Hawaiian Cake

There’s something magical about creating a dish that evokes warm memories and sunny days, and the Hawaiian Cake does just that. I still remember the first time I tasted this vibrant dessert at my grandmother’s house during one of our summer family gatherings. The moment I took a bite, I was transported to a tropical paradise filled with sweet flavors and comforting textures. The layers of soft cake, rich frosting, and the burst of fruity goodness from the crushed pineapple always left me wanting more. Each slice of this Hawaiian Cake brings back the laughter, stories, and joyful moments shared with loved ones. It’s a delightful reminder of those carefree days, making it the perfect treat for any occasion.

Everything You Need for Hawaiian Cake

When it comes to the ingredients for Hawaiian Cake, each one plays a crucial role in creating the delightful symphony of flavors and textures. You’ll find that the combination of sweet, creamy, and crunchy elements works harmoniously to deliver a tropical escape with every bite. Let’s explore the key players that make this cake truly special.

• 8 ounces butter: Essential for a rich and buttery flavor, the butter lends moisture and tenderness to our cake.
• 5 eggs: Eggs provide structure and stability while also contributing to the cake’s rich texture.
• 2 cups sugar: Sweetness is key in the Hawaiian Cake, and sugar not only sweetens but also helps create a lovely golden crust.
• 1 cup milk: Milk adds moisture and richness, ensuring each bite is creamy and luscious.
• 14 ounces graham cracker crumbs: These crumbs provide a delightful texture and a hint of flavor that complements the tropical elements.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: This leavening agent helps the cake rise, creating a light and airy texture.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Another leavening agent, baking powder works alongside baking soda to ensure perfect rise.
• 3/4 cup chopped pecans: Adding a delightful crunch, pecans also bring a nutty flavor that balances the sweetness of the cake.
• 8 ounces flaked coconut: This ingredient introduces a chewy texture and unmistakable tropical flavor.
• 1 pound confectioners’ sugar: Used in the frosting, it creates a sweet and creamy finish to the cake.
• 20 ounces canned crushed pineapple, well drained: The star of the show, crushed pineapple infuses the cake with moisture and tropical goodness.

Recipe Directions for Hawaiian Cake

Making Hawaiian Cake is an enjoyable journey filled with sweet anticipation. The steps are simple, and I love how each one brings us closer to enjoying this delicious dessert. Let’s dive into the process!

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This step is crucial as it ensures your cake bakes evenly. While the oven warms, prepare your cake pans by greasing them and dusting with flour. This will prevent sticking and make for an easier release once baked.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together 8 ounces butter, 5 eggs, and 2 cups sugar. Blend them until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which is key to a light cake texture. You’ll notice the color turning pale and the volume increasing.

3. Next, add 1 cup milk to the creamed mixture and mix until well combined. The milk adds moisture, making the cake rich and tender. Take a moment to enjoy the creamy aroma that begins to fill your kitchen.

4. In a separate bowl, combine 14 ounces graham cracker crumbs, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon baking powder. This mixture will help bring structure and texture to your cake. Stir them together until evenly mixed.

5. Gradually add the graham cracker mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently to combine. You want to ensure everything is blended without overmixing, which can lead to a dense cake.

6. Now it’s time to fold in 3/4 cup chopped pecans and 8 ounces flaked coconut. These ingredients add delightful texture and flavor, so be gentle when folding them in to maintain the cake’s lightness.

7. Once the batter is well combined, divide it equally among the three prepared pans. Use a spatula to smooth the tops for even baking. This ensures that each layer bakes evenly, leading to a beautiful cake.

8. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know the cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the color; it should be a lovely golden hue.

9. After baking, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important as it prevents sogginess.

10. While the cakes are cooling, you can prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 pound confectioners’ sugar and the well-drained 20 ounces canned crushed pineapple. Beat until well mixed, creating a creamy frosting with a tropical twist.

11. Finally, frost the cooled cake layers generously with your frosting. Stack them atop each other, and don’t forget to add extra frosting on top for a gorgeous finish. Serve the delicious Hawaiian Cake at your next gathering, and watch it disappear!

Recipe Tips about Hawaiian Cake

When making Hawaiian Cake, there are a few tips that can help elevate your baking experience. From storage to serving suggestions, these insights will ensure your cake is a hit!

• Storage: To keep your Hawaiian Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need it to last longer, consider refrigerating it.
• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze the cake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, to preserve its freshness. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
• Pairing: This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
• Serving Size: Cut the cake into generous slices to serve. It’s great for sharing, especially at gatherings.
• Decoration: Consider decorating your Hawaiian Cake with fresh fruit slices or extra coconut flakes for an added tropical touch.

