Hawaiian Wedding Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
If you have a craving for something delectably moist, sweet, and infused with tropical vibes, you’re going to adore this Hawaiian Wedding Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Bursting with juicy pineapple and complemented by tender cake layers, this dessert is a celebration in every bite. The luscious whipped cream cheese frosting adds just the right balance of tang and sweetness, making it the ultimate showstopper for any gathering or a cozy night in. Once you try this cake, it might just become your new favorite go-to dessert for sharing with friends and family!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on this cake is simpler than you might think. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: from the all-purpose flour that gives the cake structure to the pineapple that brings that unmistakable Hawaiian tropical sweetness and moisture. The nuts and coconut add texture, while the whipped cream cheese frosting provides the perfect creamy finish.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that ensures a tender, yet sturdy cake texture.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness that balances with the tang of pineapple perfectly.
- Baking soda: Helps the cake rise to a light, fluffy crumb.
- Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors without overpowering them.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together for moisture and richness.
- Vanilla extract: Provides warmth and depth to the cake’s tropical notes.
- Crushed pineapple with juice: The star ingredient delivering vibrant, juicy flavor and natural sweetness.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nuttiness that contrasts the soft cake.
- Shredded sweetened coconut (optional): Brings authentic tropical texture and flavor.
- Cream cheese (softened): Creates a tangy, creamy base for the frosting that melts in your mouth.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the frosting perfectly.
- Heavy whipping cream (cold): Whipped to light, fluffy peaks to give the frosting a cloud-like texture.
How to Make Hawaiian Wedding Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your cake layers bake evenly and release easily. Getting your ingredients measured out before mixing helps the process flow smoothly.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. This step ensures your leavening agent and seasonings distribute uniformly through the batter for consistent rise and flavor.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients and Pineapple
To the dry mixture, add eggs, vanilla extract, and the entire can of crushed pineapple with its juice. This combination brings moisture, tropical sweetness, and rich flavor to your batter. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the flour.
Step 4: Fold in Nuts and Coconut (Optional)
Gently fold chopped walnuts or pecans along with shredded sweetened coconut into your batter if you’re using them. These add texture and make the cake even more indulgent and authentic in flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake in your preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This means your cake is moist but fully baked, with that perfect crumb.
Step 6: Make the Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake cools completely, prepare your frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add in vanilla extract for extra aroma. In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form—this fluffy addition is what elevates the frosting to cloud-like perfection. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, keeping it light and airy.
Step 7: Frost and Chill
Once the cake has fully cooled, spread the whipped cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the frosting to set beautifully and the flavors to meld.
How to Serve Hawaiian Wedding Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the presentation with pineapple chunks, a sprinkle of shredded coconut, or a handful of chopped nuts right on top. These garnishes not only add visual appeal but also a fresh burst of texture that complements every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair your Hawaiian Wedding Cake with a scoop of tropical fruit sorbet or a glass of chilled coconut water to amplify its island-inspired essence. Light, fruity sides contrast the rich cream cheese frosting beautifully and keep the meal refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond the traditional sheet cake format by turning this recipe into cupcakes topped with piped whipped cream cheese frosting. Or slice and serve it layered with fresh fruit for an elegant dessert parfait. No matter how you serve it, it’s sure to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This cake keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The whipped cream cheese frosting stays fresh and creamy, making each slice as delightful as the first.
Freezing
If you want to save the cake for later, it freezes well without losing its moisture. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Reheating
Because this cake is best served chilled, reheating is generally unnecessary. However, if you prefer it slightly warmer, allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving for soft and luscious results.
FAQs
Can I make this cake without nuts or coconut?
Absolutely! The nuts and coconut are optional and can be omitted if you have allergies or prefer a simpler version. The cake is still moist and flavorful without them.
Is fresh pineapple better than canned for this recipe?
Canned crushed pineapple with juice is recommended because it adds moisture and sweetness consistently throughout the batter. Fresh pineapple can be used if finely crushed but may alter the cake’s texture slightly.
How long will the whipped cream cheese frosting last?
Once frosted, the cake should be refrigerated and will stay fresh for about 4 days. The whipped cream cheese frosting can soften if left out too long, so keep the cake chilled until serving.
Can this recipe be made into cupcakes?
Yes! Simply spoon the batter into lined muffin tins and bake for about 18-22 minutes. Frost once they are fully cooled for perfectly portioned treats.
What kind of cream cheese works best for the frosting?
Use full-fat cream cheese that is softened to room temperature for the smoothest, creamiest frosting. Avoid fat-free versions as they may change the texture and taste.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Wedding Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe has a wonderful way of making you feel like you’re on a tropical getaway with every bite. It’s moist, flavorful, and topped with a frosting so light and creamy you’ll want to savor it endlessly. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, this recipe is a fantastic choice to brighten your day and delight your taste buds. I truly can’t recommend it enough—give it a try, and let the island magic sweep you away!
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Hawaiian Wedding Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Hawaiian Wedding Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist, tropical-inspired dessert featuring a tender pineapple-infused cake layered with a light, fluffy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations, this cake brings the flavors of the islands to your table with optional toasted coconut and chopped nuts for added texture.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple with juice
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut (optional)
For the Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Add wet ingredients: Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and the entire can of crushed pineapple including juice into the dry mixture until just combined, maintaining a tender cake texture.
- Fold in optional ingredients: Gently fold in chopped nuts and shredded sweetened coconut if using, to add crunch and tropical flavor layers.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly, then bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan to room temperature before frosting to prevent frosting from melting.
- Prepare the frosting: In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
- Whip the cream: In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form, ensuring a light airy texture.
- Combine frosting components: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and fluffy to create a luscious frosting.
- Frost the cake: Spread the whipped cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake using a spatula for a smooth finish.
- Chill before serving: Refrigerate the frosted cake for at least 1 hour to set the frosting and improve texture before slicing and serving.
Notes
- This cake is incredibly moist and best served chilled for optimal flavor and texture.
- Garnish with extra pineapple chunks, coconut flakes, or chopped nuts to enhance presentation and taste.
- The recipe works well both as a sheet cake and when baked as individual cupcakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Tropical-Inspired
