Pineapple Dream Cake
Pineapple Dream Cake is a multi-layered cake made with pineapple and coconut, with light and fluffy cream cheese frosting. The cake is beautiful for Easter, with sprinkled coconut on top, creating a “tropical paradise” in every bite.
Oh, I love a moist Easter “dream cake” with a whipped cream cheese frosting. It reminds me of my childhood, as mom would make this cake for spring and summer holidays! Think Easter, Mother’s Day, the first day of summer, and even 4th of July. It is refreshing and a delight for any celebration (hello birthday parties) or a casual get-together.
Or if you love smaller cakes, like cupcakes, give our Pineapple Coconut Cupcakes recipe a try (fun for kids!)
What is a pineapple dream cake?
There reason they call this cake a pineapple dream cake is because of the fruity, buttery, layers of cake, with the fluffy whipped pineppale topping. It’s a pure delight, especially in the spring and summer months.
A traditional “dream cake” is a chocolate chiffon cake with whipped cream frosting. Also, it’s called Dream Cake because it “tastes like a dream,” they say. We can certainly get behind this homemade cake with pineapple and shredded coconut. Yum!
What ingredients do you need to make a Pineapple Dream Cake?
Cake Layers:
- The dream cake layers are made with all-purpose flour, sugar, butter and oil, eggs, plus vanilla and coconut extract.
- Cardamom spice really makes this cake different – a dreamy spice combined with coconut and pineapple!
- Crushed pineapple and coconut milk are often incorporated into the batter for a moist texture.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream cheese frosting is made with butter, powdered sugar, coconut milk, and vanill and coconut extract. It provides a creamy, fluffy frosting that is out of this world! TIP: My mom would add crushed pineapple to the frosting, which is an option if you want to make it more “pineapple flavored.”
Topping:
- We add crushed pineapple for the garnish, but it’s totally optional.
- The cake can is baked in layers and then frosted, but if you’re looking for a pineapple poke cake (made with pudding), that is another 9×13 option.
How do you make a Pineapple Dream Cake?
Making the cake layers:
- Start with two 9-inch round cake pans greased or lined with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the dry ingredients.
- Mix together the butter, oil, and sugar, beating until light and fluffy! Add in the eggs, and both extracts.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients and add in the coconut milk, then gently fold in the crushed pineapple.
- Divide batter into 2 cake pans and bake! Allow the cake to cool before frosting it.
How do you make fluffy cream cheese frosting?
- You make the cream cheese frosting light and fluffy by beating the ingredients. Combine the softened cream cheese and butter in a large bowl, and beat until smooth and creamy.
- Next, add the powdered sugar and mix, then pour in the coconut milk, vanilla extract, and coconut extract and beat some more.
How do you assemble a dream cake?
- After the cake layers have cooled, lay down one of the cake layers on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top, spreading to completely cover the cake.
- Place the second cake layer on top of the frosted cake, and spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides. The cake should be completely covered.
- Sprinkle toasted coconut over the top and sides for a beautiful finish.
- Optiional: Garnish with crushed pineapple (make sure well drained) on top!
Sandy’s tips and substitutions:
- Cardamom is optional, but we love the flavor this spice adds to the cake!
- Try adding rum extract in place of coconut, or crushed macadamia nuts.
- You don’t have to garnish the top – you can just keep the cake simple with frosting only, or coconut only.
- Important tip: Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing to help the frosting set, or you can make ahead and refrigerate overnight.
- Use full-fat coconut milk for the richest flavor.
- Try using pineapple juice instead of coconut milk in the batter for more tropical flavor.
- Optional to add maraschino cherries on top.
- Toast the coconut: Toast the shredded coconut in a dry frying pan over low heat for a few minutes to enhance its nutty flavor.
Serving
Refrigerate the cake for a firmer frosting texture before serving.
Moist pineapple cake at the bottom and fluffy whipped pineapple frosting on top. It’s the perfect summer treat for your next backyard BBQ or party.
Storage tips:
Refrigeration: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake will keep well for up to 5 days.
Freezing: If you need to store the cake for a longer period, wrap each layer of the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place in a freezer-safe container. The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight before bringing it to room temperature.
More pineapple recipes you may want to try:
- Pineapple Poke Cake
- PIneapple Proscuitto Crostini
- Coleslaw with pineapple
- Chicken salad pie with pineapple
Get the Recipe:
Pineapple Dream Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cardamom
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup oil, canola or vegetable
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp coconut extract
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup coconut milk, full fat
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (we use light)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup coconut milk, full fat
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp coconut extract, optional
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut, toasted
- Crushed pineapple, well drained (optional)
Instructions
Make the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the butter, oil, and sugar and beat the mixture until it is light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs to the sugar mixture one at a time, beating in between adding. Add in vanilla and coconut extract and stir well.
- Gradually pour in the dry ingredients and the coconut milk, mixing as you add both.
- Gently fold in the crushed pineapple.
- Divide the batter evenly between the 2 prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool for 10 minutes, then turn upside down and remove and transfer to a wire rack.
Make the Frosting:
- Beat the cream cheese and butter in a large bowl, until smooth and creamy.
- Slowly add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed, until combined.
- Pour in the coconut milk, vanilla extract, and coconut extract and beat until fluffy!
Assemble the Cake:
- On a serving plate, lay down one of the cakes. Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top, spreading to completely cover the cake.
- Place the second cake layer on top of the frosted cake, and spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides. The cake should be completely covered.
- Sprinkle toasted coconut over the top and sides for a beautiful finish.
- Garnish with crushed pineapple (make sure well drained) on top!
- Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing to help the frosting set, or you can make ahead and refrigerate overnight.
Notes
Hello and welcome to my home and table!
I’m Sandy—lover of food, family, cooking, THE BIG BOARD, travel, and bringing people together. Through great recipes and connection around the table, we become better, stronger, and more courageous people. Feasting on Life is real, and every time we do it, we grow a little more. Read more...
This Pineapple Dream Cake is pure nostalgia in the best way! The tropical flavors paired with that creamy frosting look absolutely irresistible—perfect for summer gatherings. I love how the recipe balances simplicity with a touch of elegance (toasted coconut garnish = genius). Would it work with fresh pineapple for extra brightness? Thanks for sharing a dessert that’s sure to become a crowd-pleaser. Already pinned for my next potluck!
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple!