Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, well drained (reserve juice)
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ½ cup butter, softened (or oil, or dairy-free alternative)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 3 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan option)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Ingredients
- Red and blue sprinkles for decoration
- Cream cheese frosting or coconut/vanilla buttercream frosting
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and let the butter come to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) for baking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and shredded coconut to ensure even distribution.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy to incorporate air for a tender cake texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time followed by the vanilla extract, emulsifying the mixture for an even rise.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the crushed pineapple (including juice), stirring gently until just combined to keep the cake tender.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased and floured cake pan and bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Frost: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting with your choice of coconut, vanilla, or cream cheese frosting. Add red and blue sprinkles for a festive touch if desired.
Notes
- Drain pineapple well to prevent excess moisture and sogginess but include the juice for sweetness.
- Use fresh shredded coconut for best flavor, though packaged coconut works well too.
- Do not overmix the batter to maintain a light, fluffy texture.
- Use room temperature ingredients to help everything blend smoothly and trap air.
- Use the toothpick test to check doneness: a clean toothpick means the cake is perfectly baked.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with flour substitution)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10th of cake)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: pineapple cake, coconut cake, patriotic cake, tropical dessert, gluten free cake, dairy free option, summer cake, American celebration cake