Description
Indulgent Hawaiian Pineapple Cake brings tropical paradise straight to your dessert plate, blending sweet island flavors with rich, moist texture. Creamy frosting and caramelized pineapple layers promise a delightful escape that will transport you to sunny Hawaiian shores with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 can (20 ounces / 567 grams) crushed pineapple, drained
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
Optional Garnishes:
- Shredded coconut (toasted)
- Maraschino cherries
- Pineapple chunks
Instructions
- Craft the foundation of this tropical delight by heating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light grease and flour coating.
- In a spacious mixing vessel, unite the cake mix, shredded coconut, and drained crushed pineapple, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
- Introduce vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mixture, whisking until the batter transforms into a silky, uniform consistency.
- Gently transfer the batter into the prepared pan, ensuring an even distribution that promises uniform baking.
- Slide the pan into the preheated oven and allow the cake to bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for the telltale sign of doneness when a toothpick emerges clean from the center.
- Carefully extract the cake from the oven and let it rest and cool completely within its baking pan, allowing the flavors to settle and intensify.
- While the cake cools, whip the cream cheese and butter in a separate bowl until they merge into a smooth, luxurious texture.
- Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to blend until the frosting achieves a perfect, velvety consistency.
- Should the frosting appear too dense, delicately introduce small amounts of heavy cream or milk until it reaches an ideal spreadable state.
- Once the cake has thoroughly cooled, generously cloak the surface with the prepared frosting, creating an even, inviting layer.
- Elevate the presentation by scattering toasted shredded coconut, vibrant maraschino cherries, and succulent pineapple chunks across the frosted landscape.
- Slice into elegant squares and serve, inviting your guests to savor this tropical-inspired confection that promises a delightful culinary journey.
Notes
- Drain pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the cake soggy, using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth for best results.
- Substitute gluten-free cake mix for a celiac-friendly version, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Toast coconut beforehand in a dry skillet for enhanced nutty flavor and added crunch, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Reduce sugar in frosting by using low-fat cream cheese and cutting powdered sugar quantity for a lighter, less sweet topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg