For the Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
½ cup coconut milk
½ cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon coconut extract (optional but recommended!)
For the Frosting & Topping:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
3–4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut, toasted
Pineapple slices or maraschino cherries for decoration (optional)
How to Make Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake
Step 1: Make the Cake Layers
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, mix eggs, crushed pineapple (with juice), coconut milk, oil, and extracts.
Gradually mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined—do not overmix!
Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Frosting & Toasting
In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until fluffy.
Spread ½ cup shredded coconut on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for 5–7 minutes, stirring once, until golden. Let cool.
Step 3: Assemble the Dream
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread with a layer of frosting.
Top with the second cake layer. Frost the top and sides with remaining frosting.
Press toasted coconut onto the sides and sprinkle over the top.
Garnish with pineapple slices or cherries if desired.
Tips for Cake Success
Don’t Overmix — A few lumps in the batter are okay! Overmixing can make the cake tough.
Toast Your Coconut — Toasting enhances the coconut flavor and adds a wonderful crunch.
Chill Before Slicing — For cleaner slices, refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes before serving.
Make It a Poke Cake — For extra moisture, poke holes in the warm cake layers and drizzle with coconut milk or sweetened condensed milk.
Serving Suggestions
With a cup of coffee or tropical iced tea
Topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of lime zest
As the star of your next summer picnic or potluck
Final Slice
This Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a bite of paradise. Moist, flavorful, and topped with creamy frosting and toasted coconut, it’s the kind of cake that turns an ordinary day into a celebration.
What’s your favorite tropical-inspired dessert? Have you ever combined pineapple and coconut in a bake? Share your stories below! 🌺
