Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp coconut extract (optional, but adds a boost!)
• 1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice)
• ½ cup full-fat coconut milk (or regular milk)
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

For the Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1–2 tbsp pineapple juice or coconut milk (for texture)

Optional Toppings:

• Toasted shredded coconut
• Pineapple chunks or rings
• Maraschino cherries

🧁 Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or a 9×13-inch pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each. Stir in vanilla and coconut extract.
5. Mix in crushed pineapple with juice and coconut milk until well combined.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients. Fold in shredded coconut.
7. Divide batter evenly into pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Let cool completely before frosting.

2. Make the Frosting

1. Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy.
3. Mix in vanilla and enough pineapple juice or coconut milk to reach your desired consistency.

3. Assemble & Decorate

• Frost the cooled cake layers or top your 9×13 cake.
• Sprinkle with toasted coconut.
• Garnish with pineapple chunks and cherries if desired.

🍰 Tips

• To toast coconut: Spread it on a baking sheet and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 5–8 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Add-ins: For more texture, add chopped pecans or walnuts.
• Make it a poke cake: Poke holes in a 9×13 cake and pour sweetened condensed milk and pineapple juice over it before frosting.