix just until ingredients are combined for a light, tender crumb.
• Accurate Baking Monitoring: Use the toothpick test to check cake doneness, inserting it into the center and ensuring it comes out clean with minimal crumbs.
• Frosting Consistency Control: Adjust powdered sugar gradually when making cream cheese frosting to achieve the perfect spreadable texture without becoming too runny or stiff.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 44 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg