Pineapple Coconut God Bless America (Printable)
Festive tropical pineapple coconut layers topped with cream cheese frosting and fresh berries in patriotic colors.
# What You Need:
→ Cake Components
01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
07 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
08 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
09 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
10 - 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
11 - 1 cup canned crushed pineapple, well drained
12 - 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
13 - 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature
→ Cream Cheese Frosting
14 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
15 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
16 - 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
17 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
18 - Pinch of salt
→ Decoration
19 - 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
20 - 1 cup fresh blueberries
21 - 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut, toasted (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
03 - Beat granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, and vegetable oil in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
05 - Fold in drained crushed pineapple and shredded coconut until evenly distributed.
06 - Add dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
07 - Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
08 - Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
09 - Beat cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, beating until fluffy and spreadable.
10 - Place one cake layer on serving plate. Spread generous layer of frosting. Top with second cake layer and frost top and sides evenly.
11 - Arrange fresh strawberries and blueberries in patriotic flag or swirl pattern. Sprinkle with toasted coconut if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The crushed pineapple keeps every bite incredibly moist without any fuss
- That cream cheese frosting balances the tropical sweetness perfectly
- The berry decoration makes you look like a baking wizard
02 -
- Room temperature ingredients prevent curdling and ensure smooth incorporation
- Overmixing the flour develops gluten and makes your cake tough, so stop as soon as you see no dry streaks
- Chilled cake layers are much easier to frost and less likely to slide around
03 -
- Toast your coconut at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring halfway, to deepen the flavor
- Substitute coconut milk for the whole milk if you really want to amplify the tropical notes