Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake 🍍🥥🌴
A tropical escape in every bite! This ultra-moist pineapple cake is layered with creamy coconut frosting and toasted coconut—light, fluffy, and bursting with sunshine flavors.
Ingredients
(9×13” cake or 2-layer 8” cake)
Cake:
- 2½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs, room temp
- 1 cup (240ml) crushed pineapple (with juice, not drained)
- ½ cup (120ml) coconut milk (or sub buttermilk)
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp coconut extract (optional, but amazing)
Frosting:
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
- ¼ cup (60ml) coconut milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (80g) sweetened shredded coconut, toasted (for topping)
Optional Glaze:
- ½ cup (120ml) pineapple juice
- 2 tbsp (25g) sugar (simmer together 5 mins, brush on warm cake)
Instructions
1. Make the Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13” pan or two 8” round pans.
- Whisk flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- In another bowl, mix eggs, pineapple (with juice), coconut milk, oil, and extracts.
- Combine wet + dry ingredients until just mixed (don’t overbeat).
- Bake 30-35 mins (9×13”) or 25-28 mins (layers) until a toothpick comes out clean.
2. Toast the Coconut
- Spread shredded coconut on a tray. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 mins, stirring often, until golden.
3. Whip the Frosting
- Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, coconut milk, and vanilla. Whip 3 mins until fluffy.
4. Assemble
- For 9×13”: Frost cooled cake, then top with toasted coconut.
- For layers: Frost between layers + outside, then press toasted coconut onto sides.
5. Optional Glaze
- Brush warm cake with pineapple glaze before frosting for extra moisture.
💡 Pro Tips:
- Extra fluffy? Fold in 1 cup whipped cream to the frosting.
- No coconut milk? Use regular milk + 1 tsp coconut extract.
- Make ahead: Cake stays moist for 3 days covered at room temp.
This cake tastes like a beach vacation—perfect for summer parties or when you need a taste of sunshine! ☀️
Love citrus? Add 1 tbsp lime zest to the batter for a piña colada vibe! 🍹