Description

The Pineapple Coconut God Bless America Cake is a delightful combination of tropical flavors and patriotic charm, perfect for celebrating American holidays such as the 4th of July, Memorial Day, or Veterans Day. The cake boasts a moist and tender crumb, thanks to the fresh (or canned) pineapple and shredded coconut, which provide a sweet, fruity, and slightly nutty contrast to the rich, buttery base. The cake is often decorated in patriotic red, white, and blue colors, making it a show-stopping centerpiece at any festive gathering. Whether you’re hosting a family BBQ or joining a community celebration, this cake will bring both flavor and a sense of pride to the table.

Ingredients

Scale

1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple (with juice)
2 eggs
1/4 cup oil
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

Icing:

1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
1 cup butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 cups shredded coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Grease a 9×13 dish.
Mix cake ingredients, pour into dish, bake for 25-30 mins.
Boil icing ingredients, simmer for 10 mins, stir in coconut & pecans.
Pour icing over hot cake. Let cool, then enjoy

Notes

Choosing Pineapple: Canned pineapple is often preferred for its consistency, but fresh pineapple can give a brighter, more natural flavor. Be sure to thoroughly drain the pineapple, regardless of whether it’s fresh or canned, to avoid excess moisture in the cake.
Shredded Coconut Options: You can use sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut depending on how sweet you prefer the cake. Toasted coconut can also be used as a topping for added texture and flavor.
Frosting Variations: Coconut cream frosting, cream cheese frosting, or a simple buttercream all work well with this cake. If you’re serving the cake outdoors during hot weather, opt for a frosting that can hold up to the heat, like a shortening-based buttercream.
Decoration Ideas: To keep with the patriotic theme, use red, white, and blue elements such as berries (strawberries and blueberries), colored sprinkles, or edible stars. You can also use food coloring in the frosting to create American flag-inspired designs.
Make Ahead: This cake can be baked ahead of time. The unfrosted cake layers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month. Frost and decorate the cake the day you plan to serve it for best results.
Customizations: This recipe can be adapted for gluten-free, vegan, or sugar-free diets. Simply substitute ingredients like flour, eggs, butter, and sugar with appropriate alternatives without compromising flavor or texture.