Go Back

Pineapple Coconut Surprise Cake

With its moist, tender crumb that feels like a warm island breeze, juicy pineapple, and creamy coconut, this cake is a celebration of tropical flavors. The little "surprise" inside—a pineapple burst or hidden layer that gives each slice an extra burst of flavor and moisture—is what really makes it unique.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course: Baking, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box yellow cake mix 15.25 oz
  • Water oil, and eggs as called for on cake mix box
  • 1 can crushed pineapple 20 oz, drained
  • 1 package cream cheese softened (8 oz)
  • 1 ¼ cups milk
  • 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix 3.4 oz
  • 1 package flaked coconut 14 oz
  • 8 oz Cool Whip thawed

Method
 

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Prepare Cake Batter
  1. In a large mixing bowl, prepare the yellow cake mix according to the package instructions using the required water, oil, and eggs.
Add Pineapple
  1. Gently fold the drained crushed pineapple into the cake batter until evenly distributed.
Pour Batter into Pan
  1. Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Bake the Cake
  1. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
Prepare Cream Cheese Pudding Mixture
  1. While the cake cools, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and instant vanilla pudding mix until thickened. Combine the pudding mixture with the cream cheese until fully blended.
Add Coconut and Cool Whip
  1. Fold the flaked coconut and Cool Whip into the cream cheese and pudding mixture until evenly combined.
Assemble the Cake
  1. Spread the cream cheese-pudding-coconut mixture evenly over the cooled cake.
Chill
  1. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour (preferably longer) to allow the topping to set and flavors to meld.
Serve
  1. Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy your tropical, creamy pineapple coconut surprise cake!
  2. Enjoy!