Hawaiian Cake
Hawaiian Cake starts with a simple cake mix. Add a splash of coconut and pineapple and it becomes a refreshing cake that tastes like a piña colada.
Hawaiian Cake
Picture this: you’re lounging on a sandy beach with a gentle breeze whispering coconut palms above, the sun warming your skin, and a slice of the most pillowy, tropical cake melting on your tongue. That daydream becomes reality the moment you bake up this Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake. It’s everything you crave in a dessert—light, fluffy cake, rich layers of creamy pudding, tangy bursts of pineapple, and a lacy crown of toasted coconut. Honestly, it might just be the happiest dessert ever invented.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a summer barbecue, or just need a sunny pick-me-up on a rainy afternoon, this cake has you covered. It’s a total showstopper that feels fancy but comes together with just a cake mix and a handful of pantry staples. If you’ve ever been intimated by multi-layered desserts, trust me: this one is practically idiot-proof. You’ll be strutting out of your kitchen like the tropical baking queen you were born to be.
So grab your floral apron and slap on some SPF—this is one baking adventure that’ll transport you straight to that island vacation you’ve been drooling over on Instagram. Ready for the full escape? Let’s dive into every silken, crunchy, tangy detail.
We were having a luau at young women’s and I thought that it would be awesome to have a Hawaiian dessert. What is better than coconut and pineapple?!
My sister hates pineapple-like refuses to eat anything with pineapple in it! She loved this dessert! I may not have told her that there was pineapple in it, but when I did, it didn’t stop her from eating it!
Sisterly love at its finest! This is really good so try it out! This recipe makes 2 Hawaiian cakes.
Hawaiian Cake
Ingredients: 1 package yellow cake mix 2 packages (5.1 oz each) instant vanilla pudding mix 4 cups cold milk 1 1/2 teaspoons coconut extract 8 oz cream cheese (softened) 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained 3 cups heavy whipping cream 2 tablespoons powdered sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 cups flaked coconut, toasted Directions: 1. Mix cake batter according to package directions. 2. Split the batter in half and pour into two greased 13"x 9" baking pans. 3. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until the cakes test as done. Cool completely. 4. In a large bowl, combine pudding powder, milk and coconut extract; beat for 2 minutes. (Do NOT make the pudding and then put it in) 5. Add the cream cheese to the pudding mixture and beat well. Stir in the pineapple. Split the mixture in half and spread over the two cooled cakes. 6. Put whipping cream, vanilla, and powdered sugar in a bowl. Whisk until peaks form and then spread the whipped cream over the pudding on both cakes. 7. Spread the coconut evenly on a cookie sheet. Heat the oven at 350 degrees and bake for 7-8 minutes or until light golden brown. Spread the toasted coconut over the top of the homemade whipped cream. 8. Chill for at least 2 hours!!
Hawaiian Cake
Hawaiian Cake
Cooking Tips
- Chill Your Tools: Pop your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes before whipping cream. Cold equipment = fluffier peaks.
- Drain Thoroughly: Don’t skimp on draining that pineapple. Excess moisture can turn your filling soupy instead of dreamy.
- Level Up With Layers: For a more dramatic look, slice each cake sheet horizontally to create four thinner layers instead of two.
- Perfect Peaks: When your whipped cream holds stiff peaks, lift the whisk straight up—if the cream tip droops, whisk a bit more.
- Coconut Watch: Coconut toasts quickly. Stir halfway through and pull as soon as you see golden edges.
- Even Slicing: Warm your knife under hot water, dry it, then slice—this gives cleaner edges and keeps your layers intact.
- Flavor Boost: Swap half the water in the cake mix for coconut milk for an extra island vibe.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This cake actually improves with time. Bake and assemble a day ahead and let flavors mingle overnight
Hawaiian Cake
Recipe Variations
- Mango Tango: Substitute crushed pineapple with an equal amount of diced, ripe mango for a tropical twist.
- Chocolate Coconut Dream: Mix ⅓ cup cocoa powder into the cake batter and add chocolate chips to the pudding layer.
