Celebrate with Sweetness: Pineapple Coconut God Bless America Cake Recipe

Get ready to indulge in a slice of patriotic perfection with our Pineapple Coconut God Bless America Cake! Bursting with tropical flavors and topped with a rich coconut pecan icing, this cake is a delightful twist on the classic German chocolate cake. Whether you’re celebrating Independence Day, Memorial Day, or simply craving a taste of summer, this cake is sure to be a hit at any gathering. So let’s dive into the recipe and create a dessert worthy of fireworks!

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

1 (20 oz.) can crushed pineapple, with juices
2 large eggs
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Icing:

1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 cups shredded coconut
1 cup pecans, roughly chopped, toasted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure your cake doesn’t stick.
Mix the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed pineapple (with juices), eggs, vegetable oil, sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until well combined.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until smooth and evenly combined.
Bake to Perfection: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Prepare the Icing: While the cake is baking, prepare the icing. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the evaporated milk, unsalted butter, and sugar. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly, about 10-12 minutes.
Add Coconut and Pecans: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded coconut, toasted pecans, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
Ice the Cake: Once the cake has finished baking and cooled slightly, spread the icing evenly over the top. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Cook Notes and Variations:

Tropical Twist: Add a splash of rum or coconut extract to the cake batter for an extra burst of tropical flavor.
Fruity Infusion: Mix diced pineapple into the cake batter for added texture and sweetness.
Nut-Free Option: Omit the pecans from the icing for a nut-free version of this cake.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, you can still enjoy the flavors of Pineapple Coconut God Bless America Cake with these simple substitutions:

Keto Version: Substitute almond flour or coconut flour for the all-purpose flour to reduce the carb content. Use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener in place of the sugar and brown sugar in both the cake and icing.
Low-Carb Version: Reduce the amount of sugar used in the cake and icing, and opt for unsweetened shredded coconut to lower the carb count. You can also use a combination of almond flour and coconut flour for the cake batter to further reduce the carb content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

A: Yes, you can! Fresh pineapple can be used in place of canned crushed pineapple. Simply chop the fresh pineapple into small pieces and use it in the same quantity as the canned pineapple.

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! This cake can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The flavors actually improve with time, so it’s a great make-ahead dessert for special occasions.

Q: Can I toast the coconut and pecans in advance?

A: Yes, you can! Toast the coconut and pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant, then allow them to cool completely before using in the icing.

Q: Can I use a different type of nut in the icing?

A: Of course! Feel free to substitute chopped almonds, walnuts, or macadamia nuts for the pecans in the icing for a different flavor profile.

With its tropical flair and decadent icing, our Pineapple Coconut God Bless America Cake is a true celebration of flavor and patriotism. Whether you’re serving it up at a backyard barbecue, picnic, or Fourth of July gathering, this cake is sure to dazzle your guests and leave them asking for seconds. So fire up the oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a dessert masterpiece that will have everyone singing praises to the red, white, and blue!