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Pineapple Coconut Surprise Cake Recipe

Pineapple Coconut Surprise Cake Recipe


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4.5 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 50-55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Pineapple coconut surprise cake brings tropical sweetness right to your dessert table with a delightful tropical twist that makes friends and family smile. Creamy coconut and tangy pineapple layers create a perfect balance of flavors that dance across your taste buds.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 2 large eggs

Supporting Ingredients:

  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup shredded coconut
  • ¼ cup milk
  • ¼ cup butter

Seasonings and Extras:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • ½ cup shredded coconut (for topping)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Arrange your oven rack in the center position and heat to 350°F. Coat a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly with cooking spray.
  2. Sift 2 cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, and ½ tsp salt into a large mixing bowl.
  3. Crack 2 large eggs into a separate bowl and whisk with ½ cup vegetable oil, ½ cup sour cream, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until completely smooth.
  4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix the batter.
  5. Carefully fold 1 cup crushed pineapple and ½ cup shredded coconut into the cake mixture.
  6. Transfer batter to the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula.
  7. Slide pan into the preheated oven and bake for exactly 32 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick.
  8. Remove cake from oven and let it rest on a wire rack for 45-60 minutes until completely cooled.
  9. Using an electric mixer, cream 8 oz cream cheese and ¼ cup butter until light and fluffy.
  10. Gradually incorporate 2 cups powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract, mixing until frosting becomes smooth.
  11. Spread cream cheese frosting across the entire cake surface using an offset spatula.
  12. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup shredded coconut over the frosted cake in an even layer.
  13. Chill cake in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to help frosting set before serving.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and even baking.
  • For a lighter texture, do not overmix the batter when combining wet and dry ingredients.
  • Consider toasting the coconut before sprinkling on top for enhanced nutty flavor and crunch.
  • Dairy-free option: Swap cream cheese frosting with coconut whipped cream and use dairy-free sour cream alternative.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Category: Cakes
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Sugar: 38 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg