Description
This Coconut Cake with Pineapple Filling is a tropical-inspired dessert featuring a moist coconut-infused cake layered with a sweet and tangy pineapple filling, topped with a light pineapple buttercream frosting and garnished with shredded coconut. Perfect for gatherings and special occasions, it balances rich buttery flavors with refreshing pineapple goodness.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups (210g / 7.4 oz.) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened fine shredded / desiccated coconut
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 125 g unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup superfine sugar / caster sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil or vegetable oil
- 8 oz. (226g) canned crushed pineapple, drained (reserve the juice)
- 2 Tbsp reserved pineapple juice
Pineapple Filling Ingredients
- 8 oz. (226g) canned crushed pineapple in juice (do not drain)
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
Buttercream Frosting Ingredients
- 200 g unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 3/4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 Tbsp pineapple juice (reserved from the cake’s canned pineapple)
Decoration
- 3/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
- Prepare the Pineapple: Drain one can of crushed pineapple using a fine-mesh sieve. Press gently to remove as much juice as possible, reserving the juice for later use. Aim for about 3/4 to 1 cup of drained pineapple for the cake.
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 356ºF (180ºC) fan-forced. Grease an 8-inch round baking pan with butter and line the base with parchment paper. Grease the sides and dust lightly with flour to ensure easy removal of the cake.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, shredded coconut, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with superfine sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is pale and creamy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- Add Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, mixing for 15 seconds after each addition, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the whole milk and extra virgin olive oil, beating briefly for 20 seconds until combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix just until incorporated. Avoid over-beating; if any unincorporated flour remains, gently fold it in using a rubber spatula.
- Fold in Pineapple: Carefully fold in the drained crushed pineapple and 2 tablespoons of the reserved pineapple juice to the batter.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35-38 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs. The top should spring back gently when pressed.
- Cool Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make Pineapple Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the second can of crushed pineapple (with juice), granulated sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat until boiling, then continue boiling for 2 minutes while stirring constantly. Remove from heat and refrigerate to chill and thicken.
- Prepare Buttercream Frosting: Beat the softened butter for 2 minutes until pale and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar in batches, beating well after each addition. Add 3 tablespoons of reserved pineapple juice and beat on medium-high for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Assemble Cake: Slice the cooled cake horizontally into two even layers using a serrated knife.
- Apply Buttercream Base Layer: Place the bottom cake layer on a serving plate and spread about 1/4 cup of buttercream frosting evenly over it.
- Add Pineapple Filling: Spread the chilled pineapple filling evenly over the buttercream layer, leaving a slight margin at the edges to prevent oozing.
- Top Layer: Place the top cake layer gently over the filling, aligning it carefully.
- Frost the Cake: Cover the entire cake with the remaining buttercream frosting, smoothing out the top and sides thoroughly.
- Decorate: Sprinkle unsweetened shredded coconut over the frosting, pressing it lightly into the sides and top to adhere well.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 20 minutes to set the filling and frosting, making slicing cleaner and easier.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake into servings and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure all refrigerated ingredients like eggs, milk, and butter are at room temperature to achieve better mixing and texture.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding flour to keep the cake tender.
- Use a serrated knife to slice the cake horizontally to avoid crumbling.
- Reserve pineapple juice carefully as it is used both in the cake batter and frosting for enhanced flavor.
- Allow the cake to chill before slicing for cleaner cuts and improved taste.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 38 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American