Let’s Get Real
I don’t know about you, but I’m thoroughly convinced that a little sunshine can cure just about anything. Sadly, I don’t live in Hawaii (anyone want to donate a plane ticket?), so I have to bring the warmth and joy of Hawaiian vibes to my kitchen. Enter my latest obsession: Hawaiian Dream Cake. Yes, this cake is basically a tropical vacation on a plate, and trust me, it’s worth taking a little trip in your mind… or at least a spoonful in your mouth.
Growing up, I was that kid who recoiled at the mere thought of coconut. I mean, really, how could something that looks like a hairy eyeball be edible? But as I matured (or so I tell myself), I came to embrace the wonders of coconut and pineapple. I’m not saying I was blind before, but let’s just say if coconut was an ex, I’d definitely welcome it back with open arms. Now, Hawaiian Dream Cake is like the sweet reunion I never knew I needed. A catch and a half! So, prepare yourself. The combination of fluffy cake, creamy frosting, and that sweet tropical goodness is downright magical.
Ingredients, Unfiltered
What’s Really in Hawaiian Dream Cake
Let’s break down some of these ingredients because, frankly, every item here comes with a personality and its own little quirks.
All-Purpose Flour: The quiet hero of any cake recipe. I lean towards King Arthur brand because it just feels like a good hug when I’m baking. It’s robust enough to provide structure without being too uptight.
Sugar: Oh, sugar, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways! In my opinion, the more sugar you have, the more delightful things can happen! Plus, sugar is basically a magic dust that makes everything taste like a party. In this recipe, we’re using granulated sugar and powdered sugar—double the sugar, double the fun!
Baking Powder: The cheerleader of the cake world! If you’ve ever had a dense, sad cake, it was probably because someone didn’t invite baking powder to the party. Make sure it’s fresh, or else you’ll just end up with a long, boring bread.
Salt: Yup, I said it. Salt isn’t just the villain trying to ruin your dessert—it’s the ultimate flavor enhancer! Just a pinch brings all the flavors to life. Don’t be shy, okay?
Unsalted Butter: Always use unsalted butter for baking; you can control the saltiness that way. I mean, the butter needs to be at room temperature so that it mixes smoothly. We’re not here for chunky frosting! I also swear by Kerrygold butter because it’s the creamiest and dreams are made of this.
Eggs: The binder, the emulsifier, the stand-in for my emotional support at the kitchen counter during stressful baking days. Again, all about those room temperature eggs here; cold eggs are the equivalent of cold feet at your wedding.
Coconut Milk: Here’s where we start to get that Hawaiian magic. Coconut milk is like a tropical blanket wrapping your cake in cozy goodness. You can even find lite coconut milk if you’re feeling adventurous, but let’s be honest, we want the real deal in this case.
Crushed Pineapple: This is where the nectar of the gods enters the chat. You can go fresh or canned; if you’re going with canned (because sometimes we just don’t have the mental energy), make sure it’s packed in juice—not syrup!
Shredded Coconut: I’m all about the sweetened flakes in this recipe! They add that chewy, nostalgic texture and texture that screams “I vacation here every summer.” Get ready for some tropical vibes coming your way.
Powdered Sugar: We need this for the frosting and the heavenly hue it gives to our dessert. Seriously, if your frosting doesn’t sparkle and shine like a diamond, did you even make frosting?
Heavy Cream: More like “heavy on the dreams”! This is what makes our frosting fluffy and divine. None of that low-fat nonsense here, friends.
Vanilla Extract: The ol’ reliable. Vanilla pulls everything together like a good friend who knows how to diffuse any awkwardness in a group chat. Invest in a high-quality vanilla extract because it can make or break your sweet treats.
Let’s Talk Health (or Not)
Is This Even Healthy? Let’s Discuss
Well, my darlings, here’s the skinny: Hawaiian Dream Cake doesn’t fall into the health food category—like, hello, it’s a cake. There’s butter, sugar, and that luscious heavy cream. You know, the kind of ingredients that have probably been the subject of heated debates in the health community. But here’s my take: cake is not just cake; it’s an expression of love, nostalgia, and sometimes a slap in the face to the so-called “healthy options.”
Sure, there’s sugar. And butter. And yes, I sleep just fine at night. Life is about balance, right? And if that balance includes a slice of this beauty, then so be it! Don’t come crying to me about your carb intake when you could be tasting the rainbow (of frosting) right now.
Now, if you’re on a health kick, there are substitutions that can be made—maybe coconut oil instead of butter, or almond milk instead of coconut milk—but let’s not kid ourselves: it just won’t be quite the same. Sometimes, you just gotta throw caution to the wind, eat the cake, and enjoy the ride. Who cares about calories when you’re indulging in this dreamy slice of heaven?
