This Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake is the perfect dessert for those who crave a tropical escape. With a moist and fluffy cake base, rich coconut flavor, and a burst of sweet pineapple, this cake is a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Topped with a creamy coconut frosting, it’s an irresistible treat for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply indulging in a sweet treat at home. The fusion of pineapple and coconut creates a dreamy flavor profile that is sure to transport you to a warm, beachside paradise.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened)
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained (reserve the juice)
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon coconut extract (optional)
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients: flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until well combined.
- Add the shredded coconut to the dry ingredients and mix to evenly distribute.
- In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, coconut extract, and sour cream (or Greek yogurt).
- Add the crushed pineapple to the wet ingredients, including a little bit of the reserved pineapple juice for extra moisture.
- Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, cool the cake completely on a wire rack.
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the coconut whipped frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar together until soft peaks form.
- Fold in the vanilla extract and shredded coconut.
- Once the cake has cooled, frost the cake with the coconut whipped frosting, spreading it evenly over the surface.
- For extra decoration, sprinkle additional shredded coconut on top, and for a more tropical touch, you can even add some extra pineapple chunks.
- Serve and enjoy your Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake!
Calories: This cake contains approximately 300-350 calories per serving, depending on the size of each slice and the specific ingredients used (such as using full-fat or low-fat versions of dairy). While this is a rich dessert, it is indulgent and satisfying.
Healthy or Non-Healthy: While delicious, this cake is considered more of a treat rather than a health-conscious option. The combination of sugar, heavy cream, and oil makes it a calorie-dense dessert. However, it does contain some beneficial coconut (which offers healthy fats) and pineapple (which is a source of vitamins). It’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.