Pineapple Coconut Cake is a delicious tropical flavored sheet cake that is easy to make with just a few ingredients. This coconut pineapple cake recipe is made with a boxed cake mix, instant pudding mix, and is topped with a delicious whipped cream frosting and shredded coconut!
The combination of pineapple and coconut in this tropical cake creates a perfect blend of flavors that will transport you to a sunny beach in the Caribbean. The cake is moist and fluffy, and the whipped cream frosting is light and airy, making it the perfect topping for this delicious cake. This coconut pineapple cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party, a family gathering, or just a casual get-together with friends.
Tropical Pineapple Cake- Taste & Texture
This Pineapple Coconut Cake is a perfect combination of sweet and tangy flavors, making it a tropical delight. Using boxed cake mix and instant pudding mix in this recipe gives the cake a consistent texture and flavor, making it easy to prepare. The pineapple chunks in the cake add a juicy burst of flavor with every bite, making it a perfect dessert for hot summer days. A whipped cream frosting adds a creamy and smooth texture to the cake, making it even more irresistible. The shredded coconut on top of the frosting adds a crunchy texture to the cake, making it a perfect balance of textures.
With its easy preparation and tropical flavors, this cake is a perfect dessert for any occasion. So why not give this recipe a try and see for yourself how delicious it can be?
Why you’ll enjoy this amazing cake recipe
- Super simple recipe! One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make. You don’t need any special skills or equipment to create a delicious and beautiful cake that will impress your guests. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic baking tools, you can have a delicious Pineapple Coconut Cake ready to serve in no time.
- Tastes incredible. Another reason why you will love this recipe is the amazing combination of flavors. The sweet and tangy pineapple pairs perfectly with the creamy whipped cream frosting. The shredded coconut adds a crunchy texture and an extra layer of coconut flavor that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
- Easy to serve. This pineapple cake is rectangle shaped thanks to the baking dish, which makes it easy to cut into squares and serving, or covering and storing the leftovers for later. If there are any!
Coconut Pineapple Cake Ingredients
Boxed cake mix: You will need one 15.25-ounce sized box of yellow cake mix or French vanilla flavored cake mix (just the dry mix).
Canned pineapple: Use two 8-ounce sized cans of crushed pineapple that have been drained, with the juice reserved.
Pudding mix: Adding one 3.4-ounce sized box of vanilla flavored instant pudding will give the cake an incredible soft texture. You will only be using the dry mix, do not make the pudding according to the package.
Pineapple juice: Use ½ cup of the reserved pineapple juice from the canned pineapple to create a strong tropical flavor.
Eggs: 4 eggs are needed to bind the cake together and give it the proper texture.
Oil: Using ⅓ cup of vegetable oil gives the cake much-needed fats to stay moist for days.
Frosting
Whipping cream: For a light and fluffy frosting you will need 1 cup of cold heavy whipping cream.
Powdered sugar: Use ¼ cup of powdered sugar to make the frosting smooth and sweet.
Flavorings: For added flavor, add ½ teaspoon each of vanilla extract and coconut extract. If you do not have coconut extract, you can leave it out and/or have double the vanilla flavor if you’d like.
Coconut: Add in ½ cup of sweetened shredded coconut for more amazing flavor and texture. You can even toast the coconut if desired.
How to Make Pineapple Coconut Cake
Prep
Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F. Then grease the inside of a 9×13 baking dish and set it aside.
Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry cake mix, crushed pineapple, dry pudding mix, pineapple juice, eggs, and oil.
Using an electric handheld mixer or kitchen aid mixer, mix on low speed for 1 minute, while stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Continue to beat on medium speed for 2 additional minutes and scrape down the sides of the bowl another two times through the process.
Bake
Proceed to pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick can be inserted and comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the frosting, this could take 2-3 hours depending on the temperature of your house.
Prepare Frosting
Use a handheld mixer, or a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, to beat the heavy cream on high speed with the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and coconut extract until stiff peaks form and it has a whipped cream consistency. This should take about 4-5 minutes. Do not overbeat the cream or you will make butter.
After that, spread the prepared frosting evenly over the top of the cake and top with the shredded coconut.
Slice, serve and enjoy!
What other garnishes can I top the cake with?
Aside from the delicious whipped cream frosting and shredded coconut, there are many other garnishes that can be added to the Pineapple Coconut Cake to enhance its flavor and presentation.