Your Grocery List
Here’s What You’ll Need
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
– 4 large eggs (room temperature)
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple (drained)
– 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
– 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
– 1 cup heavy cream (for frosting)
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for frosting)
This will feed a crowd—about 12-16 people depending on how generous you are with those slices. But let’s be real; you might just want to keep it all for yourself after you take that first bite!
The Actual Cooking Part
Okay, Let’s Make This
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Look at you, bringing the heat like summer! While we’re at it, grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Don’t skip this step; otherwise, you’re inviting disaster and will be scraping cake off the sides of your pans like it’s an episode of Chopped.
Step 2: Let’s get mixing! In a large bowl, combine your all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together like you’re having a beautiful minion moment. Just picture it—a minion dancing around your kitchen. Embrace it!
Step 3: Add in your beautifully softened butter and mix on medium speed until you have a crumbly texture. You’re looking for that pale yellow goodness. This combo is basically your party starter—get ready!
Step 4: Now, it’s egg time! Add in your eggs, one at a time, making sure each one is mixed in thoroughly before the next. For dramatic effect, I always crack them into a small bowl first because I’ve had enough “oops” moments with eggs making their way into my batter.
Step 5: Once those lovelies are combined, pour in the coconut milk and mix until it’s all combined and luscious. It should look like a beautiful love affair, creamy and all things dreamy.
Step 6: This is where we add the drained crushed pineapple and shredded coconut. You may want to go in with a spatula if the mixer is a bit too rough—just trust me on this one.
Step 7: Split that cake batter evenly between your prepared pans. But listen: don’t panic if this looks messy; it’s supposed to! Life isn’t perfect, so why should cake batter be?
Step 8: Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. This is where you’ll want to keep an eye on it, and by “keep an eye,” I mean don’t wander off and start a Netflix binge unless you want to start dancing with the burnt edges of your cake.
Step 9: Once baked, let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then flip them onto a wire rack. Let them cool completely because trust me, frosting a warm cake is like putting makeup on while you’re sweating—just no.
Step 10: While our cakes chill like they’ve just come back from the beach, let’s whip up that frosting. In a mixing bowl, whip your heavy cream until soft peaks form. This is where the magic happens. Soft peaks mean you can flip the bowl upside down without a mess (not recommended unless you’re a skilled magician).
Step 11: Gently fold in your powdered sugar and vanilla extract into the whipped cream, making sure to maintain those lovely fluffy peaks. If you’re feeling a bit wild, throw in some extra vanilla. You know we live dangerously in the kitchen!
Step 12: Once your cakes have cooled, stack them up with a generous layer of frosting between the layers. I highly recommend getting boisterous with the frosting; no one wants to be the person with the “just a little bit” of frosting. Top it with even more frosting on the outside, like you’re frosting for gold!
Step 13: Garnish with additional shredded coconut on top. This gives that extra flair and says, “Hey, I’m here for a good time!”
Now, step back and let the cake do its thing—I mean, it deserves some time as the center of attention before you dive in!
Side Notes & Sassy Hacks
Bonus Tips You Didn’t Ask For
– If you find yourself in a pinch and the grocery gods have forsaken you of coconut milk, heavy cream can substitute at a stretch, but remember: that tropical flavor will take a hit. Sadface emoji here!
– Want to zhuzh up the cake even more? Add a layer of pineapple slices to the middle of the cake. It’s like a tropical hug every time you take a slice. Kind of the best-hugging cake ever!
– If you’re serving at a gathering, consider presenting the cake on a pedestal. Your cake deserves to feel like royalty, and you, my friend, are the cake whisperer.
– Leftover cake is a total win! But if you can’t finish it, just wrap it and freeze it. It’s like having a mini tropical vacation whenever you want!
– And let’s address cake cutting because we don’t want any crime scenes here. For a clean slice, dip your knife in hot water before cutting, then wipe it off. Like giving your cake a refreshing spa moment!
Final Words of (Culinary) Wisdom
Hawaiian Dream Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a conversation starter, a memory maker, and the embodiment of ‘good vibes only.’ So, whether you’re celebrating a birthday, having a summertime barbecue, or just want to brighten up a dreary day, whip this cake up, and I guarantee you’ll find yourself in a tropical dream.
If you try it, please—please—tag me on social media. Or just send me a mental high-five because we both know you’re going to want seconds (at least). Now get out there and bake your dreams into reality! This cake is calling your name!
