Hawaiian Wedding Cake Recipe

Dreamy Hawaiian Wedding Cake Recipe: Tropical Paradise Delight

Sweet memories often bloom around unique hawaiian wedding cake delicacies that capture tropical essence and celebration.

Soft layers whisper stories of island romance and culinary tradition.

Delicate crumbs promise a delightful journey through exotic flavors and textures.

Coconut and pineapple dance together, creating a dessert that feels like a warm island embrace.

Baking this treat connects you to a world of vibrant cultural experiences.

Gentle spices and creamy frosting invite unexpected pleasure into your kitchen.

We promise this recipe will transport you to sun-drenched beaches with every single bite.

Hawaiian Wedding Cake Recipe Highlights

  • Celebrate Special Moments: Perfect for weddings, birthdays, or family gatherings, this Hawaiian Wedding Cake brings tropical joy to any celebration with its unique pineapple-infused flavor.
  • Incredibly Simple Preparation: Mix ingredients in one bowl, pour into a pan, and bake – no complex techniques required, making it a stress-free dessert for bakers of all skill levels.
  • Tropical Flavor Explosion: Bursting with sweet pineapple and creamy cream cheese frosting, this cake delivers a delightful taste of Hawaiian-inspired deliciousness that will transport your taste buds to a sunny paradise.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Suitable for potlucks, office parties, or casual dessert nights, this cake adapts to any occasion and always leaves people wanting more.

Ingredients in Hawaiian Wedding Cake Recipe

For the Cake Batter:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental base that provides structure to the Hawaiian wedding cake.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cake's rich consistency.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, classic flavor to enhance the cake's taste.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the overall flavor profile.
For the Fruit Component:
  • Crushed Pineapple: Adds moisture, tropical sweetness, and signature Hawaiian flavor to the cake.
For the Optional Mix-Ins:
  • Chopped Nuts: Provides a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the cake.
For the Frosting:
  • Cream Cheese, Butter: Create a rich, smooth base for the creamy frosting.
  • Confectioners Sugar: Sweetens and helps thicken the frosting.
For the Garnish:
  • Shredded Coconut, Chopped Nuts: Add texture and visual appeal to the finished cake.

Step-by-Step Hawaiian Wedding Cake Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350F (175C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and generously coat it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Cake Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Eggs
  • Baking soda
  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt

Dump in the crushed pineapple with its juice. Stir everything until the mixture looks smooth and well-blended.

Toss in chopped nuts if you want extra crunch.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

In a separate bowl, beat butter and cream cheese until they transform into a silky mixture.

Gradually fold in powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix until the frosting becomes smooth and spreadable.

Step 5: Dress the Cake

Once the cake has cooled slightly but remains warm, spread the cream cheese frosting across the top. Sprinkle shredded coconut and extra chopped nuts for a stunning finish.

Step 6: Slice and Savor

Let the frosting set for a few minutes. Cut into delightful squares.

Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy the tropical flavors of this Hawaiian-inspired treat.

Pro Tips for Hawaiian Wedding Cake Recipe

  • Replace chopped nuts with toasted coconut flakes or seeds for a different crunch and allergy-friendly option.
  • Keep the cake ultra-moist by not overbaking and using undrained pineapple which adds natural sweetness and tenderness.
  • Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for smoother, lump-free frosting that spreads easily.
  • Store leftover cake covered in refrigerator for up to 5 days, bringing to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
  • Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend to make the cake suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.

Flavor Variations for Hawaiian Wedding Cake

  • Tropical Paradise Upgrade: Swap crushed pineapple with mango chunks and add toasted macadamia nuts for a vibrant Hawaiian island flavor profile.
  • Rum-Soaked Celebration: Drizzle cake with coconut rum after baking and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes for an adult version with Caribbean flair.
  • Coconut Cream Dream: Replace cream cheese frosting with light coconut whipped cream and garnish with fresh pineapple rings for a lighter dessert option.
  • Spiced Island Edition: Mix ground cinnamon and ginger into cake batter, then top with caramelized pineapple sauce for a warm, aromatic variation.

Pairing Ideas for Hawaiian Wedding Cake Recipe

  • Tropical Rum Cocktail Pairing: Mix a classic piña colada with fresh pineapple juice, white rum, and coconut cream to complement the cake's tropical flavors.
  • Creamy Coffee Companion: Brew a smooth Hawaiian Kona coffee or a vanilla-infused latte to balance the cake's rich cream cheese frosting and sweet pineapple notes.
  • Tropical Fruit Sorbet Accent: Serve a light passion fruit or mango sorbet alongside the cake to enhance its refreshing Hawaiian-inspired profile and provide a cool, palate-cleansing contrast.
  • Coconut Macadamia Nut Garnish: Sprinkle toasted macadamia nuts and extra shredded coconut on the plate to amplify the cake's texture and bring out its tropical essence.

Storage Advice for Hawaiian Wedding Cake Recipe

Store covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Wrap individual cake slices in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.

Remove frozen cake from the freezer and let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid room temperature thawing to prevent moisture loss.

Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Alternatively, warm in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore moisture and softness.

FAQs

  • Where did Hawaiian Wedding Cake originate?

The cake actually originated in the continental United States during the mid-20th century, not in Hawaii. It became popular as a tropical-inspired dessert that used convenient pantry ingredients like canned pineapple.

  • Is this recipe considered easy to make?

Yes, this is an extremely simple cake recipe that requires minimal baking skills. Most ingredients are mixed in one bowl, and the preparation takes less than 15 minutes before baking.

  • Can I make this cake without nuts?

Absolutely! The nuts are optional, so you can easily omit them if you have allergies or simply don’t enjoy them in your dessert. The cake will still taste delicious without adding nuts.

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Hawaiian Wedding Cake Recipe

Hawaiian Wedding Cake Recipe


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4.9 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet Hawaiian wedding cake whisks classic comfort into a tropical paradise of flavor. Creamy pineapple and coconut layers meld perfectly, delivering a delightful dessert that you’ll savor with each blissful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs

Leavening and Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Optional Add-in:

  • 1 cup chopped nuts

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and coat a 9×13 inch baking pan with grease to prevent sticking.
  2. Create the cake base by combining flour, sugar, eggs, baking soda, vanilla extract, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Incorporate undrained crushed pineapple into the mixture, stirring until ingredients are thoroughly blended. Optional: gently fold in chopped nuts for added texture.
  3. Transfer the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, ensuring even distribution. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the surface turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted at the center emerges clean.
  4. While the cake bakes, craft the cream cheese frosting by whipping softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually introduce confectioners sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting achieves a spreadable consistency.
  5. After removing the cake from the oven, allow it to cool slightly while remaining warm. Generously spread the cream cheese frosting across the entire surface, creating an even layer.
  6. Enhance the cake’s appearance by sprinkling shredded coconut and additional chopped nuts over the frosting if desired.
  7. Let the frosting set for a few minutes before slicing into square servings. The cake can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to ensure even mixing and better cake texture.
  • Toast chopped nuts before adding to the batter for an enhanced nutty flavor and extra crunch.
  • Use fresh pineapple instead of canned for a more vibrant, less sugary taste if preferred.
  • This cake works wonderfully as a gluten-free option by substituting all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 265 kcal
  • Sugar: 21 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 3.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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