• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Crunchy Creamy Sweet

Easy Recipes for Busy Parents

  • All Recipes
  • Air Fryer
  • Asian
  • Dinner
  • Instant Pot
  • Dessert
  • About Us
menu icon
go to homepage
  • All Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • About Me
  • Contact
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • All Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • About Me
  • Contact
×
You are here: Crunchy Creamy Sweet / Dessert / Coconut Pineapple Cake

Coconut Pineapple Cake

Published: May 17, 2017 · Modified: Oct 22, 2022 by Anna 17 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Sharing is caring!

56468 shares
  • Share
  • Email
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe Rate this Recipe

Coconut Pineapple Cake - simple and delicious coconut cake with light and fluffy whipped pineapple frosting. Perfect Summer dessert!

If you enjoy these flavors, you may also like my Grilled Pineapple recipe and the Coconut Pineapple Crumb Bars.

Cake piece on plate.

Pineapple and coconut combo is one of my very favorites when it comes to Summer desserts. It just screams vacation to me! Pina Coladas are the summer drink for a reason. The coconut cake has a tender crumb and melts in your mouth, all thanks to buttermilk which is my favorite to use in cakes. The frosting is my favorite frosting recipe ever! Forget the overly sweet vanilla frosting from the store or even the homemade buttercream (yes, I said that!)! This frosting is made from just 3 ingredients stirred together; it's light, creamy and irresistible!

Ingredients:

  • all-purpose flour
  • granulated sugar
  • baking powder
  • baking soda
  • salt
  • unsweetened coconut
  • vegetable oil
  • buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs
  • coconut or vanilla extract
  • crushed pineapple (can)
  • vanilla instant pudding mix
  • whipped topping
  • toasted coconut (topping)

How to make Coconut Pineapple cake?

  • Whisk together dry ingredient in a mixing bowl.
  • In another mixing bowl or large measuring cup, mix together wet ingredients. The batter should be smooth and thick.
  • Pour batter into prepared baking pan.
  • Bake for 28 - 32 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
  • Cool before frosting.
Coconut Pineapple Cake Recipe - sweet and delicious coconut cake with light and fluffy whipped pineapple frosting! Perfect Summer dessert!

Would you like to save this recipe?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

The frosting:

This is my favorite cake frosting to date! It's super easy and absolutely delicious!

  • Drain crushed pineapple but reserve the juice.
  • Squeeze as much liquid as possible.
  • Mix vanilla pudding mix with the reserved juice until thick.
  • Add pineapple and whipped topping and fold in.

Storing:

I recommend storing this cake in the fridge for up to 3 days. It will stay fresh longer.

More cake recipes:

  • Coconut Cheesecake Bars
  • Cherry Poke Cake
  • Cinnamon Roll Cake

For more recipes like this one, feel free to browse our Dessert Category.

If you like this recipe and make it, snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Tag me @crunchycreamysweet so I can check it out and leave a comment! 😀

Coconut Pineapple Cake piece on plate.

Coconut Pineapple Cake

Author: Anna
This Coconut Pineapple Cake is simple and delicious coconut with a light and fluffy whipped pineapple frosting. The coconut cake has a tender crumb and melts in your mouth, all thanks to buttermilk. This frosting is made from just 3 ingredients stirred together; it's light, creamy and irresistible!
4.93 from 14 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 people
Calories 532 kcal
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients
 
 

!for the cake:

  • 2 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ teaspoon coconut or vanilla extract

!for the frosting:

  • 20 oz can crushed pineapple
  • 3.9 oz box vanilla instant pudding mix
  • 1 tub whipped topping like Cool Whip
  • toasted coconut for garnish optional

Instructions
 

!to make the cake:

  • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
  • Grease and flour a 9" x 13" baking pan.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and coconut). In another mixing bowl or large measuring cup, mix together buttermilk, oil, eggs and coconut extract.
  • The batter should be smooth and thick.
  • Place the batter into prepared baking pan.
  • Bake 28 - 32 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
  • Cool before frosting.

!to make the frosting:

  • Drain pineapple from juice, reserving the juice in a small bowl. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together reserved pineapple juice and pudding mix. Whisk until thickened. Add pineapple and stir well. Add whipped topping and fold in gently.
  • Spread frosting over cooled cake.
  • Chill cake in fridge until ready to serve.

Notes

  1. Please note, that the nutrition value can vary depending on what product you use. The information below is an estimate. Always use calorie counter you are familiar with.
  2. You can use any white frosting you like for this cake and top it with toasted coconut.

Nutrition

Calories: 532kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Cholesterol: 44mg | Sodium: 280mg | Potassium: 350mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 40g | Vitamin A: 145IU | Vitamin C: 6.8mg | Calcium: 113mg | Iron: 2.2mg
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment with rating below!

