I absolutely adore the delightful combination of pineapple and coconut, and today’s Pineapple Coconut Cake is a true masterpiece. With moist pineapple cake layers, a luscious pineapple filling, and a decadent coconut cream cheese frosting, this cake is a slice of pure bliss, perfect for any spring or summer gathering.
This Pineapple Coconut Cake recipe is a Southern classic, perfected with a smooth, sweet pineapple filling that adds a burst of flavor to the moist and delicious coconut cake layers. Reminiscent of Big Mama’s famous coconut cake from Winona, Mississippi, this recipe pays homage to the tradition of adding a surprise pineapple filling between the layers, elevating the classic coconut cake to a whole new level of indulgence.
If you’re a fan of tropical flavors and rich, creamy textures, this Pineapple Coconut Cake is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this irresistible dessert that combines the best of both pineapple and coconut in every heavenly bite.
Ingredients
In this section, I will outline the essential ingredients needed to create the delightful Pineapple Coconut Cake. Let’s gather these key elements to bring this tropical-flavored dessert to life.
For the Pineapple Filling
- 1 cup Pineapple Juice
- 1 can Crushed Pineapple
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
For the Cake
- 3 cups Cake Flour
- 2 cups Sugar
- 7 Egg Whites
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 teaspoon Coconut Extract
- 1 cup Coconut Flakes
- 1 ½ cups Buttermilk
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
- 16 oz Cream Cheese, softened
- 8 cups Confectioners’ Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 teaspoon Coconut Extract
- 2 cups Sweetened Shredded Coconut
Equipment Needed
For this delicious Pineapple Coconut Cake recipe, you’ll need to gather the following equipment before starting the baking process:
- Three 12-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper to line the cake pans
- Mixer for blending the cake batter
- Large mixing bowl for combining dry ingredients
- Small mixing bowls for wet ingredients
- Wire racks for cooling the cake layers
Having these essential pieces of equipment ready will ensure a smooth and efficient baking experience as we embark on creating this tropical delight. Now that we have all our equipment set up, let’s move on to the next steps in crafting this Pineapple Coconut Cake.
Preparation Steps
Making the Pineapple Filling
To begin making the pineapple filling for the pineapple coconut cake, follow these simple steps:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, cornstarch, sugar, pineapple, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Stir constantly until the mixture thickens, approximately 10 minutes.
- Transfer the thickened mixture to a bowl and refrigerate until chilled before spreading it on the cake layers.
Preparing the Cake Batter
When preparing the cake batter for the pineapple coconut cake, follow these steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350F (177C) and line an 8-inch (20cm) cake round with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine sugar, lemon zest, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, vanilla, coconut extract, and oil, mixing until frothy.
- Alternate adding flour and water in two additions, whisking until combined.
- Fold in unsweetened coconut and let the batter sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Pour the batter into the cake pan, smooth the top, and bake for 50 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, butter, whipping cream, vanilla extract, and coconut flakes, mixing until smooth and creamy.
- Use the frosting to layer and decorate the pineapple coconut cake as desired.
Baking the Cake
Let’s dive into the important step of baking the delicious pineapple coconut cake. This is where all the flavors and textures come together to create a tropical treat that will impress your guests.
Preparing the Cake Batter
To start, preheat your oven to 325F and prepare your cake pans by greasing them with nonstick baking spray. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ingredients for the cake batter, excluding the cake mix. Sift in the cake mix and gently stir everything together until well combined.
Next, evenly divide the cake batter between your prepared cake pans. Make sure to spread the batter evenly to ensure that your cake layers bake uniformly. Place the pans in the preheated oven and let them bake for about 25-27 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooling and Freezing the Cake Layers
Once the cakes are baked through, remove them from the oven and carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s essential to let the cake layers cool down before you proceed with assembling the cake to prevent any melting of the frosting.
After the cake layers have cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them. Freezing the cake layers helps to lock in moisture and makes them easier to work with when it’s time to assemble the cake.
Making the Coconut Buttercream Frosting
In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, whip the buttercream until it becomes light and fluffy. Add in the salt, vanilla, coconut emulsion or extract, and heavy cream. Mix everything together until well combined.
Gradually add the powdered sugar to the mixture, about 1/2 cup at a time, with the mixer on low speed. If the frosting seems too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding 2-4 tablespoons of heavy cream until you reach your desired texture.
Finalizing the Cake
Once the cake layers are frozen and the coconut buttercream frosting is ready, it’s time to assemble the cake. Take the frozen cake layers out of the freezer, unwrap them, and begin layering them with the coconut buttercream frosting.
Spread a generous amount of frosting between each layer of cake, building up the cake as you go. Finally, frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting, ensuring a smooth and even finish.
Assembling the Pineapple Coconut Cake
Assembling the pineapple coconut cake is a delightful process that brings together the flavors of pineapple, coconut, and cream cheese into a harmonious dessert. Layering the cake with the pineapple filling and frosting it with coconut cream cheese frosting creates a tropical masterpiece that is perfect for any occasion.
