Here’s a full, recipe for a Moist Pineapple Coconut Cake a tropical, soft, and flavorful cake that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s rich with pineapple, moist with coconut, and topped with a creamy frosting (optional but recommended).
🍍 Moist Pineapple Coconut Cake Recipe
🍰 Yield:
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1 (9×13-inch) cake or two 9-inch round cakes
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Serves 12-16 people
📝 Ingredients
For the Cake:
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2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
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2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
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1 tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp pure vanilla extract
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1 (20 oz / 565g) can crushed pineapple in juice – do not drain
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½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
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½ cup (120 ml) sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
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1 cup (85g) sweetened shredded coconut
Optional Add-ins:
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½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
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1 tsp ground cinnamon (for a warmer flavor)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional but Delicious):
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8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
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½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
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3½ to 4 cups (420–480g) powdered sugar, sifted
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
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2–3 tbsp pineapple juice (from the can)
👩🍳 Directions
🔸 Step 1: Preheat and Prep
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan or line with parchment. (Or use two 9-inch round pans for a layer cake.)
🔸 Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
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In a large bowl, whisk together:
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Flour
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Sugar
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Baking soda
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Salt
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🔸 Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
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In another large bowl, whisk:
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Eggs
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Vanilla
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Crushed pineapple (with juice)
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Oil
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Sour cream
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Stir in the shredded coconut.
🔸 Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
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Add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
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Stir just until combined – do not overmix.
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If using, fold in nuts or cinnamon.
🔸 Step 5: Bake
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
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Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until:
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The top is golden
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A toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs
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Tip: For layer cakes, baking time is closer to 30–35 minutes.
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Let cake cool completely in the pan before frosting.
🔸 Step 6: Make the Frosting (Optional)
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Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy (2–3 minutes).
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Add powdered sugar gradually, beating until fluffy.
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Add vanilla, salt, and a bit of pineapple juice for flavor and consistency.
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Beat until spreadable. Add more sugar or juice to adjust texture.
🔸 Step 7: Frost and Serve
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Spread frosting over cooled cake.
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Optional: Top with toasted coconut flakes or chopped nuts for extra flavor and decoration.
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Chill for 15–20 minutes before serving for cleaner slices.
🌴 Tips for Success
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Don’t drain the pineapple. The juice adds moisture and flavor.
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Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and frosting.
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Toasted coconut (for topping) gives extra texture and aroma.
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Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days — this cake gets even better the next day!