Tropical Pineapple Coconut Cream Cake

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🍍 Tropical Pineapple Coconut Cream Cake 🍰
A Heavenly Slice of Island Bliss

🌺 Introduction

Indulge in the dreamy flavors of the tropics with this Tropical Pineapple Coconut Cream Cake — a dessert that melts in your mouth with layers of juicy pineapple, fluffy whipped cream, and creamy filling, all topped with golden toasted coconut and a swirl of whipped topping. Perfect for summer parties, family gatherings, or simply treating yourself on a warm day.

📜 History

Pineapple desserts have deep roots in tropical and Southern cuisines. The use of canned pineapple became popular in the mid-20th century, making it a pantry staple in American homes. This cake is inspired by Southern pineapple pudding cakes and Hawaiian coconut cream confections, bringing together both traditions into a cool, creamy no-fuss delight.

🥥 Benefits

  • Pineapple provides vitamin C, bromelain (a digestive enzyme), and natural sweetness.
  • Coconut is rich in healthy fats and adds fiber and texture.
  • Cream cheese & whipped cream offer a dose of calcium and smooth indulgence.
  • This dessert is no-fuss, no mixer needed, and can be made a day ahead — ideal for stress-free entertaining.

🍽️ Ingredients

For the Cake Base:

  • 1 box yellow cake mix (or pineapple cake mix)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice)
  • 1/2 cup water

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream or Cool Whip
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

  • 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
  • 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 1/2 cups cold milk

Garnish:

  • 1/2 cup toasted shredded coconut
  • Whipped topping for garnish

🍰 Instructions & Methods

🍰 Step 1: Make the Cake Base

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, oil, crushed pineapple (with juice), and water.
  3. Mix until smooth, pour into the baking dish, and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  4. Let the cake cool completely.

🍍 Step 2: Cream Cheese Filling

  1. Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
  2. Fold in whipped cream or Cool Whip and vanilla extract.
  3. Spread evenly over the cooled cake.

🌞 Step 3: Pineapple Pudding Layer

  1. In another bowl, whisk together the pudding mix, milk, and drained pineapple.
  2. Let it thicken slightly, then spread over the cream cheese layer.

🥥 Step 4: Topping

  1. Sprinkle the top generously with toasted coconut.
  2. Chill the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  3. Before serving, add a swirl of whipped topping on each slice.

⚗️ Formation

The cake forms three soft, distinct layers:

  1. A moist pineapple-infused cake base.
  2. A light and tangy cream cheese layer.
  3. A cool, fruity pineapple pudding layer. Topped with crisp toasted coconut and fluffy whipped topping — it’s visually inviting and texturally delightful.

🧠 Nutrition (per slice, approx. 1/12 of cake)

  • Calories: 340
  • Fat: 19g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Vitamin C: 12% DV
  • Calcium: 6% DV

Note: Values may vary slightly depending on brand or substitutions.

💞 Lovers of This Cake

  • Coconut Cream Fans – for the tropical aroma and toasty topping.
  • Fruit Dessert Enthusiasts – pineapple gives sweet-tart freshness.
  • Southern Dessert Lovers – creamy, comforting layers in every bite.
  • Summer Party Hosts – make-ahead, no-fail favorite.
  • Kids & Grandparents Alike – it’s soft, sweet, and sunshiney!

🎉 Conclusion

This Tropical Pineapple Coconut Cream Cake is a celebration of texture and flavor — airy, juicy, creamy, and perfectly sweet. It’s more than a dessert; it’s a vacation in a pan. Whether you’re serving it at a luau, potluck, or just because it’s Tuesday, this cake brings joy to any table.

❤️ From Cake Lovers to Cake Lovers

This cake is loved across generations — the kind that gets recipe requests and family members asking for seconds. If you love refreshing, no-fuss desserts that make people smile with every bite, this one is your golden ticket.

Would you like a printable version or a lighter alternative version of this recipe too?

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