Southern Coconut Pineapple Cake

Indulge in a slice of nostalgia with our Old Fashion Coconut Pineapple Cake! Made with the traditional recipe passed down through generations, this cake will take you back to the days of home-baked desserts and family gatherings. The combination of sweet pineapple and shredded coconut creates a flavor that’s both tropical and comforting. Get a taste of the past with every bite, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

You’ll Need

Cake Batter

2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter + 1-2 tablespoons of room temperature butter for the cake pans.
· 3 Cups Granulated Sugar
· 5 Egg Whites, room temperature
· 1½ Teaspoons Pure Coconut Extract
· 1½ Teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract
· ¾ Cup Pineapple Juice, room temperature (1, 20 Ounce Can Crushed Pineapple Drained with Juice Reserved)
· ¾ Cup Buttermilk, room temperature
· ¾ Cup Sour Cream, room temperature
· 5 Teaspoons Baking Powder
· ½ Teaspoon Salt
· 3 Cups Cake Flour plus 2 to 3 Tablespoons for the cake pans

Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting

8 ounces of room temperature cream cheese

1 Stick (1/2 Cup) Unsalted Butter, room temperature
· 3½ Cups Powdered Sugar
· 2 to 3 Tablespoons Regular Milk
· 1 Teaspoon Pure Coconut Extract
· 2 Cups Sweetened Coconut, toasted

Whipped Pineapple Coconut Filling

3/4 cup cream cheese frosting (above)

1 Cup Cold Heavy Cream, whipped
· Drained Crushed Pineapple
· ¾ Cup Toasted Sweetened Coconut (above)

Directions

For best results and ease of preparation, follow the steps to prepare the ingredients first:

1. Make sure all of the ingredients that are labeled as “room temperature” are ready prior to baking.
2. Butter and flour 3 cake pans. Set aside.
3. Drain a 20 ounce can of Crushed Pineapple, reserve ¾ cup of juice for the cake batter. Set aside.

Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting

4. In a large bowl, blend the cream cheese and butter until creamy. Blend in the milk and coconut extract. Mix in the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time until smooth. Set aside.
5. Toast 2 cups of Sweetened Coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat just until the coconut turns very light brown in color, about 4 to 6 minutes. Once done, place the coconut on a plate or large piece of parchment paper to cool.
6. In a medium size bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until slightly stiff peaks form. Do not add sugar.

Whipped Coconut Pineapple Filling

7. Add and fold in ¾ Cup of Frosting to the whipped cream. Next, fold in all of the drained crushed pineapple and ¾ cup of toasted coconut. Set aside.

Coconut Cake Layers

8. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

9. Dry Ingredients: Sift the cake flour, baking powder and salt into a large bowl. Set aside.

10. Wet Ingredients: Combine ¾ cup pineapple juice and ¾ cup buttermilk into a small pitcher or bowl.
11. In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, mix the butter and sugar together until well blended and fluffy, about 3 or 4 minutes.

12. Add the egg whites 2 at a time until fully incorporated. Next, blend in the vanilla and coconut extracts and sour cream. Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl throughout the mixing process.

13. Add the dry and wet ingredients alternately, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.

14. Divide the batter evenly into 3 prepared cake pans.

15. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick is inserted and comes out clean.

(Note: Check the cake layers at the 25 minute mark. Sometimes they’re done in about 28 minutes.)

When finished, let the cake layers in the pans for three to five minutes before turning them over onto cooling racks. The layers must completely cool. Cool the layers completely.
16. Place the first layer, right side up on a cake round or cake plate, and top with half of the Whipped

Coconut Pineapple Filling:

Spread it evenly leaving about 1 inch clear from the edge.
17. Place the second layer upside down. Add and evenly spread the other half of the Whipped Filling. Top with the final layer of cake.
18. Using an offset spatula, spread a thin “crumb coat” layer of frosting over the entire cake. Use the remaining frosting to cover the entire cake one more time.
19. Finally, sprinkle the remaining toasted coconut over the cake’s top and sides.
20. Cut and enjoy!!