Next, in another bowl, blend the crushed pineapple (make sure to include the juice!), coconut milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thick, with a lovely tropical fragrance that fills my kitchen. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring gently. I find that folding the ingredients together helps keep the cake light and fluffy; nobody likes a dense dessert!
Once everything is well combined, it’s time to fold in the shredded coconut and any nuts if you’re using them. The texture of the coconut adds a nice chewiness to the cake, while the nuts provide a delightful crunch. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, making sure to spread it evenly, and pop it into the preheated oven. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
While your cake bakes, enjoy the irresistible smell wafting through your home—it’s an instant mood booster! Once baked, allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. You can frost it or leave it as is; it’s versatile like that!
Pro Tips for Best Results
I tested this recipe three ways: with fresh pineapple, canned pineapple, and even frozen pineapple that I thawed. The canned version produced the most consistently moist cake, but don’t hesitate to experiment based on what you have on hand. The type of coconut you use makes a difference too; I prefer shredded coconut instead of flaked coconut for that perfect texture.
Another tip is to allow your eggs and coconut milk to be at room temperature before mixing them into the batter. It helped blend more smoothly with the other ingredients, resulting in a lighter cake. I also find that mixing by hand rather than with a mixer helped maintain that lovely fluffy consistency.
Lastly, consider letting the cake sit for a few hours (or even overnight) before serving. The flavors deepen and really meld together beautifully, providing a truly delightful treat. I learned this after slicing into one a bit too early and missing out on the full flavor experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake I made when first perfecting this recipe was overmixing the batter. It’s easy to do, especially when you’re excited to bake! But overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of the light, airy texture we all desire. Gently fold your ingredients together until just combined for the best results. (See the next page below to continue…)