Delicious Tropical Pineapple Coconut Cake

Indulge in the taste of the tropics with our beloved recipe for Tasty Tropical Island Cake. For over three decades, this cake has been a staple at our family gatherings, delighting taste buds with its luscious layers of buttery cake, fruity custard, and airy whipped cream. A true showstopper at summer parties, this cake promises a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite.

To truly savor the essence of this Tasty Tropical Island Cake, it’s essential to embrace patience and precision in each phase of preparation. By using high-quality ingredients and paying attention to timing, you can elevate the flavors to new heights. Whether you choose to prepare the components in advance or assemble the cake just before serving, the end result is bound to be a delectable treat that captures the essence of a tropical paradise.

Experience the magic of the islands in every slice of this delectable cake. Perfect for creating lasting memories at gatherings or simply indulging in a sweet tropical escape, this Tasty Tropical Island Cake is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Quick Benefits

• Rich and Indulgent Flavors: The blend of buttery cake layers, fruit-filled custard, and fluffy whipped cream offers a truly decadent taste experience.
• Make-ahead Convenience: Various components can be prepared in advance, allowing for easy assembly just before serving and saving valuable time.
• Perfect for Summer: With its cool, refreshing flavors and tropical ingredients like pineapple, coconut, and cherries, this cake is an ideal dessert for summer parties.
• Long-lasting Freshness: The finished cake can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a great make-ahead option for gatherings or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Tropical Pineapple Coconut Cake Recipe

• Tropical Paradise in Every Bite: The combination of pineapple, coconut, and cherries in this cake will transport you to a sunny tropical island with every forkful.
• Heavenly Texture: From the buttery cake layers to the fruit-filled custard and fluffy whipped cream, each layer adds a different texture that creates a harmonious balance in every bite.
• Perfect Crowd-Pleaser: This cake is a hit at summer parties, guaranteed to impress your guests with its refreshing flavors and stunning presentation.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare different components of the cake ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy schedules or special occasions.
• Family Baking Tradition: With over 35 years of family baking experience, this recipe has been perfected to ensure that you get the best flavors and textures in every slice.
• Impressively Beautiful: The finished cake is not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it a showstopper dessert for any gathering.
• Long Lasting Freshness: The cake can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this tropical delight over multiple servings.

Ingredients for Delicious Tropical Pineapple Coconut Cake

Cake

• 1½ cups full-fat milk
• 3½ cups regular flour
• 3 sticks (12 ounces) softened unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 6 large eggs at room temp
• 1½ cups white sugar
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Custard

• 3 large egg yolks
• 2 cups full-fat milk
• 2 tablespoons plus 1½ teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 large whole egg
• ½ cup white sugar, split
• 1 tablespoon softened unsalted butter
• ½ plus ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract

Whipped Cream

• 3 tablespoons confectioners sugar
• 1⅓ cups chilled heavy cream

Toppings

• 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes
• ½ cup bright red maraschino cherries
• ¼ cup whole pecans
• 1 cup tiny diced fresh pineapple (or strained crushed pineapple)

Pro Tips for Delicious Tropical Pineapple Coconut Cake

For the Tasty Tropical Island Cake, consider making the custard and baking the cake layers a day in advance to save time. This allows the flavors to develop even more, making the cake taste even better. Remember, patience is key when cooling the cake layers and custard to ensure the best consistency and texture.

To add a fun twist to the recipe, consider using fresh diced pineapple instead of strained crushed pineapple for a burst of tropical flavor in every bite. Additionally, swapping out the maraschino cherries for fresh berries or tropical fruits can give the cake a unique and personalized touch. Experiment with different fruit combinations to create a custom tropical cake that suits your taste preferences.

How to Make Delicious Tropical Pineapple Coconut Cake

Step 1: Prepare

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a large baking pan with non-stick spray. Allow butter and eggs to come to room temperature.

Step 2: Make Cake Batter

Combine flour and baking powder. In a separate bowl, cream together butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt until fluffy. Gradually add eggs, then alternately mix in flour mixture and milk.

