Hawaiian Wedding Cake

Prep: 30 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Hawaiian Wedding Cake is a tropical-inspired layered dessert featuring a moist yellow cake base topped with creamy vanilla pudding, crushed pineapple, whipped topping, and toasted coconut. Its sweet, fruity flavors and light texture make it perfect for celebrations or a refreshing summer treat.

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Ingredients

  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese
  • 1 large box instant vanilla pudding
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 large cans crushed pineapple, drained
  • 2 packages Dream Whip
  • 1 package Angel Flake coconut

Instructions

  1. Mix the yellow cake mix according to the instructions on the box.
  2. Bake the cake in a 12 x 18-inch or 11 x 15-inch pan.
  3. Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the remaining toppings.
  4. Spread the drained crushed pineapple evenly over the cooled cake.
  5. Prepare the instant vanilla pudding with 2 cups of milk as directed and spread over the pineapple layer.
  6. Whip the Dream Whip until stiff peaks form and spread over the pudding layer.
  7. Sprinkle the Angel Flake coconut on top of the whipped Dream Whip.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor of your Hawaiian Wedding Cake, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt. Additionally, using fresh pineapple instead of canned can elevate the taste, giving a fresher tropical essence. Ensure the cake is completely cooled before adding toppings to prevent sogginess.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Hawaiian Wedding Cake chilled for a refreshing dessert, especially during warmer months. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a tropical-themed meal, consider serving alongside a fruit salad or a light, refreshing drink like a piña colada. This cake is perfect for celebrations and complements dishes like Irene's Corn Bread.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Hawaiian Wedding Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To maintain its texture, avoid leaving it at room temperature for extended periods. This cake does not freeze well due to the cream layers, so it's best enjoyed fresh. If you do freeze it, consider freezing the cake without the toppings.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Hawaiian Wedding Cake contains roughly 277 calories, with 4g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of iron (16% of the Daily Value), calcium (15% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (11% of the Daily Value).

277 kcal 14% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4g 8% DV
Total Fat 7.7g 10% DV
Carbs 48.2g 18% DV
Fiber 0.5g 2% DV
Sugar 20.1g 40% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 264.8mg 12% DV
Potassium 141.5mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 10.7mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 102.7mcg 11% DV
Vitamin C 7.5mg 8% DV
Vitamin D 0.7mcg 4% DV
Calcium 198.5mg 15% DV
Iron 2.8mg 16% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can make the cake a day ahead. Bake and cool it, then store it covered at room temperature. Prepare the layers just before serving to keep the texture fresh. The pineapple and pudding can be added right before serving to avoid sogginess, ensuring the cake remains light and fluffy.

What can I use instead of Dream Whip?

If you can't find Dream Whip, you can substitute with homemade whipped cream. Simply whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This will give you a similar light and fluffy texture, perfect for topping your Hawaiian Wedding Cake.

Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this Hawaiian Wedding Cake is suitable for vegetarians as it does not contain any meat or meat by-products. However, ensure that the cake mix and pudding you use do not contain any gelatin or animal-derived ingredients, as some brands may include these.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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