If you’re looking for a cake that’s bursting with tropical charm and a luscious, creamy finish, this Hawaiian Wedding Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine a moist, tender cake infused with crushed pineapple, warm spices, toasted coconut, and crunchy walnuts, all topped with a light, fluffy cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. This cake is a showstopper for any celebration but is so easy to make that it quickly becomes a favorite for everyday indulgence too. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Hawaiian Wedding Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one has a special role, whether it’s providing moisture, texture, or that unmistakable tropical sweetness, ensuring every bite is perfectly balanced and satisfying.
- 1 cup white sugar: Adds essential sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Brings a rich, caramel-like depth that complements the pineapple and spices.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise and stay light and fluffy.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the cake for a soft but sturdy base.
- 2 large eggs: Provides moisture and binding for the batter.
- 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple (with juice): The star ingredient, adding tropical sweetness and tenderizing the cake.
- 1 cup finely chopped walnuts: Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
- 3/4 cup flaked coconut: Gives a chewy texture and enhances that island vibe.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Infuses warm, cozy notes that balance the sweetness.
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg: Adds subtle spice that deepens the flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without making the cake salty.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a warm, inviting aroma and rounds out the taste.
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened: The base for the whipped cream cheese frosting, lending tanginess and creaminess.
- 1 cup white sugar (for frosting): Sweetens the frosting to perfection.
- 1/8 teaspoon salt (for frosting): Balances the sweetness in the frosting.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Adds depth and a sweet fragrance.
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream: Whipped to stiff peaks for a frosting that’s light, airy, and luscious.
How to Make Hawaiian Wedding Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing your 9-inch round pan or a 9×13-inch rectangular pan ensures the cake won’t stick and will come out perfectly shaped. This simple step sets the foundation for your beautiful dessert.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the white sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This combination of dry ingredients is what gives the cake its warm flavor and structure, so it’s important to mix them thoroughly for even distribution.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the vanilla extract and crushed pineapple, including the juice. The juice from the pineapple adds natural moisture, which keeps this cake irresistibly tender and fruity. Make sure to mix well so the eggs are fully incorporated.
Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients, Fold in Nuts and Coconut
Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Over-mixing can make the cake tough, so be gentle here. Finally, fold in the chopped walnuts and flaked coconut to add texture and that lovely tropical flair.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour your batter into the prepared pan and place it into the oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma during baking is heavenly, with the spices and pineapple harmonizing beautifully. Once baked, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely — this step is critical so the frosting doesn’t melt.
Step 6: Make the Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting
Begin by whipping the heavy cream in a small bowl until stiff peaks form. In a separate, large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the whipped cream to create a frosting that’s light, fluffy, and tangy — the perfect counterpoint to the rich cake.
Step 7: Frost and Garnish the Cake
Spread the whipped cream cheese frosting evenly across the cooled cake. For a final touch, feel free to sprinkle on toasted coconut flakes, extra chopped walnuts, or even a few pineapple slices to add color and flavor. Your Hawaiian Wedding Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is now ready to wow your taste buds!
How to Serve Hawaiian Wedding Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like toasted coconut flakes, chopped walnuts, or thin pineapple rings not only enhances the look but also adds delicious layers of texture and flavor. These simple touches make your cake look like it just came from a tropical bakery.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a light fruit salad or a scoop of coconut ice cream. These sides highlight the tropical elements of the cake while providing a refreshing contrast to its creamy sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, consider serving this cake in layered mini-cakes or even as cupcakes with individual dollops of the whipped cream cheese frosting. You could also decorate the slices with edible flowers for an elegant Hawaiian flair that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Hawaiian Wedding Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe tightly covered in the refrigerator. It will stay moist and delicious for up to 4 days, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert.
Freezing
If you want to keep this cake longer, freeze it without the frosting first. Once frozen solid, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before frosting and serving to retain its fresh texture and flavor.
Reheating
Since this cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, gently warming is generally not necessary. If you prefer it slightly warm, allow it to sit out for 30 minutes before serving or warm a slice briefly in the microwave, but avoid overheating to preserve the frosting’s texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute the walnuts for another nut?
Absolutely! Pecans or macadamia nuts both work wonderfully in this recipe and give a slightly different but delicious flavor and texture. Just be sure to chop them finely, as nuts are a key texture element here.
Is fresh pineapple okay to use instead of canned?
Yes, fresh pineapple works well, but be sure to crush it finely and include some of its juice to keep the cake moist. The canned pineapple is convenient and already crushed, but fresh can add a brighter, fresher taste.
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
You can prepare the frosting a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just give it a gentle whip before spreading if it has settled. However, for best texture, it’s ideal to frost the cake just before serving.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free twist, use a plant-based cream cheese and substitute the heavy whipping cream with coconut cream whipped to stiff peaks. This will maintain the rich, tropical vibe while catering to dietary needs.
What is the best pan size for this cake?
The recipe works well in either a 9-inch round pan or a 9×13-inch rectangular pan. The baking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the cake and test with a toothpick for doneness.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Wedding Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is truly a treasure that brings sunshine and joy to any table. Its irresistible combination of tropical flavors, warm spices, and creamy frosting makes it a dessert that’s as delicious as it is memorable. So go ahead and bake this beauty for your next gathering — or simply because you deserve a slice of paradise today!
Print
Hawaiian Wedding Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Hawaiian Wedding Cake is a moist, flavorful treat featuring crushed pineapple, toasted coconut, and walnuts, finished with a luscious whipped cream cheese frosting. Ideal for celebrations or any special occasion, this cake combines tropical flavors with a creamy, whipped topping for a perfect dessert.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple with juice
- 1 cup finely chopped walnuts
- 3/4 cup flaked coconut
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch round pan or a 9×13-inch rectangular pan to prepare for baking.
- Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: white sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, add the vanilla extract, and crushed pineapple with juice. Gradually combine the wet ingredient mixture with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the finely chopped walnuts and flaked coconut gently.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the prepared batter into the greased pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a small bowl, whip the heavy cream using a hand or stand mixer until stiff peaks form. In a larger bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the white sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Carefully fold the whipped heavy cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined and fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the whipped cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Optionally, garnish with toasted coconut flakes, walnuts, or pineapple slices for extra flavor and decoration.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- For a toasty flavor, toast the coconut flakes and walnuts lightly before folding into the batter or using as garnish.
- You can substitute walnuts with macadamia nuts for a more Hawaiian-inspired texture and taste.
- Store the cake refrigerated due to the cream cheese frosting, and serve at room temperature for best flavor.
- This cake can be made a day ahead and stored covered to enhance the flavor as the ingredients meld.