Layering the Cake and Filling
To create the perfect layering for the pineapple coconut cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
- Spread half of the pineapple filling over it evenly.
- Top with another cake layer and press lightly to secure.
- Smooth a layer of cream cheese frosting over the cake layer.
- Repeat the process with the remaining cake layers and pineapple filling, ending with the final cake layer on top.
- Frost the sides and top of the cake with a generous layer of coconut cream cheese frosting.
- For added texture, sprinkle sweetened shredded coconut on the sides and top of the cake.
- Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 4 hours to set the frosting and enhance the flavors.
- Before serving, allow the cake to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften slightly for the best taste experience.
Optional Variations
For those looking to add a little twist to their pineapple coconut cake, here are some optional variations to consider:
Adding Spiced Rum
To elevate the tropical flavors of the cake, consider incorporating a splash of spiced rum into the cream cheese frosting. The addition of rum brings a hint of the Caribbean to the dessert, giving it a delightful pina colada cake vibe. Simply substitute the milk in the frosting recipe with spiced rum for a more indulgent and tropical twist.
Tropical Decoration Ideas
For a fun and festive touch, decorate your pineapple coconut cake with tropical-themed garnishes. Fresh or canned pineapple chunks make for a vibrant and eye-catching topping that complements the flavors of the cake. Additionally, sprinkling shredded coconut on top of the frosted cake not only adds texture but also enhances the tropical aesthetic. Get creative with your decorations to give your cake a truly island-inspired look.
Making Ahead
When preparing the Pineapple Coconut Cake, it’s convenient to plan ahead to save time on the day of serving. Freezing and refrigerating components in advance is a great way to stay organized and ensure a delicious outcome.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze both the pineapple curd and the cake layers to streamline your baking process. After preparing the pineapple curd, allow it to cool completely before tightly covering and refrigerating for up to a week. The cake layers can be baked and cooled, then covered tightly and stored at room temperature overnight. Additionally, the frosting can be made ahead, covered, and refrigerated overnight. When you’re ready to decorate the cake, allow the frosting to soften slightly at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Give it a quick mix with the mixer on medium speed for about a minute before frosting the cake. Whether you have a frosted cake or unfrosted cake layers, they can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen components overnight in the refrigerator and bring them to room temperature before decorating or serving.
Refrigeration Tips
For shorter storage times, you can refrigerate various components of the cake. The pineapple curd can be refrigerated for up to a week after it has completely cooled. Similarly, the cake layers can be stored in the fridge for several days after baking, ensuring they are tightly wrapped to maintain freshness. The frosting can also be made and refrigerated overnight before use. When utilizing refrigeration for make-ahead purposes, ensure that components are stored properly to preserve taste and texture.
Serving and Presentation
When serving this delightful Pineapple Coconut Cake, consider adding a touch of elegance with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of fresh lime zest over each slice. The cake’s vibrant flavors speak for themselves and can be enjoyed as is or enhanced with additional toppings.
- Before slicing the cake, ensure it is chilled for a clean cut. The layers hold better when chilled.
- Using a sharp knife, gently slice through the layers to reveal the beautiful pineapple and coconut filling.
- Plate each slice neatly, showcasing the layers and the inviting colors of the cake.
- For an added visual appeal, consider garnishing each slice with a slice of tropical fruit or a dollop of whipped cream.
Storage Recommendations
To maintain the freshness and quality of your delectable pineapple coconut cake, proper storage is essential. Here’s how you can store your cake components to ensure they taste just as delightful as when freshly made:
Cake Layers:
- Wrap each cake layer individually with plastic wrap to prevent drying.
- Place the wrapped cake layers in an airtight container to retain moisture.
- Store the cake layers at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Pineapple Curd:
- Transfer the pineapple curd to a sealed container with a lid.
- Ensure the curd is completely cooled before sealing the container.
- Refrigerate the pineapple curd for up to 1 week for optimal flavor retention.
- Spoon the frosting into an airtight container or cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap.
- Store the frosting in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Before using the frosting, let it come to room temperature and give it a quick whip for a smooth consistency.
By following these storage recommendations, you can enjoy your pineapple coconut cake for several days while maintaining its delicious taste and texture. Make sure to store each component properly to extend the shelf life and savor every tropical bite of this delightful dessert.
Conclusion
In crafting the perfect Pineapple Coconut Cake, I’ve shared a delightful recipe that captures the essence of a Southern classic with a tropical twist. By incorporating a surprise pineapple filling and coconut cream cheese frosting, this cake promises a flavorful experience. I’ve also provided insights into optional variations, such as infusing the frosting with spiced rum for a Caribbean flair. Additionally, I’ve highlighted the importance of proper storage techniques to preserve the cake’s freshness and taste over several days. With these tips, you can savor the delicious flavors of this island-inspired dessert for an extended period, making every bite as enjoyable as the first.
