Hawaiian Cake

Hawaiian Cake Recipe: A Taste of the Tropics

Region / culture: Hawaii | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Hawaiian Cake is a delicious and tropical dessert that combines the flavors of pineapple, coconut, and cream cheese. This easy-to-make cake is perfect for any occasion and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

The origins of Hawaiian Cake are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have been inspired by the tropical flavors of Hawaii. This cake has become a popular dessert in many households and is often served at parties and gatherings.

Ingredients

1 (18.25 oz) package yellow cake mix
1.25 cup cold milk
1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding
1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapples, drained
1 cup whipping cream
1 (3 oz) package cream cheese, softened
0.25 cup sugar
0.5 tsp vanilla extract
0.5 cup flaked coconut, toasted

How to prepare

Prepare and bake the cake as per the instructions on the package, using a greased 13 in x 9 in x 2 in baking pan.
Allow the cake to cool. In a bowl, whisk together milk and pudding mix, and let it stand to thicken.
Stir in the pineapple and spread the mixture over the cake.
In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Beat in 1 cup of whipped topping, then fold in the remaining topping.
Spread the cream cheese mixture over the pudding layer and sprinkle with coconut.
Cover the cake and refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight.

Variations

Add chopped macadamia nuts to the cream cheese mixture for added crunch.
Use a different flavor of pudding mix, such as coconut or banana, for a unique twist on the recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain the crushed pineapples well to avoid a soggy cake.

- Toasting the coconut adds a delicious nutty flavor to the cake.

- Refrigerating the cake for at least 3 hours allows the flavors to meld together and creates a deliciously creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Hawaiian Cake chilled with a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra indulgent treat.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to follow the instructions on the cake mix package for best results.

- Whipping the cream cheese mixture until smooth will ensure a creamy and delicious topping for the cake.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use a homemade yellow cake recipe instead of a cake mix if desired.

- If you don't have instant vanilla pudding, you can use vanilla pastry cream as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

Hawaiian Cake can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days before serving. Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the top of the cake with fresh pineapple slices and maraschino cherries for a festive and tropical presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Hawaiian Cake with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk for a delicious dessert pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply let it come to room temperature or microwave individual slices for a few seconds.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Hawaiian Cake contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Hawaiian Cake contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Hawaiian Cake contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Hawaiian Cake contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Hawaiian Cake is a good source of vitamin C, thanks to the pineapple in the recipe. It also contains calcium and iron from the milk and cream cheese.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk, cream cheese) and coconut, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Hawaiian Cake is a delicious dessert that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides some essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Hawaiian Cake is a delightful dessert that brings the flavors of the tropics to your table. With its creamy texture and tropical ingredients, this cake is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Hawaiian Cake. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Mary at her cozy beach house. As soon as I walked through the door, the sweet aroma of pineapple and coconut filled the air, drawing me towards the kitchen like a magnet.

Mary greeted me with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye. "I have a special treat for you today, my dear," she said, as she handed me a tattered old recipe card. "This is my grandmother's famous Hawaiian Cake recipe. It's been in our family for generations, and I thought it was time to pass it on to you."

I looked down at the faded writing on the card, feeling a surge of excitement and gratitude. The ingredients were simple, yet exotic: crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and a hint of rum. The instructions were straightforward, but there was a sense of magic in the way they were written, as if each step held a secret that only those who truly understood the recipe could unlock.

Mary saw the look of awe on my face and chuckled softly. "I know it seems like a lot, but trust me, once you make this cake, you'll never look back. It's a taste of paradise in every bite."

And so, under Mary's patient guidance, I embarked on my journey to master the art of making Hawaiian Cake. I gathered the ingredients with care, making sure to select the ripest pineapple and the freshest coconut. I followed the instructions to the letter, mixing the batter with precision and folding in the delicate flakes of coconut and crunchy pecans.

As the cake baked in the oven, the kitchen was filled with a symphony of tropical scents that transported me to a faraway island paradise. I could almost hear the gentle rustle of palm trees and the soothing sound of ocean waves as I waited anxiously for the cake to cool.

Finally, the moment of truth arrived. I carefully sliced into the cake and took my first bite, closing my eyes to savor the explosion of flavors on my tongue. The sweetness of the pineapple, the nuttiness of the pecans, and the rich aroma of rum combined in perfect harmony, creating a taste sensation unlike any other.

I couldn't help but smile as I thought of all the memories this cake would create for me and my loved ones. From lazy summer afternoons by the beach to festive gatherings with friends and family, the Hawaiian Cake would always be a symbol of joy, love, and togetherness.

And so, as I shared the recipe with my own grandchildren, passing on the tradition that had been handed down to me by Mary, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the magical world of cooking and the endless possibilities it held. In every bite of Hawaiian Cake, I tasted not just the flavors of the ingredients, but the love, laughter, and cherished moments that had gone into making it.

As I watched my grandchildren take their first bite of the cake, their eyes lighting up with delight, I knew that the legacy of the Hawaiian Cake would live on for generations to come, bringing joy and happiness to all who tasted its wondrous flavors. And for that, I was truly grateful.