Step 3: Bake

Transfer the mixture to the pan. Bake for 28-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.

Step 4: Make Custard

In a saucepan, whisk together eggs, sugar, and cornstarch. Gradually whisk in warm milk and cook until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract. Place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the mixture and chill.

Step 5: Make Whipped Cream

Beat cold cream, sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.

Step 6: Assemble

Start by spreading a layer of custard, followed by pineapple chunks, and finish with whipped cream. Top with coconut sprinkles, cherries, and pecan pieces.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared and assembled the Tasty Tropical Island Cake, it’s important to store it properly to maintain its freshness and flavor. To store the finished cake, cover it loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to protect it from drying out in the refrigerator. The cake can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy it over multiple servings.

When storing the cake, try to keep it away from strong-smelling foods in the fridge to prevent any flavors from transferring. If possible, place the cake on a separate shelf to maintain its delicious tropical flavors. Remember to bring the cake to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance its taste and texture. By following these storage tips, you can savor the delightful Tasty Tropical Island Cake for several days after preparing it.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to make this tropical island cake a bit lighter, you can consider using coconut oil instead of butter in the cake layers for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that coconut oil melts at a lower temperature than butter, so you may need to adjust your baking time slightly. Additionally, if you prefer a different fruit flavor, you can swap the pineapple for mango or passion fruit to customize the cake to your liking while still maintaining that tropical essence.

For a dairy-free option, you can use a plant-based milk such as coconut milk or almond milk in place of the full-fat milk in both the cake and custard. This substitution will work well without compromising the overall taste and texture of the cake. Furthermore, if you don’t have maraschino cherries on hand, fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries can be a delicious alternative for a pop of color and fruity sweetness on top of the whipped cream. Feel free to get creative with your ingredient substitutions to tailor this cake to your preferences while still capturing the essence of a tropical paradise.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate the presentation of this Tasty Tropical Island Cake, consider serving it in individual mason jars for a charming and portable dessert option. Layer the buttery cake, fruit-filled custard, and fluffy whipped cream in each jar, topping them off with a sprinkle of sweetened coconut flakes, diced pineapple, and a bright red maraschino cherry. This not only makes for a visually appealing treat but also allows guests to enjoy their own personal portion of this delightful island-inspired cake.

For a fun twist, transform this tropical cake into a trifle by layering cubed cake, fruit custard, and whipped cream in a clear glass bowl. Repeat the layers to create a stunning dessert display that showcases the vibrant colors and textures of each component. Garnish the top with a sprinkle of pecans and additional pineapple chunks for a show-stopping finish that is sure to impress your guests.

FAQs for Delicious Tropical Pineapple Coconut Cake

Can I make any parts of this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make different parts of the cake ahead of time to save time. You can bake the cake a day before, and the custard stays good in the fridge for up to 2 days. Make the whipped cream and assemble the cake just before serving for the best look.

How long can the finished cake be stored in the fridge?

The finished cake can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it well to prevent it from absorbing any other flavors from the fridge.

Why is it important to be patient between layers when making this cake?

Being patient between layers allows the flavors to meld together properly, creating a cohesive and delicious final product. Rushing the process may result in a cake that doesn’t have the same depth of flavor and texture.

Can I substitute any of the tropical fruits in this recipe?

Yes, you can customize the fruits in this cake to suit your preferences. You could try using different fruits like mango, papaya, or passion fruit to give the cake your own unique twist.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Tasty Tropical Island Cake is a true delight that embodies the essence of a tropical paradise in every bite. The combination of moist cake layers, creamy custard, fresh pineapple, coconut flakes, and cherries creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will transport you to a sunny beach with each mouthful.

So, take your time, enjoy the process, and savor the creation of this Tasty Tropical Island Cake. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just to treat yourself and your loved ones, this cake is sure to bring joy and a taste of the tropics to any gathering. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with the sweet aroma of this delightful dessert!