Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake
Sunshine in every bite! This luscious dessert combines tropical pineapple, creamy whipped topping, and golden toasted coconut on a soft yellow cake base. It’s cool, creamy, and just the right kind of indulgent. Perfect for potlucks, birthdays, or a summer afternoon on the porch.
Why You’ll Love It
- Tropical flavor bomb: Pineapple + coconut = instant vacation mode
- Ridiculously easy: Starts with a boxed cake mix and ends in show-stopping deliciousness
- Make-ahead magic: Even better after a few hours in the fridge!
Ingredients (Serves 12 slices)
Cake Base:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (plus eggs, oil, water as listed on box)
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, with juice
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
Creamy Topping:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
Coconut Crunch:
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut, toasted
- Optional: extra whipped topping or maraschino cherries for garnish
Instructions
1. Bake the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare and bake the yellow cake according to the box instructions.
While it’s still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top.
2. Soak with Tropical Goodness
Pour the crushed pineapple with juice evenly over the warm cake, letting it seep into the holes.
Next, drizzle the entire can of sweetened condensed milk over the top.
Let the cake cool completely.
3. Whip Up the Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
Fold in the whipped topping until light and fluffy.
Spread this dreamy layer evenly over the cooled cake.
4. Toast the Coconut
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the shredded coconut, stirring frequently until it turns golden and fragrant.
Let it cool, then sprinkle generously over the frosted cake.
5. Chill & Serve
Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better).
Slice, serve cold, and top with a swirl of whipped cream or cherry if you’re feeling extra fancy!
Serving Ideas & Tips
- Make it extra dreamy: Add a splash of coconut extract to the cream cheese layer for a stronger tropical note.
- For a lighter touch: Swap in light whipped topping and low-fat cream cheese.
- Want crunch? Sprinkle chopped macadamia nuts or crushed shortbread cookies on top with the coconut.
Nutrition (per slice)
Calories: 385 kcal | Servings: 12
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, planning a picnic, or just treating yourself to a forkful of sunshine, this Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake is sure to steal the show. One bite and you’ll be transported straight to the tropics—no passport required!