More Dessert Recipes

  • Square photo of a slice of lemon cake on a dessert plate with fork.
    Easy Lemon Cake
  • Square image of a serving of eggless chocolate cake with frosting on a white marble plate.
    Eggless Chocolate Cake
  • Square photo of a cake with peach slices and dusting of powdered sugar.
    Easy Peach Cake
  • Mango popsicles on ice.
    Mango Pineapple Popsicles

Reader Interactions

Comments

    4.93 from 14 votes (7 ratings without comment)

    Did you make this recipe? Let me know! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




  1. Victoria Gaudet says

    February 01, 2021 at 7:23 pm

    What size is the Cool Whip tub!!!!!!!

    Reply
    • Anna says

      February 02, 2021 at 2:23 pm

      Hi Victoria! It should be 8 ounces.

      Reply
  2. Jordyn Horn says

    September 22, 2020 at 6:34 pm

    5 stars
    This is my all time favorite cake my Nana used to make it at least 4 times each summer! Is there any way to substitute this into using coconut flour??
    I’ve just learned I have a gluten allergy and I’m trying to recreate all my favorite recipes gluten free now but it’s hard finding them.

    Reply
    • Anna says

      September 25, 2020 at 12:29 pm

      Ho Jordyn! I did not test it with coconut flour. So sorry!

      Reply
  3. Doreen Raddi says

    June 28, 2020 at 11:04 pm

    If"n when I make it, I'll use tid bits.

    Reply
  4. Paula says

    May 13, 2020 at 8:35 pm

    Many thanks for the recipe. Can you please tell me the weight of the cream in the Cool Whip as I can't find it where I am and I want to substitute it?

    Reply
  5. KimCooks says

    March 31, 2018 at 10:40 am

    If I use sweetened coconut will that be an issue,

    Reply
  6. Debbie says

    January 19, 2018 at 3:36 am

    5 stars
    This looks delicious. What measurement is c? I thought it might be cup but then you write 3/4 cup of coconut. I would really like to make this. Please advise. Many thanks. Debbie

    Reply
    • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

      January 19, 2018 at 11:55 am

      Hi Debbie! Yep, "c" means cup. I will update the recipe. I hope you love the cake! Thank you! - Anna

      Reply
      • Debbie says

        January 26, 2018 at 2:49 pm

        5 stars
        What is the British equivalent of vanilla instant pudding mix?

      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        January 27, 2018 at 3:19 pm

        Hi Debbie! I did a little bit of research and it seems as custard powder would work. Let me know if you try it! Thank you!

  7. Liz says

    May 31, 2017 at 3:51 pm

    Do you think this cake would translate well into cupcakes?

    Reply
    • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

      June 01, 2017 at 10:38 am

      Hi Liz! The cake works perfectly for cupcakes. The frosting is not stiff enough for piping. Hope this helps!

      Reply
  8. cakespy says

    May 21, 2017 at 9:09 am

    5 stars
    I am a coconut lover. Therefore, I need/love this cake. It looks lovely!

    Reply
  9. sue says

    May 17, 2017 at 9:31 pm

    5 stars
    My eyes are popping! Sharing this gorgeous cake!

    Reply
  10. Sues says

    May 17, 2017 at 8:51 pm

    5 stars
    I loveee coconut and love it even more when it's combined with pineapple. This cake looks beautiful and so summery!

    Reply
  11. averie says

    May 17, 2017 at 6:47 pm

    5 stars
    This looks absolutely delicious! Soft, moist, fluffy perfect!

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

Profile photo of the author of Crunchy Creamy Sweet website.

Hi! I'm Anna!

Thank you for stopping by! Here you will find easy and delicious recipes for busy people. My recipes are made with everyday ingredients and all of them are family-approved!

read more...

Easy Dinners

  • Square image of chicken in teriyaki sauce, rice and broccoli in a white bowl.
    Quick Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe
  • Asian chicken on rice.
    Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe
  • Square image of creamy garlic chicken in a skillet.
    Creamy Garlic Chicken
  • Lemon garlic chicken in a skillet.
    Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
  • Chicken in mushroom garlic sauce in pan.
    Creamy Mushroom Garlic Chicken
  • Beef noodle casserole in a baking dish.
    Cheesy Beef Noodle Casserole

Popular Recipes

  • Cooked shrimp on a white plate.
    Air Fryer Shrimp
  • Square image of four Russet potatoes on a rack in the Instant Pot pressure cooker.
    Instant Pot Baked Potatoes Recipe
  • Noodles with peanut sauce and green onions in a white bowl with chopsticks.
    Thai Peanut Noodles Recipe
  • Square image of chicken nuggets with parsley on a white plate.
    Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe
  • Pasta salad with tomatoes and bacon in a glass serving bowl.
    BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
  • Square image of KFC coleslaw in a white bowl with red plaid napkin.
    KFC Coleslaw Copycat Recipe

Featured in

Logos of publications like yahoo, Parade magazine, MSN.

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Policy

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Contact

  • Contact

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2024 Crunchy Creamy Sweet All rights reserved.

© Copyright 2025 - Crunchy Creamy Sweet - Privacy Policy

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.