The Pineapple Coconut God Bless America Cake is a festive, tropical-inspired dessert perfect for patriotic holidays or family gatherings. This moist and flavorful cake combines the sweet tang of pineapple with the creamy richness of coconut, creating a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Decorated with red, white, and blue toppings, it’s a show-stopping centerpiece for any celebration.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A moist and fruity cake that’s full of tropical flavors.
- Easy to make and perfect for patriotic-themed events.
- Versatile and customizable with various toppings.
- Crowd-pleasing dessert that doubles as a stunning centerpiece.
- Combines the sweetness of pineapple and coconut for a refreshing twist.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cake
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Crushed pineapple (with juice)
- Sweetened shredded coconut
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil
For the Frosting
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Unsalted butter (softened)
- Powdered sugar
- Coconut extract (optional)
- Sweetened shredded coconut (for garnish)
For the Decoration
- Fresh strawberries (sliced)
- Fresh blueberries
- Sweetened shredded coconut (tinted blue, if desired)
Directions
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the crushed pineapple (with juice), shredded coconut, eggs, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil. Mix until well combined. - Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely. - Make the Frosting:
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until creamy. Add coconut extract, if using. - Frost the Cake:
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Sprinkle sweetened shredded coconut over the top for extra texture and flavor. - Decorate:
Arrange sliced strawberries and blueberries in a flag pattern or another patriotic design. Optionally, tint some shredded coconut with blue food coloring and use it as part of the decoration. - Serve:
Slice and serve the cake chilled or at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12–16 slices
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Cooling Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Variations
- Sheet Cake: Bake the cake in a larger sheet pan for thinner layers, adjusting the baking time accordingly.
- Layer Cake: Divide the batter between two round cake pans for a layered version.
- Pina Colada Flavor: Add a splash of rum extract or pineapple juice to the frosting for a tropical twist.
- Nutty Texture: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for added crunch.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free cream cheese substitute for the frosting.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Cover the cake tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.
- Serving: Serve chilled for a refreshing treat, or let it come to room temperature for a softer texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, finely chop fresh pineapple and use its juice for a natural flavor.
2. How do I tint shredded coconut?
Place coconut in a resealable bag, add a drop or two of food coloring, and shake until evenly colored.
3. Can I use unsweetened coconut?
Yes, but the cake will be less sweet. Adjust the sugar if needed.
4. What’s the best way to frost the cake smoothly?
Use an offset spatula and warm it slightly by running it under hot water for a seamless finish.
5. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
6. Is this cake suitable for kids?
Yes, it’s a family-friendly dessert with no alcohol or strong flavors.
7. Can I use a different fruit for decoration?
Absolutely! Raspberries or blackberries work well as alternatives.
8. How do I keep the cake moist?
Do not overbake, and store it covered to retain moisture.
9. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, bake the cake and prepare the frosting a day ahead. Assemble and decorate just before serving.
10. What can I serve with this cake?
Pair it with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
Conclusion
The Pineapple Coconut God Bless America Cake is a delightful, patriotic dessert that’s perfect for summer celebrations. Its moist and tropical flavors, combined with festive decorations, make it a show-stopping addition to any table. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, this cake will have everyone coming back for seconds!
PrintPineapple Coconut God Bless America Cake
This festive Pineapple Coconut “God Bless America” Cake is a deliciously moist and tropical dessert perfect for patriotic celebrations. Featuring the bright flavors of pineapple and coconut, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, and decorated in red, white, and blue, it’s as beautiful as it is tasty!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup canned crushed pineapple (drained, reserve juice)
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons pineapple juice (reserved from the cake)
For Decoration:
- Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
- Additional shredded coconut (optional)
Instructions
Make the Cake:
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream the butter and sugar:
- In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add the eggs and vanilla:
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate the wet and dry ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the coconut milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Add pineapple and coconut:
- Gently fold in the crushed pineapple and shredded coconut.
- Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan.
Make the Frosting:
8. Cream the butter and cream cheese:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and flavoring:
- Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, followed by the vanilla extract and pineapple juice. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Assemble and Decorate:
10. Frost the cake:
– Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
- Add patriotic decorations:
- Create an American flag pattern by using blueberries for the stars and sliced strawberries or raspberries for the red stripes. Use the white frosting or sprinkle shredded coconut for the white stripes.
- Serve:
- Chill the cake for 20–30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Storage: Keep the cake refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
- Make it ahead: You can bake the cake a day in advance and frost it the day of serving.
- Decorating options: If you prefer, use food-safe star stencils and sprinkle shredded coconut or colored sugar over the cake for a different patriotic design.