Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert: the Hawaiian wedding cake with whipped cream cheese frosting! This cake is a tropical dream come true, bursting with sweet crushed pineapple, fluffy shredded coconut, and crunchy walnuts. Each bite transports me to a sunny beach, even if I’m just in my kitchen! I remember the first time I made this for a friend’s wedding; it was such a hit that I had to share the recipe with everyone. The light, creamy frosting perfectly complements the rich flavors, making it a must-have for celebrations or just because you deserve a treat!
Ingredients List
Gathering these ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up your own Hawaiian wedding cake with whipped cream cheese frosting:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained well
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Make sure to have everything prepped and measured out before you start; it makes the process so much smoother and more enjoyable!
How to Prepare Hawaiian Wedding Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting
Alright, let’s get our hands a little messy and create this delightful Hawaiian wedding cake! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans. Trust me, this step is crucial—no one likes a cake that sticks!
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Give it a good whisk to ensure everything’s evenly blended. In another bowl, mix together the vegetable oil, eggs, drained crushed pineapple, and vanilla extract. This fragrant mixture is where the magic begins!
Now, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones and mix until just combined. Don’t overdo it! Gently fold in the shredded coconut and chopped walnuts, which add such a lovely texture. Once your batter is ready, divide it evenly among the prepared pans.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. After baking, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This cooling period is essential for a perfect frosting application later on—so be patient!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously unique flavors of pineapple and coconut that create a tropical paradise in every bite.
- Easy to prepare, making it perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros!
- Whipped cream cheese frosting adds a light, creamy layer that balances the cake beautifully.
- Ideal for special occasions like weddings, birthdays, or just because you want to treat yourself.
- Great for sharing—everyone will be asking for the recipe once they taste it!
Tips for Success
Want to nail this Hawaiian wedding cake with whipped cream cheese frosting? Here are my top tips! First, make sure the crushed pineapple is well-drained; excess moisture can lead to a soggy cake. I also recommend chilling your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the cream; it helps achieve those perfect stiff peaks! When mixing the batter, be gentle—overmixing can make the cake dense instead of light and fluffy. And don’t rush the cooling process; let the layers cool completely before frosting to prevent sliding. Follow these tips, and you’re sure to impress everyone with your tropical delight!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix things up with this Hawaiian wedding cake! For a fruity twist, try adding diced mango or banana into the batter—talk about tropical goodness! You could also swap out the walnuts for macadamia nuts for that authentic Hawaiian crunch. If you’re a chocolate lover, fold in some mini chocolate chips into the batter or drizzle chocolate ganache over the top for a decadent touch. Feeling zesty? A hint of lime zest in the frosting can brighten everything up. The possibilities are endless—get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover Hawaiian wedding cake with whipped cream cheese frosting is a breeze! Just make sure to wrap the cake slices tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and delicious for up to five days in the refrigerator. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze individual slices for up to two months. Just let them thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy another slice of paradise! No need to reheat—this cake is delightful served chilled, retaining that creamy frosting goodness!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of our delicious Hawaiian wedding cake with whipped cream cheese frosting! Keep in mind these values are estimates per slice, so enjoy responsibly! Each slice packs around 350 calories, with about 22 grams of fat and 30 grams of sugar. You’ll also find 4 grams of protein and 35 grams of carbohydrates. There’s a bit of fiber in there too, about 2 grams, which is a nice bonus! Remember, this cake is a treat, so savor every bite and don’t worry too much about the numbers—it’s all about the flavors and joy it brings!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just make sure to finely chop and drain it well to avoid excess moisture. Fresh pineapple will add a lovely, vibrant flavor to your Hawaiian wedding cake.
How should I store the cake?
Store your Hawaiian wedding cake with whipped cream cheese frosting in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and delicious!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! The cake layers can be made a day in advance. Just frost it on the day you plan to serve for the best texture and taste.
What other frostings can I use?
While whipped cream cheese frosting is dreamy, you could also use a coconut buttercream or even a simple vanilla glaze for a different twist!
Is this cake suitable for vegetarian diets?
Yes! This Hawaiian wedding cake is vegetarian-friendly, making it a fantastic dessert option for all your guests!
Hawaiian Wedding Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting Bliss
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful Hawaiian wedding cake layered with rich flavors and topped with whipped cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine oil, eggs, crushed pineapple, and vanilla.
- Mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in shredded coconut and chopped walnuts.
- Divide batter evenly among the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks, then fold into cream cheese mixture.
- Frost each layer of cake and the top with whipped cream cheese frosting.
Notes
- Ensure the pineapple is well-drained to avoid a soggy cake.
- Chill the mixing bowl for the whipped cream for better results.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: hawaiian wedding cake, whipped cream cheese frosting
