Welcome to a slice of paradise with the Pineapple Coconut God Bless America Cake! This delightful cake combines the tropical flavors of pineapple and coconut in a moist, flavorful treat that’s perfect for any gathering. Did you know that the inspiration for this cake often comes from classic American flavors? Imagine the smiles on your family’s faces as they savor each bite. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a celebration! This cake is super simple to whip up, making it a fantastic choice for busy days and special occasions alike. If you love easy recipes like our popular Moist Chocolate Cake, you’re going to adore this tropical gem! So roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
What is Pineapple Coconut God Bless America Cake?
What’s in a name? The Pineapple Coconut God Bless America Cake surely has a mouthful of a title, doesn’t it? It’s almost as exciting as it sounds! Picture this: you’re at a summer barbecue, and someone brings this cake to the table. Everyone’s eyes light up, saying, “Is that for real?” The name alone has a bit of flair, don’t you think? It’s a cheerful nod to the delicious fusion of flavors that are loved across the nation. Just remember, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach!” So why not try baking this cake and winning hearts? Grab your apron and let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This
This Pineapple Coconut God Bless America Cake shines for several reasons! Firstly, it’s a glorious blend of juicy crushed pineapple and sweet coconut, creating a luscious and moist cake that’s a feast for the senses. Secondly, making this cake at home saves you money while ensuring you and your family enjoy every delightful bite. Why splurge at a bakery when you can bring this heavenly treat right to your kitchen? Finally, let’s talk about the delicious toppings! With cream cheese icing and crunchy toasted pecans, this cake is a treat that truly sets itself apart. For those who love banana bread or coconut cream pie, this cake is a must-try! So why wait? Gather your ingredients and experience the magic at home!
How to Make
Quick Overview
Making the Pineapple Coconut God Bless America Cake is as easy as pie—well, easier, actually! This cake is moist, flavorful, and comes together in no time. From prep to bake, it takes just around an hour, making it perfect for any day of the week. You’ll be amazed at how simple the steps are, allowing you to whip up this tropical delight with minimal fuss!
Ingredients
- 1 (20 oz.) can crushed pineapple, with juices
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups sugar (for icing)
- 2 cups shredded coconut
- 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped, toasted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for icing)
Step-by-Step
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and crushed pineapple (including juices) until well combined.
- Gradually add in the flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Pour the thick batter into the greased baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the icing. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the evaporated milk, sugar, and butter. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove the mixture from heat and stir in the shredded coconut, toasted pecans, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the warm icing over the cake. Spread it out evenly to cover the top.
- Allow the cake to cool completely and let the icing set before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
What to Serve Pineapple Coconut God Bless America Cake With
This delicious cake pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or tropical fruit salad, adding a refreshing counterpoint to the sweetness. For a fun beverage pairing, consider serving it with a cold glass of coconut lemonade or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. All these options create a delightful meal that balances flavors and textures beautifully!
Top Tips for Perfecting
- To avoid a dry cake, ensure you don’t overmix the batter; gentle folding is key!
- If you don’t have crushed pineapple, try using fresh pineapple crushed at home for a more intense flavor.
- Substitute chopped walnuts if you prefer them over pecans, or omit nuts for a nut-free option.
- Allow the icing to cool slightly before pouring to enhance its richness.
- Always check the cake with a toothpick before removing it from the oven to avoid undercooked centers.
Storing and Reheating Tips
To keep your Pineapple Coconut God Bless America Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have leftovers, you can refrigerate them for about a week or freeze for longer storage. To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge or at room temperature. For best results, you can warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back the cake’s delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple for a vibrant flavor, just make sure to crush it well!
How do I know when my cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is done.
Is this cake suitable for special diets?
This recipe contains gluten and dairy, but you can modify it with substitutions for a gluten-free or dairy-free version.
Conclusion
The Pineapple Coconut God Bless America Cake is a wonderful treat that brings together tropical flavors, simplicity, and delightful textures in every bite. It’s ideal for gatherings, special occasions, or just a sweet pick-me-up during the week. Don’t hesitate to make this dessert—it may just become your family’s new favorite! So gather your ingredients, and let’s bring a slice of sunshine into your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 1 (20 oz.) can crushed pineapple, with juices
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups sugar (for icing)
- 2 cups shredded coconut
- 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped, toasted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for icing)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, brown sugar, oil, and crushed pineapple (with juice) until well combined.
- Gradually stir in flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined—do not overmix.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While baking, prepare the icing: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine evaporated milk, sugar, and butter. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in coconut, toasted pecans, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Once the cake is done, remove from oven and immediately pour the warm icing over the top. Spread evenly.
- Let cake cool completely and allow icing to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
Store covered at room temp for 3 days or refrigerate up to a week. Freeze slices individually if needed. Substitute fresh crushed pineapple if preferred. Walnuts can replace pecans.