Hawaiian Sunset Cake

Hawaiian Sunset Cake Recipe - A Taste of the Tropics

Region / culture: Hawaii | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Hawaiian Sunset Cake is a delicious and tropical dessert that is perfect for any occasion. This cake is bursting with flavors of pineapple, coconut, and creamy whipped topping, making it a refreshing and indulgent treat.

History

The origins of Hawaiian Sunset Cake are not clear, but it is believed to have been inspired by the tropical flavors of Hawaii. This cake has become a popular dessert for luau parties and summer gatherings, as it brings a taste of the islands to any celebration.

Ingredients

1 package of orange cake mix
3 oz (85 g) package of instant vanilla pudding mix
3 oz (85 g) package of orange gelatin
4 eggs
1.5 cups of milk
0.5 cup of vegetable oil
20 oz (567 g) can of crushed pineapple, drained
2 cups of granulated sugar
10 oz package of flaked coconut
8 oz (227 g) of sour cream
8 oz (227 g) of French vanilla dairy whipped topping

How to prepare

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, pudding mix, gelatin, eggs, milk, and oil.
Mix well and pour the mixture into 2 greased and lightly floured cake pans.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 30 minutes.
Allow the cakes to cool completely on wire racks.
In another bowl, combine the pineapple, sugar, coconut, and sour cream.
Transfer 1 cup of the mixture into a small mixing bowl.
Place one cake onto a serving platter and top it with one-third of the remaining mixture.
Fold the whipping topping into the reserved mixture and use it to frost the cake.
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

Variations

Add chopped macadamia nuts to the cake mixture for added crunch.
Substitute the French whipped topping with homemade whipped cream for a lighter option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain the crushed pineapple well to avoid excess moisture in the cake.

- Be sure to allow the cakes to cool completely before assembling the layers to prevent the frosting from melting.

- For a more intense coconut flavor, toast the coconut flakes before adding them to the cake mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Hawaiian Sunset Cake chilled with a garnish of fresh pineapple slices and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes.

Cooking Techniques

Baking, mixing, folding, and frosting

Ingredient Substitutions

Use a different flavor of gelatin for a unique twist on the recipe.

- Substitute the vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

This cake can be assembled and refrigerated up to 24 hours in advance. Add the whipped topping just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Decorate the top of the cake with edible flowers or fresh mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Hawaiian Sunset Cake with a glass of chilled pineapple juice or a tropical fruit salad for a complete island-inspired dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 15g per serving

Saturated Fat: 8g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 3g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This cake is a good source of Vitamin C and Vitamin A.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs, milk, and coconut.

Summary

Hawaiian Sunset Cake is a decadent dessert that is high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Hawaiian Sunset Cake is a delightful dessert that captures the flavors of the tropics in every bite. With its moist cake layers, creamy frosting, and tropical fruit filling, this cake is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is a special one. It was a hot summer day, and I was rummaging through an old recipe box that belonged to my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins. She was a wonderful cook and had traveled all over the world, collecting recipes from every corner of the globe.

As I flipped through the yellowed index cards and tattered clippings, one recipe caught my eye - Hawaiian Sunset Cake. The name alone conjured up images of palm trees swaying in the breeze, crystal clear waters, and the warm embrace of the sun. I knew I had to try it.

The ingredients were simple - flour, sugar, eggs, pineapple, and coconut. But it was the method that intrigued me. The cake was to be baked in a tube pan and then inverted onto a platter, creating a stunning sunburst effect of golden cake and vibrant pineapple slices.

I set to work, following the recipe to the letter. As the cake baked in the oven, the sweet aroma of pineapple and coconut filled the kitchen. I couldn't wait to see the finished product.

When the timer dinged, I carefully removed the cake from the oven and inverted it onto a platter. The sight before me took my breath away. The golden cake glowed like the setting sun, surrounded by slices of juicy pineapple and a sprinkling of shredded coconut. It was truly a work of art.

I couldn't wait to taste it. The first bite was pure heaven - moist, tender cake bursting with tropical flavors. The sweetness of the pineapple mingled with the nutty crunch of the coconut, creating a symphony of taste and texture.

I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my repertoire. It was perfect for any occasion - a summer barbecue, a birthday celebration, or just a quiet evening at home. And every time I made it, I would think of Mrs. Jenkins and the culinary adventures we shared.

Over the years, I have made Hawaiian Sunset Cake countless times, each one as delicious as the last. It has become a family favorite, passed down through the generations. My grandchildren love to help me make it, measuring out the flour, cracking the eggs, and arranging the pineapple slices just so.

As I stand in my kitchen now, surrounded by the laughter of my loved ones and the comforting aroma of baking cake, I am filled with gratitude for this simple recipe that has brought so much joy into our lives. It is a reminder of the power of food to connect us, to nourish not only our bodies but also our souls.

So here's to Mrs. Jenkins, wherever she may be, and to the Hawaiian Sunset Cake that has become a cherished tradition in our family. May it continue to bring us together in love and laughter for many years to come. Aloha!