Next, add the eggs one at a time, thoroughly mixing after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract. Now, it’s time to combine the dry ingredients with this creamy mixture, alternating with the crushed pineapple and coconut. This creates a thick, luscious batter that will smell heavenly! Pour the batter evenly into your prepared cake pans and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the cakes are baking, your kitchen will fill with the sweet aroma of tropical goodness! Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. I usually can’t resist sneaking a peek at the cakes; they look so golden and inviting. After they have cooled completely, you can frost them with your favorite frosting or simply dust them with powdered sugar—it’s delightful either way!
Pro Tips for Best Results
I tested this recipe a few ways, and I found that using fresh pineapple truly makes a difference. The flavor is more vibrant and the juice adds extra moisture. If you choose to use canned pineapple, be sure to drain it well! Also, I recommend giving the batter a gentle fold after combining the wet and dry ingredients. This ensures the cake remains light and fluffy instead of dense.
Another tip I discovered is to let the eggs sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using them. This helps create a better emulsion in the batter, resulting in a more tender cake. Not only does this step help with the texture, but it also aids in the baking process!
Lastly, don’t skip the cooling phase! Allowing your cake layers to cool completely before frosting is crucial. If you frost a warm cake, the frosting will melt and slide right off. Trust me; I learned this the hard way once!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One mistake I made the first time was not fully creaming the butter and sugar together. This resulted in a denser cake than I hoped for. The creaming process is essential for incorporating air into the batter, so be patient, and make sure it’s fluffy before you add the eggs. (See the next page below to continue…)