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
Ingredients in Hawaiian Wedding Cake Recipe
For the Cake Batter:For the Fruit Component:For the Optional Mix-Ins:For the Frosting:For the Garnish: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: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
Flavor Variations for Hawaiian Wedding Cake
Pairing Ideas for Hawaiian Wedding Cake Recipe
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
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.
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.
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
- 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
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
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and coat a 9×13 inch baking pan with grease to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Enhance the cake’s appearance by sprinkling shredded coconut and additional chopped nuts over the frosting if desired.
- 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
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.