Kentucky Wonder Cake

Cook: 60 min Cuisine: American

A moist, flavorful cake featuring coconut, pineapple, and nuts, perfect for gatherings or special occasions with a tropical twist and rich, sweet taste.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 c. self-rising flour
  • 2 c. sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 1/2 c. cooking oil
  • 2 c. coconut
  • 1 small can crushed pineapple (undrained)
  • 1 c. nuts
  • 1 tsp. coconut flavoring

Instructions

  1. Combine and mix all ingredients in a large bowl.
  2. Pour the batter into a greased Bundt, tube, or flat pan.
  3. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for at least 1 hour until cooked through.
  4. Remove from oven and let cool before topping with glaze.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, separate the eggs and beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form before folding them in at the end. You can substitute the oil with applesauce for a healthier version, which also adds moisture. If you don't have coconut flavoring, vanilla extract works well too. Ensure the pineapple is well-drained if you prefer a less moist cake.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Kentucky Wonder Cake with a light glaze or whipped cream to enhance its flavors. It pairs beautifully with Pat'S Five Cup Fruit Salad for a refreshing contrast. This cake is perfect for gatherings, coffee breaks, or as a delightful dessert alongside a cup of tea or coffee.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Kentucky Wonder Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, slice the cake and warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or enjoy it cold.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Kentucky Wonder Cake contains roughly 2204 calories, with 28g protein, 249g carbohydrates, and 127g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value), iron (59% of the Daily Value), and protein (55% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 15g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

2204 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 27.6g 55% DV
Total Fat 126.9g 100% DV
Carbs 249.5g 91% DV
Fiber 15.3g 54% DV
Sugar 4.1g 8% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 365.1mg 16% DV
Potassium 1539.8mg 33% DV
Cholesterol 309.6mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 76.4mcg 8% DV
Vitamin C 57mg 63% DV
Calcium 346.9mg 27% DV
Iron 10.6mg 59% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but make sure to finely chop it and possibly drain excess juice to keep the cake from becoming too wet. Fresh pineapple will give a brighter flavor and a different texture compared to canned.

What type of nuts work best in this recipe?

Chopped walnuts or pecans are great choices for this cake, adding a nice crunch. You can also try macadamia nuts for a tropical twist that complements the coconut and pineapple flavors beautifully.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake actually tastes better after a day or two as the flavors meld together. You can bake it in advance and store it in an airtight container until ready to serve. Just add the glaze right before serving for best results.

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →