Coconut Cake

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the bottom and sides of three 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pans; line bottoms with wax paper, then grease and lightly flour the wax paper.
2. Drain pineapple, reserving 3/4 cup juice. Set aside 1/4 cup of the juice for the cream cheese frosting. Reserve the crushed pineapple for the filling.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add sugar, beating well until fluffy.
4. Add eggs, one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. The batter should be smooth and light.
5. Combine 1/2 cup of the reserved pineapple juice with the lemon-lime soda.
6. Add sifted cake flour to the butter mixture alternately with the juice-soda mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Beat at low speed after each addition until fully incorporated. Stir in lemon and vanilla extracts.
7. Pour batter evenly into prepared cake pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool on wire racks.
8. Spread 3/4 cup of the pineapple filling between the cake layers, then spread the remaining filling on top of the stacked layers.
9. Prepare cream cheese frosting: beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar to reach desired consistency, then mix in reserved pineapple juice. Frost the sides of the cake, and pipe a decorative border around the top if desired.
10. Sprinkle the thawed coconut over the frosting and garnish with fresh mint sprigs, if using. Slice and serve immediately.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes per layer
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including cooling)
• Servings: 12–16 slices
• Difficulty: Medium

Variations & Substitutions

• Substitute crushed pineapple with mango or peach for a different tropical twist.
• Use light cream cheese or butter alternatives to reduce fat content.
• Swap lemon-lime soda with sparkling water for a subtler lift.
• Toast the coconut lightly before sprinkling for added flavor and crunch.

Serving Suggestions