
Tropical Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake – So Good, Even the Picky Eaters Ask for Seconds
First, I have to share this little story… My mother-in-law doesn’t have much of an appetite anymore — she’s the type to politely nibble at a corner of dessert. But when I served her this Tropical Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake, she finished her slice… and then quietly asked for another. I nearly fell over!
This cake is sunshine on a plate — moist, fruity, and soft with a cloud of coconut-kissed frosting on top. Each forkful tastes like a mini getaway to a breezy tropical island. It’s elegant enough for celebrations but easy enough for a weekday treat.
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Why You’ll Love This Cake
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Irresistibly moist thanks to crushed pineapple baked right into the batter.
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Tropical flavors that feel like a vacation in every bite.
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Foolproof recipe — uses a cake mix as the base for speed and reliability.
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Perfect for any occasion — birthdays, potlucks, Easter, or “just because.”
What It Tastes Like
The base is tender and buttery with juicy pineapple in every bite, while the frosting is fluffy, creamy, and scented with vanilla and coconut. Toasted coconut on top adds just the right amount of crunch — the kind that makes you close your eyes and say “Mmm.”
Benefits of This Recipe
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Only a handful of ingredients.
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Uses pantry staples with fresh flavor.
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Can be made ahead and kept chilled until serving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
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1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or white cake mix
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1 small box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
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1 cup water
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½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
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4 large eggs
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1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple (with juice)
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1 tsp coconut extract (optional but highly recommended)
For the Creamy Frosting:
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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16 oz powdered sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1–2 tbsp heavy cream (or milk)
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1 tsp coconut extract (optional)
Topping Ideas:
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1 cup shredded coconut (toasted for extra flavor)
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Extra spoonfuls of crushed pineapple for garnish (optional)
Tools You’ll Need
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9×13-inch baking dish or two 8-inch round pans
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Mixing bowls
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Hand mixer or stand mixer
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Cooling rack
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Offset spatula for frosting
Ingredient Swaps & Add-Ins
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Swap yellow cake mix for lemon cake mix for a citrus twist.
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Use almond extract instead of coconut for a nutty flavor profile.
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Add a layer of pineapple preserves between cake and frosting for extra fruitiness.