Tropical Gooey Coconut Pineapple Dream Cake
Indulge in the decadence of our Tropical Gooey Coconut Pineapple Dream Cake, a delightful twist on the classic Gooey Butter Cake. This luxurious dessert features a rich, buttery yellow cake base topped with a creamy, velvety filling infused with flaked coconut and juicy crushed pineapple. Each bite is a harmonious blend of tropical flavors and a gooey texture that melts in your mouth, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. Ideal for gatherings or a special family dessert, this cake is rich enough that a little goes a long way, but so delicious that it’s hard to stop at just one square! Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a delightful experience that transports you to a tropical paradise.
24
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Yellow cake mix
1 (18 1/4 ounce box)
Large egg
1 (for cake base)
Unsalted butter
1/2 (cup, melted for cake base)
Cream cheese
8 (ounces, softened)
Large eggs
2 (for filling)
Pure vanilla extract
1 (teaspoon)
Confectioners' sugar
1 (16 ounce box)
Unsalted butter
1/2 (cup, melted for filling)
Flaked coconut
1 (cup)
Crushed pineapple
20 (ounces, drained)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 13x9x2 inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter.
2
In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the yellow cake mix, large egg, and melted unsalted butter. Mix until well combined and a dough forms.
3
Spread the cake mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking pan, pressing it down gently to form a crust. Set aside.
4
In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
5
Add the remaining eggs and the vanilla extract to the cream cheese, mixing until fully incorporated.
6
Gradually add the confectioners' sugar, mixing on low speed until blended. Then slowly pour in the melted unsalted butter, continuing to mix until fully combined.
7
Gently fold in the flaked coconut and drained crushed pineapple until evenly distributed throughout the filling mixture.
8
Pour the creamy filling over the cake base, spreading it out evenly.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes. Keep an eye on it toward the end of baking; you want the center to be slightly gooey and not fully set. Adjust the baking time as needed based on your oven.
10
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
11
After cooling, cut into squares and serve. Enjoy your tropical treat at room temperature or chilled!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Tropical Gooey Coconut Pineapple Dream Cake?
It is a decadent twist on the classic Gooey Butter Cake, featuring a buttery yellow cake base and a creamy filling infused with coconut and crushed pineapple.
What ingredients are needed for the cake base?
The base requires one 18 1/4 ounce box of yellow cake mix, one large egg, and 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter.
How many servings does this recipe produce?
This recipe yields approximately 24 servings.
What size baking pan is required?
A 13x9x2 inch baking pan is needed for this cake.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How do I prepare the baking pan?
Lightly grease the pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
How is the cake base formed?
Combine the cake mix, egg, and melted butter until a dough forms, then press it evenly into the bottom of the pan.
What are the ingredients for the filling?
The filling consists of softened cream cheese, two eggs, vanilla extract, a 16 ounce box of confectioners' sugar, melted butter, flaked coconut, and crushed pineapple.
How much cream cheese is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of softened cream cheese.
How many eggs are used in the entire recipe?
A total of three eggs are used: one for the base and two for the filling.
How much vanilla extract is needed?
One teaspoon of pure vanilla extract is used for the filling.
How should the confectioners' sugar be added?
Gradually add the sugar to the cream cheese mixture while mixing on low speed until blended.
How much butter is used in the filling?
The filling requires 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter.
What amount of coconut is included?
One cup of flaked coconut is folded into the filling mixture.
How should the pineapple be prepared?
Use 20 ounces of crushed pineapple that has been thoroughly drained.
How long does the cake need to bake?
The cake should bake for 40 to 50 minutes.
What is the indicator that the cake is finished baking?
The center should remain slightly gooey and not be fully set when removed from the oven.
Is an electric mixer necessary?
An electric mixer is recommended to beat the cream cheese until smooth and to properly incorporate the filling ingredients.
How should the cake be cooled?
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting.
How should the cake be served?
The cake can be served in squares at room temperature or chilled.
What type of cake mix is best for this recipe?
A standard 18 1/4 ounce box of yellow cake mix is recommended.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
You can use fresh pineapple if it is finely crushed and very well-drained to match the consistency of canned crushed pineapple.
Does the cake have a rich flavor?
Yes, it is described as a luxurious and rich dessert where a little goes a long way.
What is the texture of the finished cake?
The cake features a buttery crust and a velvety, gooey, tropical filling.
Should the butter be melted for both the base and filling?
Yes, the recipe specifies 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter for the base and another 1/2 cup for the filling.
What kind of sugar is used in the filling?
The recipe specifically uses confectioners' sugar (also known as powdered sugar).
Is this recipe suitable for a party?
Yes, with 24 servings and a rich flavor profile, it is ideal for gatherings or special occasions.
Should the filling be folded or beaten?
The base liquids and sugar are beaten, but the coconut and pineapple should be gently folded in.
Can I substitute salted butter?
While unsalted butter is specified, salted butter can be used, though it may slightly increase the saltiness of the dessert.
How should leftovers be stored?
Leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese and fruit content.