Pineapple Coconut Pound Cake

Pineapple Coconut Pound Cake is a delightful treat that brings the tropics to your kitchen. This moist and flavorful cake combines the sweetness of pineapple with the rich creaminess of coconut, making it perfect for celebrations, brunches, or simply to enjoy with a cup of coffee. Its unique flavors and tender crumb make it a standout dessert that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, this cake comes together quickly.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of pineapple and coconut creates an irresistible tropical flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Occasion: Suitable for birthdays, holidays, or any casual gathering, this cake is sure to impress guests.
• Moist Texture: Thanks to the crushed pineapple and cream cheese, every slice is incredibly moist and tender.
• Customizable Toppings: Enhance with an optional coconut glaze and extra shredded coconut for added flair.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Pineapple Coconut Pound Cake, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Bundt pan or loaf pans
• Wire rack for cooling

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar easier, ensuring a fluffy batter.
• Mixing bowls: Help keep ingredients organized while mixing dry and wet components separately.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for folding in ingredients gently without deflating the batter.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 (8 oz / 226g) block cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups (500g) granulated sugar
• 6 large eggs, room temp
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp coconut extract (optional, but enhances flavor)
• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup (240ml) crushed pineapple, well-drained
• 1 cup (60g) sweetened shredded coconut

Optional Coconut Glaze:

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp coconut milk or regular milk
• 1 tsp vanilla or coconut extract
• Extra shredded coconut for garnish

How to Make Pineapple Coconut Pound Cake

Step 1: Prep Oven & Pan

1. Preheat oven to 325F (163C).
2. Grease and flour a bundt pan or two loaf pans thoroughly.

Step 2: Cream Butter & Cream Cheese

1. In a large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
2. Gradually add sugar while mixing; continue beating for another 3-5 minutes until light.

Step 3: Add Eggs & Extracts

1. Add eggs one at a time into the mixture.
2. Mix well after each addition.
3. Stir in both vanilla extract and coconut extract if using.

Step 4: Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until combined.

Step 5: Combine

1. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet batter until just combined.
2. Fold in the well-drained crushed pineapple and sweetened shredded coconut gently.

Step 6: Bake

1. Pour batter into the prepared pan(s) and smooth out the top evenly.
2. Bake for 80-90 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Allow cooling in pan for about 15 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional Coconut Glaze:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and extract until smooth.
2. Drizzle over cooled cake and sprinkle with additional shredded coconut as desired.

Enjoy your delicious Pineapple Coconut Pound Cake!

How to Serve Pineapple Coconut Pound Cake

Pineapple Coconut Pound Cake is a delightful treat that can be served in various ways. Whether you want to enjoy it as a sweet snack or dessert, these serving suggestions will elevate your cake experience.

With Fresh Fruit

• Tropical Fruit Salad: Serve slices of the cake alongside a vibrant mix of mango, kiwi, and berries for a refreshing contrast.
• Grilled Pineapple Slices: Add caramelized grilled pineapple for an extra burst of flavor that complements the cake’s tropical essence.

With Whipped Cream

• Classic Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a creamy texture and balances the sweetness of the cake.
• Coconut Whipped Cream: For a thematic twist, use whipped coconut cream to enhance the coconut notes in the cake.

As a Breakfast Treat

• Toast with Butter: Lightly toast slices and spread with butter for an indulgent breakfast option.
• With Yogurt: Pair pieces of the cake with yogurt, fresh fruit, and granola for a balanced morning meal.

How to Perfect Pineapple Coconut Pound Cake

To achieve the best results with your Pineapple Coconut Pound Cake, consider these helpful tips. Small adjustments can make a big difference!

• Bold Use of Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients like eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Bold Drain Pineapple Well: Make sure to drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from affecting the batter.
• Bold Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined when adding dry ingredients; overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
• Bold Test for Doneness: Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean for perfectly baked cake.

Best Side Dishes for Pineapple Coconut Pound Cake

Pairing your Pineapple Coconut Pound Cake with complementary side dishes enhances its flavor profile. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add tartness that balances the sweetness of the cake.
2. Coconut Sorbet: A refreshing coconut sorbet provides a cool contrast and keeps with the tropical theme.
3. Vanilla Ice Cream: Rich vanilla ice cream brings creaminess that pairs wonderfully with this moist pound cake.
4. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over each slice adds an indulgent touch that many will love.
5. Chia Seed Pudding: A light chia seed pudding can serve as a healthy counterpart while offering new textures.
6. Mint Tea: A warm cup of mint tea refreshes the palate and complements the flavors in your cake beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking the perfect Pineapple Coconut Pound Cake can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Incorrect Measurements: Always measure your ingredients accurately to ensure the best results. Use a kitchen scale for precision when possible.
• Not Softening Ingredients: Using cold butter or cream cheese can lead to a dense cake. Make sure they are softened at room temperature before mixing.
• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much after adding the flour can develop gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined for a light texture.
• Skipping the Cooling Time: Allowing the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes is crucial. Skipping this step can cause it to break apart when removing from the pan.
• Not Checking Oven Temperature: Ovens can vary in temperature. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature for baking.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Pineapple Coconut Pound Cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pineapple Coconut Pound Cake

• Wrap the pound cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating Pineapple Coconut Pound Cake

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place slices on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for about 15-20 seconds until warm but not hot.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm each slice for about 3-5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when my Pineapple Coconut Pound Cake is done?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Can I substitute fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple. Just make sure it is finely chopped and well-drained.

What can I use instead of coconut extract?

If you don’t have coconut extract, using additional vanilla extract will still give good flavor.

How should I serve my Pineapple Coconut Pound Cake?

This cake is delicious on its own but can also be served with whipped cream or topped with more shredded coconut.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour.

Final Thoughts

The Pineapple Coconut Pound Cake is not only flavorful but also versatile enough to suit various occasions. With options for customization, like adding nuts or altering extracts, this cake invites creativity in every bite. Give it a try, and enjoy all its tropical goodness!