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Coconut Cake with Pineapple Upside-Down Topping

2022-02-20 - Written by: Emma Taylor

dessert cakes pineapple

Coconut Cake with Pineapple Upside-Down Topping

A moist coconut cake topped with a caramelized pineapple and cherry mixture, perfect for springtime desserts.

Coconut Cake with Pineapple Upside-Down Topping

Servings:

12-15 people

Ingredients:

For the cake:

  • 1 1/2 cups (190g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 3/4 cups (220g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 3/4 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (120g) unsweetened shredded coconut

For the topping:

  • 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (160g) pineapple rings
  • 1 cup (120g) cherry halves
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the cake

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease three 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
  6. Stir in the unsweetened shredded coconut.

Step 2: Divide the batter

  1. Evenly divide the cake batter among the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
  2. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  3. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the topping

  1. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar and butter over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Arrange the pineapple rings and cherry halves on top of one cake layer in a single layer.
  3. Drizzle the warm sugar mixture evenly over the fruit.
  4. Repeat this process for each cake layer.

Step 4: Assemble the cake

  1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
  2. Top with another cake layer and repeat the topping process.
  3. Stack the final cake layer on top, and sprinkle with additional shredded coconut if desired.

Notes:

  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Note: This recipe combines elements of Coconut Cake (#14) and Pineapple Upside-Down Cake (#43).