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Perfect Hawaiian Tropical Theme Cake with Pineapple Flowers

Perfect Hawaiian Tropical Theme Cake - featured image
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A moist, coconut-infused cake layered with light coconut frosting and decorated with delicate pineapple flowers, perfect for summer parties and tropical-themed gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 2 ½ tsp (12g) baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
  • ¾ cup (60g) shredded unsweetened coconut
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 3 tbsp fresh coconut milk
  • Pinch of salt (for frosting)
  • 1 medium fresh pineapple, ripe and sweet
  • Optional: Maraschino cherries for flower centers

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper; lightly grease sides.
  2. In a bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
  3. Using a mixer, beat 1 cup softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition; stir in 2 tsp vanilla extract.
  5. Add dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with flour; mix gently to combine.
  6. Fold in shredded coconut with a spatula.
  7. Divide batter evenly between pans; tap pans lightly to release air bubbles.
  8. Bake 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
  9. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
  10. For frosting, beat ½ cup softened butter until creamy; gradually add powdered sugar, then coconut milk, vanilla, and salt; beat until fluffy.
  11. Trim pineapple into thin ⅛-inch slices; cut into petal shapes and gently curl to form flowers; optionally place maraschino cherries in centers.
  12. Place one cake layer on serving plate; spread frosting generously; add second layer and cover entire cake with frosting.
  13. Arrange pineapple flowers on top; chill cake for 30 minutes to set frosting before serving.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs and butter for smooth batter. Do not overmix to avoid dense cake. Slice pineapple about 1/8 inch thick for shaping flowers. Chill pineapple flowers before decorating. Whip frosting on medium speed to avoid air bubbles. If frosting is too soft, chill and re-whip before spreading.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hawaiian cake, pineapple cake, tropical cake, coconut frosting, pineapple flowers, summer dessert, easy cake recipe

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/perfect-hawaiian-tropical-theme-cake-recipe-with-easy-pineapple-flowers-tutorial/