This easy Pineapple Coconut Cake authentic-pineapple and coconut melts in your mouth and requires just 30 minutes of hands-on prep!

My version keeps that same Coconut Cake simple spirit but adds bright pineapple, with a moist, tender crumb that always earns rave reviews.
This is an homemade cake your family will love! Perfect for Weekend outings with children in the neighborhood park or anytime you are craving the best cake! Follow the order of the steps and don’t rush the preparation process, and you’ll get that clean, creamy slice with the pineapple with coconut swirl running right through it.
Kitchen Equipment Needed :
- 2 round cake pans ” 9-inch “
- Mixing bowls medium and large
- Electric mixer or hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Whisk
- Cooling rack
- Parchment paper
- Cake knife or spatula for frosting
Tips for Pineapple Coconut Cake
– One of the most important parts of this recipe is handling the pineapple correctly. If you drain it too much, your cake may turn out dry. If you leave too much juice, the cake may become too wet or heavy.
– Creaming butter and sugar is not just mixing it is building the structure of your cake. Beat the softened butter and sugar together for at least 3–4 minutes until the mixture becomes light in color and fluffy in texture.

– Coconut flavor can be delicate or strong depending on how you use it. For a balanced taste, use full-fat coconut milk and sweetened shredded coconut.
What to Eat with Pineapple Coconut Cake ??
Pineapple Coconut Cake is soft, tropical, and perfectly sweet, making it ideal for spring gatherings, birthdays, or a sunny afternoon treat. I love serving it alongside creamy desserts like Coconut Cream Pie Cupcakes to highlight those rich coconut flavors, or something fruity and bright like Peach Bellini Cupcakes for a fresh contrast.

For drinks, it pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of Strawberry Milk or a fun Orange Creamsicle Smoothie to keep the tropical vibe going. If we’re hosting family, I’ll sometimes add something classic like Vanilla Cupcakes to round out the dessert table.
Ingredients you need to make Pineapple Coconut Cake :
– Crushed pineapple is the star of this cake and brings natural sweetness plus incredible moisture.
– Shredded coconut adds texture and that tropical flavor that pairs perfectly with pineapple.
– All-purpose flour forms the base of the cake and gives it structure.
– Sugar sweetens the cake and enhances the fruity flavors.
– Butter or oil adds richness and keeps the cake moist.
– Eggs bind everything together and help the cake rise evenly.
– Coconut milk or regular milk adds moisture and boosts the coconut flavor.
– Cream cheese or whipped cream frosting adds a creamy, slightly tangy finish that pairs beautifully with the cake.

- Optional : toasted coconut flakes add crunch and a golden, bakery-style topping.
How to Make Pineapple Coconut Cake :
Step 1
Step one preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper so the cake does not stick.
While waiting in a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir well so everything is evenly combined.

Step 2
Once complete in a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3–4 minutes. The mixture should look pale and creamy.
Continue on add the eggs one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Then add the vanilla extract and mix again.

Step 3
Transition to slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Alternate with the coconut milk. This means you add a little flour mixture, then some coconut milk, and keep going until both are fully added. Mix gently so you do not overmix.
Next up fold in the crushed pineapple and shredded coconut. Stir carefully with a spatula until everything is combined.
Step 4
At the same time divide the batter evenly between the two cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 5
For the frosting, beat the butter until creamy. Slowly add powdered sugar, mixing well. Add coconut milk and vanilla. Beat until smooth and fluffy.

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then remove them and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 6
For the finishing step place one cake layer on a plate. Spread frosting on top. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides. Sprinkle shredded coconut over the cake for a beautiful finish.
FAQ’S :
Can I use coconut cream instead of coconut milk ?
Yes, but it will make the cake richer and slightly heavier.
Can I make this Pineapple Coconut Cake gluten-free ?
Yes, by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned ?
Yes, you can. Just chop it finely and drain extra juice so the cake does not become too wet.
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Pineapple Coconut Cake
Course: DessertCuisine: American, Tropical-InspiredDifficulty: Easy12
servings20
minutes25
minutes420
kcal45
minutesPineapple Coconut Cake is a soft, moist tropical dessert made with sweet pineapple, creamy coconut milk, and fluffy frosting. It’s easy to make, full of bright fruity flavor, and perfect for family gatherings or special celebrations
Ingredients
For the Cake :
2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups (350 g) granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup (240 ml) coconut milk well shaken
1 cup (200 g) crushed pineapple, lightly drained
1 cup (80 g) sweetened shredded coconut
Optional Pineapple Filling :
½ cup (100 g) crushed pineapple
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon sugar
For the Coconut Buttercream Frosting :
1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons (30–45 ml) coconut milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup (80 g) sweetened shredded coconut for topping
Optional : ½ teaspoon coconut extract for stronger flavor
Directions
- Step one preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper so the cake does not stick.
- While waiting in a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir well so everything is evenly combined.
- Once complete in a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3–4 minutes. The mixture should look pale and creamy.
- Continue on add the eggs one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Then add the vanilla extract and mix again.
- Transition to slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Alternate with the coconut milk. This means you add a little flour mixture, then some coconut milk, and keep going until both are fully added. Mix gently so you do not overmix.
- Next up fold in the crushed pineapple and shredded coconut. Stir carefully with a spatula until everything is combined.
- At the same time divide the batter evenly between the two cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then remove them and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
- For the frosting, beat the butter until creamy. Slowly add powdered sugar, mixing well. Add coconut milk and vanilla. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
- For the finishing step place one cake layer on a plate. Spread frosting on top. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides. Sprinkle shredded coconut over the cake for a beautiful finish.
Notes
- Do not over-drain the pineapple. Keep a little juice with the crushed pineapple to help keep the cake moist and flavorful.
- Line your cake pans. Always use parchment paper on the bottom of the pans to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- For extra pineapple flavor, add a filling. Spread a thin layer of pineapple mixture between the cake layers for a juicy surprise.
- Store properly for freshness. Keep the cake covered tightly to prevent it from drying out.



