Pineapple Delight Coconut Cake
A luscious pineapple coconut cake featuring moist yellow cake layered with pineapple, vanilla pudding, and topped with Cool Whip and coconut flakes—perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bake the yellow cake as directed on the package and place it in a 9 x 13 x 2-inch pan.
- Heat the sugar and crushed pineapple together until combined.
- Once the cake is baked, punch holes into the cake with the end of a wooden spoon.
- Pour the hot sugar and pineapple mixture evenly over the cake.
- Prepare the vanilla pudding as directed on the package and pour it over the cake.
- Let the cake cool in the refrigerator.
- Spread Cool Whip over the cooled cake.
- Top with shredded coconut flakes.
- Refrigerate overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using a sugar substitute in place of regular sugar and opting for fat-free Cool Whip. If you prefer a more tropical flavor, add shredded coconut to the cake batter or swap the vanilla pudding for coconut-flavored pudding. Be sure to let the sugar and pineapple mixture cool slightly before pouring it over the cake to prevent it from sinking.
Serving Suggestions
This Pineapple Delight Coconut Cake is perfect for summer gatherings or potlucks. Serve it chilled for a refreshing dessert, and consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a slice of fresh fruit. It also pairs beautifully with Pam'S Cole Slaw for a delightful contrast of flavors at outdoor barbecues.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The cake can also be frozen, but it's best to freeze it before adding the Cool Whip and coconut topping. When ready to serve, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before preparing the topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pineapple Delight Coconut Cake contains roughly 258 calories, with 3g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (18% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make this cake gluten-free, substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Be sure to check the pudding mix as well, as some varieties contain gluten. This way, you can enjoy a gluten-free version of this delicious dessert.
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).