Pineapple Coconut Coffee Cake Recipe
This Pineapple Coconut Coffee Cake is a moist, buttery cake bursting with juicy crushed pineapple and sweet shredded coconut. Perfectly balanced with a crunchy coconut and pecan topping, it offers a tropical twist on the classic coffee cake. Easy to prepare and ideal for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or an afternoon snack, it stays soft for days and pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, well drained
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Topping
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup chopped pecans (optional)
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick baking spray, coating the bottom and sides evenly. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat ½ cup softened unsalted butter with 1 cup granulated sugar on medium speed for 3 to 4 minutes until pale, light, and fluffy to aerate the batter for a soft cake.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add 3 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and creamy.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt until evenly combined.
- Combine the Batter: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with ½ cup whole milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix on low speed just until no dry flour remains to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in Pineapple and Coconut: Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in 1 cup well-drained crushed pineapple and ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut until evenly incorporated.
- Prepare the Cake for Baking: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. In a small bowl, mix ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut, ¼ cup brown sugar, and ¼ cup chopped pecans (if using). Sprinkle this topping evenly over the batter.
- Bake: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice into 12 pieces and serve.
Notes
- Drain crushed pineapple thoroughly to prevent a soggy cake.
- Use softened butter (not melted) for the best texture.
- Mix batter just until combined to keep the cake tender.
- Toast shredded coconut before sprinkling on top for a more intense flavor.
- Cool cake at least 20 minutes before slicing to achieve clean cuts.
- Can substitute coconut oil for butter to make it dairy-free.
- Almond or oat milk can be used instead of whole milk.
Keywords: pineapple coffee cake, coconut coffee cake, tropical coffee cake, moist coffee cake, breakfast cake, pineapple dessert, coconut dessert