Okay, picture this: a luscious pineapple-coconut creation that feels like a tropical getaway in every bite. Trust me, this recipe is like sunshine on a plate! Whether you’re celebrating summer, a holiday, or just feel like treating yourself, this one’s got your back. Sweet pineapple, creamy coconut, and a hint of that “wow, what is that amazing flavor?” make this dish a total game-changer. So, grab your apron (or your fanciest kitchen towel) because, friend, you’re about to make something unforgettable!
Why You’ll Love Tropical Pineapple-Coconut Dream Delight
This recipe is like a little celebration in a dish! Here’s why you’ll adore it:
Versatile: It works as a breakfast treat, dessert, or even a cheeky midday snack. You decide!
Easy Ingredients: You probably already have most of these tropical stars in your pantry. No grocery store sprints required.
Quick to Make: Got 20 minutes? That’s all you need for this masterpiece.
Customizable: Amp it up with nuts, a drizzle of caramel, or a sprinkle of shredded coconut for extra flair.
Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone from your picky cousin to your foodie friend will fall in love with this recipe.

Ingredients
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
What You’ll Need
Pineapple Chunks: Sweet, juicy, and the ultimate base for this tropical wonder.
Coconut Milk: Creamy goodness that adds a luscious texture and subtle sweetness.
Shredded Coconut: A sprinkle of tropical magic to tie it all together.
Vanilla Extract: Just a hint for that irresistible aromatic touch.
Sugar or Sweetener of Choice: Adjust to your taste for the perfect level of sweetness.
Cornstarch: To thicken things up to dreamy perfection.
Instructions
Let’s make this tropical delight together, step by step:
Step 1: Prep Your Pineapple
In a blender, add your pineapple chunks and blend until smooth. This creates the vibrant, sunny base of the dish.
Step 2: Combine Your Ingredients
Pour the pineapple puree into a medium saucepan. Add coconut milk, shredded coconut, vanilla extract, and sugar. Stir everything together, letting the ingredients mingle into tropical harmony.
Step 3: Thicken the Magic
Dissolve cornstarch in a small bowl with a splash of water to create a slurry. Add this to the saucepan and stir over medium heat until the mixture thickens. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of your spoon like silky custard.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Transfer the mixture to a serving dish or individual cups. Let it cool in the refrigerator for at least an hour to set the flavors.
Step 5: Garnish and Indulge
Sprinkle a little extra shredded coconut on top, maybe a pineapple wedge for pizzazz, and dig in!
How to Serve Tropical Pineapple-Coconut Dream Delight
On its Own: Honestly, this dish doesn’t need much else—it’s perfect as is.
With Fresh Fruit: Add a medley of berries or tropical fruits for extra color and flavor.
Over Pancakes or Waffles: Yep, drizzle this over your breakfast for an instant upgrade.
Paired with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or mango ice cream alongside makes it heavenly.
Additional Tips
- Prep Ahead: Blend the pineapple and prep the ingredients in advance for easy assembly.
- Storage: Keep it in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container.
- Make It Vegan: Use a plant-based sweetener to keep this dessert entirely vegan.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use canned pineapple?
Absolutely! Just make sure to drain it well before blending.
Q2: Can I use coconut cream instead of coconut milk?
Yes, but it’ll be extra rich and creamy—perfect for a decadent dessert!
Q3: Can I skip the cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as a substitute.
Q4: Can I make this ahead of time?
Totally. Make it the night before and store it in the fridge—it actually tastes better the next day!
Q5: What’s the best way to serve this at a party?
Serve it in mini dessert glasses with a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top for a fancy touch.
Q6: Can I freeze this dish?
Not ideal—freezing may affect the creamy texture, but it’s doable if needed.
Q7: Can I make it sugar-free?
Yes! Swap out the sugar for your favorite sweetener alternative.
Q8: Can I add other fruits?
Definitely! Mango or passion fruit would complement the pineapple beautifully.
Q9: Is this kid-friendly?
Kids love it! The natural sweetness and creamy texture are always a hit.
Q10: What cookware works best for this recipe?
A non-stick saucepan ensures smooth cooking without sticking.
Conclusion
Tropical Pineapple-Coconut Dream Delight is one of those recipes you’ll come back to over and over again. It’s easy, delicious, and brings a little tropical sunshine to your table no matter the season. Trust me, you’re going to love this!
PrintTropical Pineapple-Coconut Dream Delight
Celebrate any occasion with this moist and tropical delight! This Pineapple Coconut Cake is packed with juicy pineapple, shredded coconut, and crunchy pecans, all topped with a luscious buttery icing. Perfect for holidays, BBQs, or potlucks!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
-
For the Cake:
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple (with juice)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup oil (vegetable or canola)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (lightly packed)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Icing:
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
Make the Cake:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed pineapple (with juice), eggs, oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined—do not overmix.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Make the Icing:
- Boil Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the evaporated milk, butter, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Finish the Icing: Remove from heat and stir in the shredded coconut, chopped pecans, vanilla extract, and salt.
Assemble:
- While the cake is still hot, pour the warm icing evenly over the top, spreading it gently to cover every corner.
- Let the cake cool completely in the dish before slicing. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Toasting the pecans before adding them to the icing enhances their flavor.
- For a lighter texture, you can substitute half the all-purpose flour with cake flour.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 40 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 57 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg