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Hawaiian Dream Cake
John

Hawaiian Dream Cake

A moist tropical cake with pineapple and coconut, topped with creamy pudding and cream cheese frosting. Perfect summer dessert.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

  • 1 package yellow cake mix or lemon cake mix
  • 4 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 cup pineapple juice reserved from canned pineapple
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 20 oz crushed pineapple in juice drained, juice reserved
  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut plus more for topping
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 cup cold milk
  • 8 oz whipped topping thawed
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans toasted

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Electric mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Wire cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, pineapple juice, and oil. Beat on low for 30 seconds, then medium for 2 minutes.
  2. Fold in drained crushed pineapple and coconut. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
  3. Bake for 30-35 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan on wire rack.
  4. For topping, beat cream cheese until fluffy. In separate bowl, whisk pudding mix and milk until thickened, about 2 minutes.
  5. Fold pudding mixture into cream cheese, then gently fold in whipped topping. Spread evenly over cooled cake.
  6. Sprinkle with toasted coconut and chopped nuts. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

  • Reserve pineapple juice before draining for maximum flavor
  • Ensure cake is completely cooled before adding topping
  • Toast nuts and coconut for enhanced flavor and texture
  • Store covered in refrigerator for up to 5 days
  • Bring to room temperature 10 minutes before serving for best texture