Pineapple Coconut God Bless America Cake

Nothing says patriotic celebration like a Pineapple Coconut God Bless America Cake—a beautifully moist and flavorful dessert perfect for July 4th, Memorial Day, or any festive occasion. This cake combines the tropical sweetness of pineapple, the rich creaminess of coconut, and a light, fluffy texture that will make every bite feel like a celebration.

Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or need a showstopping dessert for a family gathering, this recipe will be a crowd-pleaser! Plus, if you love classic American cakes, you’ll want to check out this guide on traditional Southern desserts for more inspiration.

And if you’re curious about why coconut and pineapple are such a winning combination, this article on tropical flavor pairings explains the science behind these delicious flavors!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon coconut extract
¾ cup buttermilk
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1 cup shredded coconut

For the Coconut-Pineapple Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon coconut extract
½ cup pineapple juice
1 cup shredded coconut

For the Decoration (Optional, But Patriotic!):

½ cup sweetened coconut flakes, toasted
Fresh pineapple slices
Red, white, and blue sprinkles

Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Preparing the Cake Batter

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch cake pans.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well.
Stir in vanilla and coconut extracts for a rich, tropical aroma.

2️⃣ Incorporating the Pineapple & Coconut

Alternate adding buttermilk and dry ingredients, mixing until combined.
Gently fold in crushed pineapple and shredded coconut—this adds moisture and flavor.

3️⃣ Baking the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

4️⃣ Making the Coconut-Pineapple Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar, followed by vanilla and coconut extracts.
Stir in pineapple juice for a tangy, creamy finish.

5️⃣ Assembling the Cake

Spread a layer of frosting over the first cake layer.
Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake.
Sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes for texture.
Garnish with pineapple slices and sprinkles for a festive touch!

Why This Cake is a Must-Try

✔ Perfectly moist and flavorful – The combination of pineapple and coconut creates a light yet rich texture.
✔ Tropical twist on a classic cake – Ideal for summer parties and patriotic holidays.
✔ Easy to make – Simple ingredients with show-stopping results.
✔ Customizable decorations – Dress it up with berries, edible flowers, or festive sprinkles!

Variations & Customization Ideas

Sheet Cake Version: Pour the batter into a 9×13-inch pan and bake for 40-45 minutes.
Cupcake Variation: Divide batter into cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes.
Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap out regular flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Nutty Twist: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or macadamia nuts to the batter for extra crunch.

Pro Tips for the Best Pineapple Coconut Cake

✅ Drain the crushed pineapple well—this prevents the cake from getting soggy.
✅ Use fresh coconut flakes for the best texture and flavor.
✅ Chill the frosting before spreading—it helps it set perfectly.
✅ Toast the coconut flakes for added depth and crunch.
✅ For extra pineapple flavor, brush the cake layers with pineapple juice before frosting.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

How to Store

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing Instructions

Freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight and frost before serving.

Reheating & Serving

Serve at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1️⃣ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

✔ Yes! Bake the layers a day in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to frost.

2️⃣ Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

✔ Absolutely! Just make sure to dice it very finely and drain any excess juice.

3️⃣ What if I don’t like coconut?

✔ You can omit the shredded coconut and just use vanilla extract instead of coconut extract.

4️⃣ Can I use a different frosting?

✔ Yes! A classic buttercream or whipped cream frosting works great, too.

Final Thoughts

This Pineapple Coconut God Bless America Cake is a true crowd-pleaser! With its moist texture, tropical flavors, and creamy frosting, it’s the perfect dessert for patriotic celebrations or any summer gathering.

SEO-Optimized Keywords Used

Patriotic cake recipe
Coconut pineapple dessert
God Bless America cake
Best cakes for July 4th
Moist and fluffy coconut cake

This Pineapple Coconut God Bless America Cake is a must-try for your next celebration! Try it today and share your thoughts!

For more details, visit the full recipe

Thank you for following me on Facebook , Pinterest !