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
Scale
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
