Pineapple Coconut God Bless America Cake Recipe

God Bless America Pineapple Coconut Cake Recipe: Sweet Harmony

Summer barbecues come alive with this vibrant pineapple coconut God Bless America cake that celebrates patriotic flavors.

Sweet tropical notes dance through every delectable slice of this crowd-pleasing dessert.

Bursting with island-inspired ingredients, the cake delivers a refreshing twist on classic American baking.

Layers of moist coconut cake merge perfectly with tangy pineapple filling, creating a dessert that honors both tropical and traditional tastes.

Rich cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious finish to this all-American treat.

Each bite promises a delightful journey of summertime memories and culinary creativity.

You won’t want to miss serving this showstopping cake at your next festive gathering.

Ingredients for a Patriotic Pineapple Coconut Cake

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • Crushed Pineapple: A sweet and tangy tropical fruit that adds moisture.
  • Eggs: Protein-rich binders that help create a fluffy texture.
  • Vegetable Oil: Smooth fat that keeps the cake tender.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet crystals that provide depth of flavor.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Soft white powder that forms the cake's structure.
  • Baking Soda: Leavening agent that helps the cake rise.
  • Salt: Tiny mineral that enhances overall taste.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Evaporated Milk: Creamy dairy with concentrated sweetness.
  • Butter: Rich dairy that adds luxurious flavor.
  • Sugar: Sweet crystal for topping's consistency.
  • Shredded Coconut: Tropical flakes with delightful texture.
  • Chopped Pecans: Crunchy nuts with rich, nutty essence.
  • Vanilla Extract: Aromatic liquid with warm flavor.
  • Salt: Subtle seasoning that balances sweetness.
Baking Essentials:
  • Baking Dish: 9×13-inch rectangular pan for perfect cake shape.

Instructions for the God Bless America Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it with a generous layer of grease to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Cake Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend together:
  • Crushed pineapple with its juice
  • Eggs
  • Vegetable oil
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar

Whisk these ingredients until they dance together smoothly.

In another bowl, combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.

No overmixing allowed!

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

The cake is ready when a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

Step 4: Craft the Dreamy Coconut Icing

While the cake bakes, create the magical topping.

In a medium saucepan, combine:
  • Evaporated milk
  • Butter
  • Sugar

Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove from heat and stir in:
  • Shredded coconut
  • Chopped pecans
  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt

Step 5: Dress the Cake

The moment the cake emerges from the oven, pour the warm coconut-pecan icing over the top.

Spread it evenly, letting it cascade down the sides.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool completely.

This gives the icing time to set and become delightfully gooey.

Slice, serve, and watch everyone’s eyes light up with joy!

Handy Tips for Baking This Festive Treat

  • Drain crushed pineapple slightly to prevent excess moisture, ensuring a perfect cake consistency without becoming too wet.
  • Toast shredded coconut before adding to the icing to enhance its nutty, rich taste and add a delightful depth of flavor.
  • Check cake doneness early to avoid overbaking, which can dry out the delicate pineapple-infused texture and compromise its softness.
  • Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred, or omit nuts entirely for those with allergies while maintaining the cake's delicious character.
  • Stir icing constantly while simmering to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, glossy finish that perfectly coats the warm cake.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Coconut Pineapple Cake

  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping the moisture and flavor intact.
  • Wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or place in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore the cake's soft texture.
  • Allow refrigerated cake to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance its original taste and softness.

What to Serve With This Summer Celebration Cake

  • Tropical Cocktail Companion: Mix a refreshing piña colada with the cake, blending rum, pineapple juice, and coconut cream to echo the dessert's tropical flavors.
  • Afternoon Tea Pairing: Serve with a light, fragrant Earl Grey tea that complements the cake's sweet and nutty profile, cutting through the richness with its delicate bergamot notes.
  • Wine Selection: Choose a sweet Riesling or Moscato, whose fruity and slightly acidic characteristics will harmonize perfectly with the pineapple and coconut undertones.
  • Complementary Coffee Choice: Brew a smooth Hawaiian Kona coffee with subtle caramel notes that will enhance the cake's sweetness and provide a warm, sophisticated finish.