Perfect Matches for Hawaiian Cake

When it comes to serving Hawaiian Cake, there are plenty of delightful options to complement this tropical dessert. Let’s explore some perfect matches!

• Barbecues: This cake makes a fantastic dessert for summer barbecues, bringing a sweet touch to savory grilled dishes.
• Picnics: Pack a slice for your next picnic. Its tropical flavors are refreshing on warm days.
• Beach Parties: Celebrate summer at the beach with this refreshing cake as a sweet ending to a day of fun in the sun.
• Family Gatherings: Whether it’s a birthday or holiday celebration, Hawaiian Cake is sure to be a favorite at any family event.
• Seasonal Occasions: Consider making this cake for special occasions like graduations or summer weddings for a memorable treat.
• Storage Tips: Don’t forget to save any leftovers in an airtight container to enjoy later!

FAQ

Conclusion

The Hawaiian Cake is a true celebration of tropical flavors that can bring joy to any occasion. Its combination of sweet coconut and juicy pineapple, layered with rich frosting, creates a dessert that’s hard to resist. I encourage you to try making it for your next family gathering or summer barbecue. You’ll not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also create delightful memories with friends and loved ones around the table.

Hawaiian Cake

The ultimate tropical dessert, Hawaiian Cake is a delightful blend of sweet coconut, juicy pineapple, and rich frosting. Perfect for summer gatherings, this easy-to-make cake will be the star of your next occasion. Why wait? Treat yourself and your loved ones tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: Hawaiian

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8 ounces Butter
• 5 eggs Eggs
• 2 cups Sugar
• 1 cup Milk
• 14 ounces Graham cracker crumbs
• 1 teaspoon Baking soda
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder
• 3/4 cup Chopped pecans
• 8 ounces Flaked coconut
• 1 pound Confectioners’ sugar
• 20 ounces Canned crushed pineapple, well drained

Equipment

• Frying pan
• Wooden Spoon
• Oven
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet

Method

 

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This step is crucial as it ensures your cake bakes evenly. While the oven warms, prepare your cake pans by greasing them and dusting with flour. This will prevent sticking and make for an easier release once baked.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together 8 ounces butter, 5 eggs, and 2 cups sugar. Blend them until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which is key to a light cake texture. You'll notice the color turning pale and the volume increasing.
3. Next, add 1 cup milk to the creamed mixture and mix until well combined. The milk adds moisture, making the cake rich and tender. Take a moment to enjoy the creamy aroma that begins to fill your kitchen.
4. In a separate bowl, combine 14 ounces graham cracker crumbs, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon baking powder. This mixture will help bring structure and texture to your cake. Stir them together until evenly mixed.
5. Gradually add the graham cracker mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently to combine. You want to ensure everything is blended without overmixing, which can lead to a dense cake.
6. Now it’s time to fold in 3/4 cup chopped pecans and 8 ounces flaked coconut. These ingredients add delightful texture and flavor, so be gentle when folding them in to maintain the cake’s lightness.
7. Once the batter is well combined, divide it equally among the three prepared pans. Use a spatula to smooth the tops for even baking. This ensures that each layer bakes evenly, leading to a beautiful cake.
8. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know the cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the color; it should be a lovely golden hue.
9. After baking, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important as it prevents sogginess.
10. While the cakes are cooling, you can prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 pound confectioners’ sugar and the well-drained 20 ounces canned crushed pineapple. Beat until well mixed, creating a creamy frosting with a tropical twist.
11. Finally, frost the cooled cake layers generously with your frosting. Stack them atop each other, and don’t forget to add extra frosting on top for a gorgeous finish. Serve the delicious Hawaiian Cake at your next gathering, and watch it disappear!

Notes

To keep your Hawaiian Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need it to last longer, consider refrigerating it.

Yes, you can freeze the cake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, to preserve its freshness. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Cut the cake into generous slices to serve. It’s great for sharing, especially at gatherings.

Consider decorating your Hawaiian Cake with fresh fruit slices or extra coconut flakes for an added tropical touch.

Previous PostAir Fryer Strawberry Cheesecake Chimichangas

Next Post Vegan Avocado Spinach Smoothie

Meet Paige Wilson

I’m our photographer and stylist, so it’s my job to make our food look as sunny and delicious as it tastes. I’m obsessed with finding that perfect light. When I’m not behind the lens, I’m in the kitchen as the official “chief taster.” I work closely with Hailey and Brooke to cook, test, and refine the flavors for every single recipe until it’s just right.