If you are on the hunt for a truly delightful and crowd-pleasing dessert, look no further than this Hawaiian Wedding Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. This cake combines the tropical sweetness of crushed pineapple with the moist texture of a classic yellow cake, all topped with a luscious, whipped cream cheese frosting that is both light and indulgent. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an outstanding choice for celebrations, potlucks, or any time you want a slice of sunshine on your plate!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Hawaiian Wedding Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe plays a crucial role, bringing harmony to sweetness, moisture, and luscious creaminess. You’ll find that simple pantry staples come together beautifully to create a show-stopping dessert.
- Yellow cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): The base that ensures moistness and a tender crumb.
- Crushed pineapple (1 can, 20 oz, undrained): Adds tropical flavor and natural moisture to the batter.
- Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the cake wonderfully moist without heaviness.
- Large eggs (3): Provide structure and richness to the cake.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors with a warm, fragrant note.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Creates the creamy and tangy base for the frosting.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens and smooths the frosting perfectly.
- Whipped topping (1 container, 8 oz, thawed): Lightens the frosting, lending an airy texture.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (1/2 cup, optional): Adds crunch and a nutty depth.
- Shredded coconut (optional): For that added tropical flair and texture on top.
- Extra crushed pineapple (well-drained, optional): A juicy finishing touch for garnish.
How to Make Hawaiian Wedding Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your cake doesn’t stick and bakes evenly. This simple setup step ensures a perfect base for our tropical creation.
Step 2: Create the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, the entire can of crushed pineapple including the juice, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat everything together for about two minutes until the batter is smooth and fully blended. The pineapple juice infuses the batter with moisture and that signature tropical sweetness.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly for consistent baking. Place it in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack – this cooling step sets the stage for smooth frosting application.
Step 4: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake cools, prepare the frosting by beating together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Then gently fold in the thawed whipped topping, combining them delicately to keep that light, whipped texture that makes this frosting so special.
Step 5: Frost and Garnish
Spread the whipped cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Now is the time to get creative by sprinkling chopped nuts for crunch, shredded coconut for tropical texture, and a bit of extra crushed pineapple for juicy bursts of flavor. Chill the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld beautifully.
How to Serve Hawaiian Wedding Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted shredded coconut or a few extra nuts on top adds visual appeal and texture that complements the smooth frosting. For an extra pop of tropical freshness, place a small spoonful of well-drained crushed pineapple on each slice just before serving.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with light, summery sides like fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy frosting and sweet pineapple flavors make it a refreshing finish after a tangy citrus salad or grilled chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Hawaiian Wedding Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe even more festive by serving individual slices in clear dessert plates topped with edible flowers or mint leaves. For gatherings, a cake stand garnished with tropical fruit slices like mango or pineapple rings turns it into a centerpiece dessert everyone will admire.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This cake keeps best when covered and refrigerated. Stored properly, leftovers stay moist and delicious for up to four days, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert that gets better as the flavors blend.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cake without the frosting first by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in an airtight container. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then add the whipped cream cheese frosting fresh before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is generally not necessary. However, if desired, let it sit out at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving to bring out the full flavor.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake instead of a cake mix?
Absolutely! While this recipe is super convenient with a cake mix, a homemade yellow cake that’s moist and tender will work beautifully too. Just make sure it’s not too dense, so the pineapple juice can soak in.
Can I substitute the whipped topping with homemade whipped cream?
Yes, you can fold in homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought whipped topping for a fresher taste. Just make sure your whipped cream is stable enough to mix gently without deflating.
Is it necessary to use crushed pineapple with juice?
The juice in the crushed pineapple contributes essential moisture and flavor, so it’s best to include it in the batter as directed. It keeps the cake incredibly tender and adds that perfect tropical note.
What if I don’t like nuts or coconut as a topping?
No worries! The cake and frosting stand on their own beautifully. Simply skip the nuts and coconut or swap them out for fresh fruit or a dusting of cinnamon if you prefer.
How long does the cake need to chill before serving?
Chilling for at least one hour allows the frosting to set and the flavors to mingle. It’s worth the wait for a perfectly creamy and sliceable cake experience!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Hawaiian Wedding Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe that makes you want to share it with everyone you know. Its tropical sweetness, moist crumb, and dreamy frosting come together in a way that feels like a little celebration every time you take a bite. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find your new favorite dessert to bring sunshine into your kitchen and happiness to your table.
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Hawaiian Wedding Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Hawaiian Wedding Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist, tropical-inspired dessert featuring a yellow cake base infused with crushed pineapple. It’s topped with a creamy, tangy whipped cream cheese frosting and garnished with nuts, shredded coconut, and extra pineapple for a delightful, crowd-pleasing treat perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple in juice (undrained)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip, thawed)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Shredded coconut for topping (optional)
- Extra crushed pineapple (well-drained) for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, undrained crushed pineapple, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the ingredients for about 2 minutes until smooth and well combined.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully incorporated to create a light and fluffy frosting.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake surface. For added flavor and texture, sprinkle chopped nuts, shredded coconut, and extra well-drained crushed pineapple on top, if desired.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the frosted cake for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and frosting to set before serving. Enjoy chilled for the best taste.
Notes
- This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- Perfect for potlucks, birthdays, tropical-themed parties, or any special occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
