🌴 Tropical Coconut Pineapple Cake Recipe 🌴
A dreamy island-inspired dessert bursting with tropical flavors!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This moist and fluffy coconut pineapple cake is the perfect treat for any occasion! The rich coconut cream topping, combined with the sweetness of pineapple and the crunch of toasted coconut, creates a flavor explosion that transports you to a tropical paradise. Perfect for summer parties, birthdays, or whenever you crave a taste of the islands!
⏳ Time & Yield Coconut Pineapple Cake:
Prep Time: 45Â minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Cooling & Chilling Time: 4.5 hours
Total Time: ~6 hours
Yield: 12 servings
🌟 Ingredients Coconut Pineapple Cake:
Cake Base
8 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
1 cup white granulated sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup milk
1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple (drained)
1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
Coconut Cream Topping:
3 cups unsweetened coconut flakes
2 + 1/2 cups whole milk
2 + 1/4 cups coconut milk
1 tbsp powdered unflavored gelatin
7 large egg yolks
1 cup granulated sugar
6 tbsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 + 1/2 cups heavy cream
🍰 Instructions Coconut Pineapple Cake:
Step 1: Bake the Cake
•Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
•In a large bowl, beat together the butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
•Add the milk, drained pineapple, and coconut flakes, mixing well.
•In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
•Pour the batter into the greased cake pan and bake for 1 hour, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
•Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the topping.
Step 2: Toast the Coconut Flakes
•Spread the coconut flakes on a baking sheet and toast in the 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes, stirring twice.
•Remove when golden brown and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Coconut Cream Topping
•Heat 1 + 1/4 cups of whole milk in a saucepan until nearly boiling.
•Stir in 1 + 1/2 cups toasted coconut flakes, cover, and let steep for 1 hour. Strain the mixture, discarding the coconut solids.
•Add the coconut milk to the strained liquid and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat.
•In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over the remaining 1 + 1/4 cups of cold milk and let it sit for 10 minutes.
•In another large bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and sea salt until smooth. Add the gelatin mixture and whisk well.
•While whisking, slowly pour the warm coconut milk mixture into the egg mixture in a thin stream.
•Return everything to the saucepan and cook over medium-high heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble.
•Remove from heat and strain through a fine-mesh strainer. Stir in butter and vanilla extract. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for 2.5 hours.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
•Whip the heavy cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
•Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled coconut mixture.
•Spread the coconut cream topping over the cooled cake, making decorative swirls.
•Refrigerate for at least 2 more hours to set.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Before serving, sprinkle the remaining toasted coconut flakes on top.
Slice and enjoy your Tropical Coconut Pineapple Cake!
💡 Baking Tips for Perfect Coconut Pineapple Cake
Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
Drain the pineapple thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the cake.
Toast the coconut flakes for enhanced flavor and crunch.
Chill the topping completely before spreading to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
âť“Â Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use sweetened coconut flakes instead of unsweetened?
Yes, but your cake will be sweeter. You may want to reduce the sugar in the cake batter by 2-3 tablespoons.
How long does this cake last?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors develop even more overnight!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cake and prepare the topping separately. Assemble and chill at least 2 hours before serving for the best texture.
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