Pineapple Coconut “God Bless America” Cake 🇺🇸🍍🥥
This Pineapple Coconut God Bless America Cake is a delightful and patriotic dessert perfect for celebrations, especially on national holidays like the Fourth of July or Memorial Day! Packed with tropical flavors, it’s moist, creamy, and topped with a burst of coconut goodness. The red, white, and blue decor is a festive nod to American pride! 🎆❤️💙
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
For Decoration (Optional):
- Blueberries (for blue)
- Strawberries or raspberries (for red)
- Extra shredded coconut (for white)
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 8-inch round pans.
2. Make the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix pineapple, buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth and fully combined.
3. Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s).
- Bake for 30–35 minutes (for a 9×13 pan) or 25–30 minutes (for round pans), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
4. Prepare the Frosting
- Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in vanilla extract.
5. Frost and Decorate
- Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
- Sprinkle shredded coconut on top for a snowy, textured finish.
6. Add Patriotic Decorations
- Arrange blueberries in a square in the top-left corner for the “stars.”
- Use rows of strawberries or raspberries for the “stripes.”
- Leave strips of white coconut to complete the American flag design.
Serving Suggestions
Slice and serve this cake at your next patriotic gathering, barbecue, or picnic. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold lemonade for an extra-special treat!
Tips and Variations
- Tropical Twist: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for added texture.
- Lighter Option: Use a whipped cream topping instead of cream cheese frosting for a fluffier texture.
- Mini Cakes: Turn the batter into cupcakes for individual servings!
Celebrate the USA with this deliciously sweet and tropical cake. God Bless America! 🇺🇸🎉