More Pineapple: One option is to top the cake with fresh pineapple chunks or slices. This adds a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the coconut and pineapple flavors in the cake.
Nuts: Another option is to sprinkle chopped macadamia nuts over the frosting. This adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that pairs well with the tropical flavors of the cake.
Fresh fruit: For a more colorful presentation, one can add fresh berries such as mandarin oranges, mango slices, strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries to the top of the cake. This not only adds a pop of color but also adds a sweet and tart flavor that contrasts with the sweetness of the cake.
Pineapple Coconut Cake
Ingredients
- 15.25 oz yellow or vanilla cake mix
- 16 oz crushed pineapple (drain & reserve juice)
- 3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding mix
- ½ cup reserved pineapple juice add water to equal ½ cup if not enough juice is reserved
- 4 eggs
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
Frosting
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream cold
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp coconut extract
- ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease the inside of a 9×13 baking dish and set it aside.
- Cake batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry cake mix, crushed pineapple, dry pudding mix, pineapple juice, eggs, and oil.
- Using an electric handheld mixer or kitchen aid mixer, mix on low speed for 1 minute, while stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Continue to beat on medium speed for 2 additional minutes, and scrape down the sides of the bowl another two times through the process.
- Bake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick can be inserted and come out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: Use a handheld mixer, or a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, to beat the heavy cream on high speed with the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and coconut extract until stiff peaks form and it has a whipped cream consistency. This should take about 4-5 minutes. Do not overbeat the cream or you will make butter.
- Spread the prepared frosting evenly over the top of the cake and top with the shredded coconut. Slice, serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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How should I store the pineapple cake?
This cake can be kept covered and stored in the fridge for up to 3 or 4 days. This should give you plenty of time to enjoy a slice of this heavenly dessert.
What role does the instant pudding mix play in this cake recipe?
The instant pudding mix serves as a flavor enhancer and also helps to keep the cake moist. It adds a rich, creamy texture to the cake and complements the tropical flavors of the pineapple and coconut.
Can I freeze a pineapple cake?
You can freeze pineapple cake, but know that upon defrosting, the cake will be more moist, so the texture will change considerable. Freezing a pineapple cake is actually not usually recommended. Try freezing a slice or two and then defrost it, seeing if you like the results then you can decide if you’d like to freeze the whole thing.
If you’re looking to make your pineapple cake last longer, consider slicing the cake and storing each individual piece in an airtight container in the fridge. This will limit the cake’s exposure, thus making it last longer.
Tips for achieving a moist and flavorful coconut pineapple cake
To achieve a moist and flavorful Pineapple Coconut Cake, it is important to follow the recipe instructions carefully. Be sure to use a high-quality boxed cake mix and instant pudding mix. Adding crushed pineapple to the batter also helps to keep the cake moist. Toasting the shredded coconut before adding it to the frosting can also enhance its flavor.
Check out these other great pineapple Recipes:
- PINEAPPLE TERIYAKI MEATBALLS
- PINEAPPLE SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE
- CHICKEN PINEAPPLE TACOS
- PINEAPPLE CHERRY QUICK BREAD
- LIGHT PINEAPPLE FRIED RICE
- PINEAPPLE BUNDT CAKE
- CREAMY PINEAPPLE LEMON JELLO
- PINEAPPLE SALSA
- EASY CRUSHED PINEAPPLE CAKE
- MANDARIN ORANGE CAKE WITH PINEAPPLE FROSTING
- CHEESY GRILLED PINEAPPLE CHICKEN
- PINEAPPLE QUICK BREAD
- GRILLED HONEY CHICKEN WITH GLAZED PINEAPPLE
- PINEAPPLE BANANA BREAD
- EASY PINEAPPLE CAKE
- GRILLED PINEAPPLE WITH COCONUT GLAZE
- BBQ CHICKEN PINEAPPLE KABOBS with BACON
Pineapple Coconut Cake is a lovely tropical tasting dessert with a fluffy and moist texture. This pineapple cake is made with a boxed cake mix, instant pudding and a delicious coconut flavored whipped cream frosting and shredded coconut on top.
Terri says
Does it matter if it’s a metal or glass sheet pan?
Jessica says
MEtal pans generally bake things faster where glass pans can take a few minutes longer. So just watch it as it gets close to fully baked and adjust accordingly, depending on what type of pan you use.