- Berry Bliss: Layer in fresh raspberries or strawberries between the cake and pudding for a burst of berry brightness.
- Almond Joy: Swap coconut extract for almond extract and sprinkle chopped almonds along with the toasted coconut.
- Pina Colada Cocktail Cake: Soak cake layers with a simple syrup made of ¼ cup rum and ¼ cup pineapple juice before adding the pudding.
- Keto-Friendly: Use a sugar-free cake mix, sugar-free pudding mixes, and a sugar substitute for the whipped cream. Swap crushed pineapple for sugar-free preserves.
Hawaiian Cake
Let’s be real: we all deserve a little vacation, and who says you have to leave your kitchen to get one? This Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake is your passport to paradise. It’s the perfect balance of crowd-pleasing ease and gourmet flair. Even if you’ve never baked more than boxed brownies, these instructions are foolproof.
Every component has a purpose: the cake gives a tender, cakey footprint; the pudding-cream cheese mix brings lush tang and stability; the pineapple adds freshness and a touch of acidity; the whipped cream floats on top like a tropical cloud; and that final toasted coconut shower seals the deal with crunch and fragrance.
Recipe hacks? We’ve got plenty: layer cake sheets thinner for more tiers, sneak in mango or berry for variety, or keep it classic and watch it disappear faster than you can say “aloha.” Plus, this cake travels well—just keep it chilled and bring along an extra spatula.
Sweet tooth? Check. Desire for something exotic? Check. Craving a dessert that looks as amazing as it tastes? Double check. You’ve just unlocked the secret to a cake that feels like a celebration in every bite. So gather your ingredients, cue your favorite summer playlist, and let’s get baking.
Hawaiian Cake
Whether it’s a backyard barbecue, a birthday bash, or just a Tuesday afternoon, the Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake will elevate any moment into a souvenir-worthy memory. Slice it generous, serve it chilled, and bask in the compliments rolling in.
Now go forth, bake boldly, and remember: life’s too short for boring desserts. Here’s to baring your soul—one epic slice at a time. 🌺🍍🌴
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Isn't it nice to be able to torture our siblings now an again by feeding them something they don't like without them knowing? 🙂 This Hawaiian cake sounds delish!!
This sounds so perfect for the summer. And I love recipes that are so easy with a cake mix!
Man! This is SO GOOD,!
I would probably be pretty iffy about pineapple cake as well, but that looks super good!
Holy cow…this looks awesome…love the way it's layered!!
Pinning it!
Thanks for sharing!
That does look tasty delicious.
YUM!!! I am pinning, this is going to be a keeper.
Thanks for sharing!
Hugs,
Patti
It looks yummy and fattening! My favorite combo.
😉
Ah, what else are sisters for? This cake looks delicious and I for one happen to love pineapple. Thank you for linking at the In and Out of the Kitchen Link Party. Hope to see you again next week.
Oh boy…another recipe to try. That looks delicious. Time to go to store for the ingredients.
mmmh, der kuchen sieht soooo lecker aus!!! alles liebe von angie aus deutschland
Angie, Do you speak English?
This looks delicious! Thanks for sharing!
Sounds yummy!
This sounds so delicious for summer!
Deceptively light and low cal!
ha!
Isn't anything cloudlike free of calories?
That's my theory anyway!
Thanks for a delicious link for the letter L.
I love this idea!
A+
Can I something in the place of the coconut? Cause I can’t have it makes me sick.
yes! You could try nuts
You can also use mandarin oranges spotted across cake, or in a design — lines, circles, one up one down, frames..
My mom used to make this cake it was delicious… She's gone now I'm glad to see it being shared.. Thank you so much.????????????????
Yumm!
Does this make 2 separate cakes or are they layered?
It makes two separate cakes. You want the cake layer to be thinner.
That’s what I was wondering to. Thanks for sharing .
I just made yesterday and I can’t stop eating it. Thank goodness I brought one over to my daughter’s house.
this makes me so happy!