Variations to Personalize Your Pineapple Coconut Cake

  • Gluten-Free Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking mix for those with gluten sensitivities. Use certified gluten-free ingredients to ensure complete safety.
  • Vegan Tropical Paradise: Substitute eggs with mashed banana or applesauce, use coconut oil instead of regular oil, and create a dairy-free icing using coconut cream and powdered sugar. Replace butter with vegan margarine for the topping.
  • Low-Sugar Version: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar. Reduce overall sugar content by half and incorporate more natural sweetness from the pineapple. Choose a sugar-free coconut topping made with alternative sweeteners.
  • Nut-Free Adaptation: Eliminate pecans from the recipe and replace with toasted sunflower seeds or coconut flakes. Ensure all ingredients are processed in a nut-free facility for those with severe nut allergies.

FAQs

  • What makes this cake different from other desserts?

This cake blends tropical pineapple and coconut flavors with a classic American baking style, creating a unique, moist dessert that celebrates sweet and rich taste profiles.

  • Is this cake suitable for special occasions?

Yes, this cake is perfect for patriotic events like Independence Day, Memorial Day, or any American-themed celebration, making it both delicious and culturally meaningful.

  • Can I substitute any ingredients if I don't have the exact ones?

For the pineapple, you can use fresh or canned crushed pineapple. If you don’t have pecans, you can use walnuts or omit them entirely. Evaporated milk can be replaced with heavy cream in the icing.

  • How difficult is this recipe for a home baker?

This is a beginner to intermediate-level recipe. The steps are straightforward, and while there are multiple components, each step is simple to execute with basic baking skills.

Why This Pineapple Coconut Cake Screams Celebration

  • Incredibly Easy Baking: Master this cake with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for beginners wanting a foolproof dessert.
  • Tropical Flavor Explosion: Burst with sweet pineapple and rich coconut notes that transport your taste buds to a sunny paradise without complicated ingredients.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Patriotic Treat: Celebrate American gatherings like July 4th, potlucks, or family reunions with this show-stopping dessert that sparks conversation and delights everyone.
  • One-Pan Dish: Simplify your baking process with a single 9×13-inch pan, minimizing cleanup and making preparation stress-free for home cooks of all levels.
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Pineapple Coconut God Bless America Cake Recipe

Pineapple Coconut God Bless America Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Celebrate American spirit with this Pineapple Coconut God Bless America Cake that blends tropical sweetness and patriotic pride. Moist layers infused with island flavors promise a delightful dessert you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 can (20 ounces/567 grams) crushed pineapple (with juice)
  • 2 large eggs

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup oil

Leavening and Seasoning:

  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Ready the culinary workspace by coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with grease and warming the oven to a precise 350°F (175°C).
  2. Craft the cake foundation by thoroughly blending crushed pineapple with its natural juices, eggs, vegetable oil, white and caramel-hued sugars until the mixture achieves a harmonious consistency.
  3. Separately whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt, then gently incorporate these dry elements into the liquid mixture, stirring delicately to maintain a smooth texture without overmixing.
  4. Transfer the velvety batter into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution across the surface.
  5. Slide the cake into the preheated oven and allow it to transform for approximately 25-30 minutes, verifying doneness by inserting a slender wooden probe that emerges pristine and crumb-free.
  6. During the cake’s transformation, construct the luxurious topping by merging evaporated milk, butter, and granulated sweetener in a medium saucepan, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
  7. Reduce heat and let the topping simmer, stirring periodically for 10 minutes until it develops a rich, cohesive texture.
  8. Remove the sauce from heat and fold in shredded coconut, chopped pecans, vanilla extract, and a whisper of salt, creating a decadent coating.
  9. Immediately after extracting the cake from the oven, cascade the warm, nutty-coconut glaze across its surface, spreading uniformly to ensure complete coverage.
  10. Allow the dessert to cool completely, permitting the icing to set and develop its full aromatic potential before slicing and serving this delectable American-inspired treat.

Notes

  • Drain pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess moisture that could make the cake soggy.
  • Fold dry ingredients gently to maintain the cake’s light, fluffy texture without overmixing.
  • Toast pecans before adding to the icing to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch.
  • Use room temperature eggs for better batter integration and more consistent cake texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 201
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 104 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 36 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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