Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Moist and Flavorful: The crushed pineapple adds natural sweetness and moisture.
Tropical Twist: Coconut and pecans bring a delightful crunch and flavor.
Easy to Make: No complicated steps—just mix, bake, and top with the decadent icing.
Great for Any Occasion: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or holiday celebrations.
No Frosting Needed: The rich icing soaks into the cake, making every bite irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple (with juice)
2 eggs
¼ cup oil
1 cup sugar
½ cup brown sugar
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon salt

For the Icing:

1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
1 cup butter
1 ½ cups sugar
2 cups shredded coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt

Directions

Prepare the Cake

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix Cake Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine crushed pineapple (with juice), eggs, oil, sugar, and brown sugar. Stir until well blended.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined.
Bake: Pour the batter into the greased baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Prepare the Icing

Boil the Ingredients: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine evaporated milk, butter, and sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently.
Simmer: Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add Coconut and Pecans: Stir in the shredded coconut, chopped pecans, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well.

Assemble the Cake

Pour Over Hot Cake: While the cake is still hot, pour the icing evenly over the top. Allow it to soak in.
Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool completely before slicing. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12-16 slices
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Nut-Free Option: Omit the pecans or substitute with toasted sunflower seeds.
Extra Tropical Flavor: Add ½ teaspoon of coconut extract to the icing.
Lighter Version: Use unsweetened coconut and reduce the sugar slightly.
Spiced Cake: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon for a warm flavor.
Sheet Cake Alternative: Bake in two round cake pans and layer with the icing in between.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating: Serve at room temperature or warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes! Just puree fresh pineapple and use about 2 ½ cups, including the juice.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Can I use sweetened shredded coconut?

Yes, but the cake will be slightly sweeter. Adjust the sugar if needed.

Can I toast the coconut before adding it to the icing?

Definitely! Toasted coconut adds a deeper flavor and crunch.

Can I replace pecans with another nut?

Yes, walnuts or almonds work well too.

What can I use instead of evaporated milk?

Heavy cream or half-and-half are good substitutes.

Does this cake need to be refrigerated?

If stored for more than two days, refrigeration is recommended.

Can I use butter instead of oil in the cake?

Yes, but the texture may be slightly denser. Melted butter can be used in the same amount.

Can I make cupcakes instead of a cake?

Yes! Adjust the baking time to 18-22 minutes for cupcakes.

What’s the best way to serve this cake?

It’s perfect as is, but a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream makes it even better!

Conclusion

This Pineapple Coconut Cake is a deliciously easy dessert that brings a taste of the tropics to your table. With its moist, flavorful cake and rich coconut-pecan topping, it’s sure to be a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this cake is guaranteed to impress. Try it today!