This looks delicious, but at the risk of being a negative Nellie, how do you get 2 – 13×9 cakes out of one boxed cake mix? Is that a typo?
It’s not a typo. You want the cake to be thin, so it ends up making two at once. Win win!
Thank you for getting back so quickly. I’m almost done making it now 🙂
So do you just have two separate cakes or do you stack them?
i also don’t understand the 2 cakes but one box thing… is it supposed to make 2 desserts? I’m supposed to make this tomorrow for my moms husband- help!
The directions say to use 2 pans… so it will be 2 cakes, very thin layers…..notice you are only baking for approx. 15 minutes. Sounds like a good deal to me!
Can you make this in a jelly roll pan?
why not! let me know how it turns out!
This sounds delis and I want to make it but do you put one cake on top of the other and what all goes in between?
So there is a pudding layer then a whipped cream layer then you put cool whip on top of that?
Confused.
This cake is great and it is perfect for summer!!
If you split the cakes at what point do you put the top layer back on?
This looks really good, but why couldn’t you put filling between the layers and stack them? Put half the filling on the first layer, the rest on top of the second layer, then cover all with the whipped cream? It would be nice and thick, but the more the merrier!!
sounds great! Let me know how it turns out!
Ladies, Again this makes 2 cakes. No stacking, no spliting. Two cakes. Just right for large group potluck or leave one home for family. Or give one to the neighbors. Please chill out and just follow the instructions. You can do this. LOL
Can you please tell me if this cake can be made the day before you serve it? I wondered about the whipped cream and pineapple filling making the cake soggy. I want to make this tomorrow.
Thanks so much.
I haven’t made it before and I would afraid of the same thing. maybe if you just don’t add the whipped cream until right before you serve it.
Leave the coconut out and you have what we call “pig licking cake. We also use half of a box cake in a rectangular cake pan for a thin bottom cake layer. The rest of the batter usually goes into cupcakes for the kiddos. Yummy!
that sounds so good!
How does 1 box cake mix make2 cakes in 9 x 13 trays????
they are thinner cakes
First of all your Instructions couldn’t be any clearer. Yes it’s possible to make 2 ..13×9 inch cakes from one cake mix. Just pour half in one 13×9 pan and the other half in the other 13×9 pan. Yes the cakes will be thinner which is what you want it to be for this type of dessert.
This cake looks fabulous! I can’t wait to get to the store to pick up the rest of the ingredients! Thank you for sharing and just right for this Easter holiday!
you’re welcome! thanks for stopping by!
I agree the instructions were very well said. I am going to the store now to make one to try and save one for a few days for my sister in laws birthday ???? yeah this is going to be delicious ???? thank you for the recipe ????
Thank you!!
Can you freeze the cakes?
I agree, directions are very explicit
not sure. I haven’t tried freezing it before. if you do, let me know how it turns out!
Made it. It’s delicious. Certainly gonna make it again
I love hearing that!!
Years ago I used to make something very similar to this, but it went in one 9×13 pan. I think it was a variation of a POKE CAKE, since the crushed pineapple was spooned over the baked cake (including the juice) after poking the top of the cake all over with a fork to create holes. Then it was then frosted with a prepared package of warm, cooked (not instant) pudding, cooled and topped with cool whip and coconut and/or nuts. It was crazy good, super moist and easy. These cakes should come with a warning label! Too darned good.
I totally agree!
I’m making it right now for my Hawaiian-themed party ! Can’t wait to see how it turns out!!
I can’t wait to hear!!
Wondering…Has anyone every tried substituting Coconut pudding for the Vanilla + Coconut Extract?
Can you halve the recipe and just make one cake?
I guess you could, I haven’t tried. Please let me know how it turns out!
This cake is fabulous and was a big hit at my work potluck! I baked it in a half sheet pan for 15 minutes. Will absolutely make again. Thank you!
I’m so glad to hear that!
The cake is very yummy. Next time I will bypass using heavy whipping cream and use Cool Whip to save time and hopefully money.
perfect