Pineapple Coconut America Cake (Print Version)
Tropical layers meet patriotic celebration with crushed pineapple, coconut, and cream cheese frosting crowned with fresh berries.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cake
01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
07 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
08 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
09 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
10 - 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
11 - 1 cup canned crushed pineapple, well drained
12 - 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
13 - 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature
→ Cream Cheese Frosting
14 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
15 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
16 - 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
17 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
18 - Pinch of salt
→ Decoration
19 - 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
20 - 1 cup fresh blueberries
21 - 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut, toasted
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
03 - Beat granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, and oil in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
05 - Stir in the drained pineapple and shredded coconut until evenly distributed.
06 - Add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
07 - Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
08 - Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
09 - Beat cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, beating until fluffy.
10 - Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting. Top with second cake layer and frost the top and sides.
11 - Arrange fresh strawberries and blueberries in a patriotic flag or swirl pattern. Sprinkle with toasted coconut if desired.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The cream cheese frosting is tangy enough to cut through all that tropical sweetness, making every bite feel perfectly balanced instead of cloying
- People will absolutely lose their minds over the fresh berries arranged on top, but secretly the coconut cake underneath is the real star of the show
02 -
- Room temperature ingredients are non-negotiable here, cold eggs or butter will make your batter curdle and affect the final texture
- Over-mixing after adding flour develops too much gluten, making your cake tough instead of tender, so stop as soon as you see no dry streaks
03 -
- Brush the cooled cake layers with a little of that reserved pineapple juice before frosting for an extra hit of fruity moisture
- Toasting the coconut in a dry pan over medium heat until golden takes minutes but adds such a sophisticated flavor dimension