Hawaiian Wedding Cake Recipe

Home » Hawaiian Wedding Cake Recipe

Have you ever tasted a dessert that instantly transports you to a tropical paradise? Well, get ready for this Hawaiian Wedding Cake! Imagine the sweet, rich flavors of coconut and pineapple combining with a moist cake and a touch of creamy frosting. It’s not just a dessert, it’s an experience that’ll have you dreaming of sandy beaches with every bite.

Trust me, you’re going to love this one. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a laid-back get-together, or just because you deserve a treat, this cake is sure to impress. It’s easy, incredibly delicious, and definitely one of those recipes you’ll want to keep in your back pocket. Get ready to wow everyone—your taste buds included!

Why You’ll Love Hawaiian Wedding Cake

This recipe is all about bringing those tropical vacation vibes to your kitchen. Here’s why it’s such a hit:

Versatile:

It’s perfect for nearly any occasion—weddings, birthdays, or just a Sunday afternoon treat. You can even serve it at a family dinner, and I guarantee everyone will ask for seconds!

Budget-Friendly:

You don’t need fancy ingredients or expensive extras to make this cake. It uses simple pantry staples, and yet the result is so indulgent and special.

Quick and Easy:

Even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen, this cake is a breeze to make. It’s got a few easy steps, so you can focus more on enjoying the process than stressing over it.

Customizable:

Want a little twist on the original? You can easily add some extra flavors like a splash of rum for an adult version or top it with toasted coconut for a bit of crunch. Totally your call.

Crowd-Pleasing:

It’s one of those cakes that appeals to everyone, whether they’re cake connoisseurs or someone who just loves a sweet bite. Kids, adults, everyone will be asking for the recipe.

Ingredients

Let’s break down the simple ingredients that make this cake a showstopper. Don’t worry; you probably already have most of them in your pantry:

  • Cake Mix: This is the base, but trust me, you can still make it feel homemade with a few extra touches!
  • Coconut: Unsweetened shredded coconut adds a rich tropical flavor.
  • Crushed Pineapple: The moisture and sweet taste that makes this cake so irresistible.
  • Eggs: To bind everything together and keep it moist.
  • Vegetable Oil: For that perfectly tender texture.
  • Butter: We’ll use this in the frosting to make it extra creamy and smooth.
  • Powdered Sugar: To sweeten the frosting just right.
  • Vanilla Extract: For an added depth of flavor that balances the sweetness.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking!

Preheat Your Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly and comes out soft and golden.

Mix the Cake Batter:

In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, shredded coconut, crushed pineapple (with the juice!), eggs, and vegetable oil. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. You’ll immediately notice the tropical scents filling your kitchen—it’s like you’ve stepped into a beachside bakery!

Pour Into Baking Pan:

Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and pour in the cake batter. Spread it out evenly with a spatula. It’ll look a little lumpy from the pineapple, but trust me, that’s what gives it the perfect texture.

Bake:

Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing. Once done, let it cool for about 10 minutes.

Prepare the Frosting:

While your cake cools, make the frosting. In a bowl, beat together the butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and creamy. It should spread easily over the cake without being too stiff.

Frost the Cake:

Once the cake has cooled, frost it generously with the creamy vanilla frosting. Don’t be shy—this frosting is what takes the cake from great to extraordinary!

Finishing Touch:

For a little extra flair, sprinkle some additional shredded coconut on top of the frosting. It’s optional but adds a lovely texture and extra tropical charm.

Serve and Enjoy:

Slice it up and serve! You’ll be amazed at how quickly it disappears. Whether you serve it with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of lemonade, it’s always a hit.

How to Serve Hawaiian Wedding Cake

This cake is delicious enough to stand alone, but if you want to elevate the experience, here are a few ideas:

  • Tropical Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad with mango, kiwi, and berries will complement the cake’s rich flavors.
  • Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top adds an extra creamy touch.
  • Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cake.

Additional Tips

  • Make-Ahead: This cake is actually even better the next day, once the flavors have had time to settle. Make it a day ahead and enjoy the extra time you saved!
  • Customize the Toppings: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce or even a few maraschino cherries for a little added fun.
  • Dietary Adjustments: If you’re trying to make it dairy-free, you can swap the butter and frosting with coconut milk-based alternatives.
  • Storage: Keep leftovers covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute fresh pineapple for the canned version?
A1: Yes, fresh pineapple works, but make sure to finely chop it and drain any excess juice to keep the cake from becoming too soggy.

Q2: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! This cake actually tastes even better the next day, so go ahead and bake it the day before your event or gathering.

Q3: How should I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, you can refrigerate it, but it’s best enjoyed at room temperature.

Q4: Can I freeze this cake?
A4: Yep! You can freeze the cake (without frosting) for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and thaw it before frosting.

Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Yes, just make sure you have a bigger baking dish and be mindful of the baking time. It might take a few more minutes, but you’ll be ready to feed a crowd!

Q6: Can I use a different frosting flavor?
A6: Sure! Feel free to experiment with cream cheese frosting or even a coconut-based frosting for an extra tropical touch.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking to create a cake for a celebration or simply indulging in a little sweet comfort, this Hawaiian Wedding Cake is the recipe you’ll want to keep close. It’s light, fluffy, and packed with tropical flavor, all while being ridiculously easy to make. Trust me, it’s one of those desserts that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Get baking, and get ready to enjoy the sweet bliss of this tropical delight!

Print

Hawaiian Wedding Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This delightful Hawaiian Wedding Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Made with crushed pineapple, a creamy cream cheese frosting, and an optional garnish of coconut, it’s a tropical treat everyone will love.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50-55 minutes
  • Yield: 1216 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert, Cake
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian, Tropical
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
    1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
    2. 2 cups granulated sugar
    3. 2 large eggs
    4. 1 teaspoon baking soda
    5. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    6. Pinch of salt
    7. 1 (20-ounce) can of crushed pineapple (undrained, in its own juice, not syrup)
    8. 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

    1. 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
    2. 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
    3. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    4. 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
    5. Coconut for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  • Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, eggs, baking soda, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Add the undrained crushed pineapple to the mixture. Stir until all ingredients are well combined. If desired, fold in the chopped nuts.
  • Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: While the cake is baking, make the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until creamy. Gradually mix in the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
  • Frost the Cake: Once the cake has cooled slightly but is still warm, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Garnish with shredded coconut and additional chopped nuts if desired.
  • Cool and Serve: Allow the frosting to set before cutting the cake into squares. Enjoy while still warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • For an extra tropical touch, you can add shredded coconut to the batter.
  • This cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • If you prefer, you can top with more coconut or chopped nuts for extra texture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 40g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 47g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star