Step-by-Step Directions for the Perfect Pineapple Coconut Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s at the perfect temperature to bake this delicious creation to golden perfection. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly to prevent sticking. You can also line it with parchment paper for an even easier cleanup 🧼.
Step 2: Mixing the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, start by whisking together the 2 large eggs 🥚, 1 cup sugar 🍬, 1/2 cup brown sugar 🍯, 1/4 cup vegetable oil 🛢️, and 1 (20 oz.) can of crushed pineapple with juices 🍍. The pineapple’s juices will infuse the batter with moisture, making the cake incredibly soft and flavorful. The sugar and oil create a smooth base for the other ingredients.
Step 3: Adding Dry Ingredients
Gradually add in the 2 cups of all-purpose flour 🌾, 2 teaspoons baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt 🧂 to the wet mixture. Use a spoon or spatula to fold the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake rather than the light, fluffy texture you want.
Step 4: Pour and Smooth the Batter
Once everything is well mixed, pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even layer. The batter should spread out easily, and you’ll notice how thick and luscious it looks.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. This is the key moment—resist the urge to open the oven door too often! Let the cake bake undisturbed for the best rise.
Step 6: Prepare the Icing
While the cake is baking, it’s time to make the icing. In a saucepan over high heat, combine 1 can of evaporated milk 🥛, 1 cup unsalted butter 🧈 (2 sticks), and 1 1/2 cups sugar 🍚. Stir occasionally to ensure that the butter melts and the sugar dissolves into the milk.
Once the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent it from scorching on the bottom. You’ll notice the mixture thickening and turning into a silky, smooth caramel-like consistency.
Step 7: Add the Coconut and Pecans
After the 10-minute simmer, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in 2 cups of shredded coconut 🥥, 1 cup of toasted pecans 🌰, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🍦, and 1/4 teaspoon salt 🧂. The combination of coconut and toasted pecans gives the icing a delightful crunch and depth of flavor, complementing the soft, moist cake.
Step 8: Frost the Cake
Once your cake is out of the oven and slightly cooled, it’s time to pour the luscious icing generously over the top. Be sure to spread it evenly across the entire surface, letting the icing drip down the sides. The warm, gooey icing will seep into the cake, making each bite more delicious.
Step 9: Let the Cake Cool
Now comes the hard part—waiting! Allow the cake to cool down and let the icing set. This step is important to give the flavors a chance to meld together. Once the cake has cooled and the icing has firmed up a bit, it’s ready to be sliced and served 🍽️.
Step 10: Enjoy the Deliciousness!
Cut a slice, take a bite, and savor the tropical bliss that is the Pineapple Coconut God Bless America Cake. Every bite will transport you to a place where coconut palms sway in the breeze, and the sun is always shining 🌞.
Tips for the Perfect Pineapple Coconut Cake
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Don’t Overmix the Batter
When you’re incorporating the dry ingredients into the wet ones, be sure to mix gently. Overmixing the batter can result in a dense cake, so just stir until everything is combined. -
Toast Your Pecans for Extra Flavor
Toasting the pecans before adding them to the icing brings out their natural oils, resulting in a deeper, more complex flavor. Simply place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally until they’re lightly browned and fragrant 🌰. -
Make it Ahead of Time
This cake actually improves as it sits, so feel free to make it a day ahead of your event. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh and flavorful. The icing will set beautifully, creating the perfect slice every time. -
Try Variations
While this cake is delicious as is, you can experiment with different nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, or add a bit of lime zest to the batter for a zesty twist 🍋. You could also drizzle some caramel sauce over the top for an extra indulgent treat 🍯.
Why This Cake Will Be a Family Favorite
The Pineapple Coconut God Bless America Cake is not just a cake; it’s an experience. The moist, sweet cake paired with the rich coconut icing is a dessert that everyone can enjoy. Here are a few reasons why this cake will become a regular at your family gatherings and celebrations:
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Tropical Flavors for a Taste of Paradise
The tropical flavors of pineapple 🍍 and coconut 🥥 bring a little bit of sunshine into your kitchen, making this cake the perfect dessert for a summer BBQ or a holiday celebration. It’s refreshing and satisfying, with a flavor profile that’s both exotic and familiar. -
Easy to Make
Despite its indulgent taste, this cake is simple to prepare. You don’t need to be an expert baker to pull off this treat. With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, you can impress your friends and family with minimal effort. -
Crowd-Pleaser
Whether you’re serving it at a family reunion, a birthday party 🎉, or just a weekend gathering, this cake will wow your guests. The balance of textures—from the moist cake to the crunchy pecans and creamy coconut icing—makes it a dessert that appeals to all tastes. -
Perfect for Every Occasion
From birthdays 🎂 to barbecues 🍔, the Pineapple Coconut God Bless America Cake fits any event. Its versatility makes it a go-to dessert for everything from casual get-togethers to more formal holiday celebrations. It’s also perfect for potlucks and picnics 🧺, as it travels well and can be sliced into neat portions.
Final Thoughts: A Cake That Deserves a Place in Your Recipe Book
The Pineapple Coconut God Bless America Cake is more than just a recipe—it’s a tradition in the making. From the moment you take your first bite, you’ll understand why it’s earned its place in kitchens across the country 🇺🇸. Packed with tropical flavors and topped with a delicious coconut and pecan icing, it’s a dessert that’s sure to be loved by all who try it.
So, whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just treating yourself to a sweet, indulgent moment 🍰, this cake will quickly become one of your favorites. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, it’s a recipe that will continue to inspire smiles at every gathering. Give it a try today, and God Bless America—and your taste buds! 🌟
Ingredients
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1 (20 oz.) can crushed pineapple, with juices 🍍
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2 large eggs 🥚
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1/4 cup vegetable oil 🛢️
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1 cup sugar 🍬
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1/2 cup brown sugar 🍯
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2 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
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2 teaspoons baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt 🧂
For the Icing:
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1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk 🥛
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter 🧈
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1 1/2 cups sugar 🍚
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2 cups shredded coconut 🥥
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1 cup pecans, roughly chopped, toasted 🌰
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🍦
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1/4 teaspoon salt 🧂
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and crushed pineapple (juices included).
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Gradually mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Don’t overmix!
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Pour the luscious batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth out the top.
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Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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While the cake is baking, make the icing. In a saucepan over high heat, combine the evaporated milk, sugar, and butter.
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Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
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Remove from heat and stir in the shredded coconut, toasted pecans, vanilla extract, and salt.
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Once your cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the icing generously over the top, spreading it evenly.
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Allow the cake to cool and let the icing set before slicing and serving.
Notes
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Don’t overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake.
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Toasting the pecans before adding them to the icing brings out their natural oils and enhances the flavor.
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This cake can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
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Feel free to experiment with different nuts or add lime zest for a unique twist.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes