If you’ve ever dreamed of a cake that brings the tropical sweetness of the islands right to your kitchen, the Hawaiian Wedding Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is the perfect treat for you. This delightful dessert combines moist yellow cake infused with juicy pineapple and topped with a light, luscious whipped cream cheese frosting that’s studded with more pineapple and a hint of vanilla. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with its tender crumb, refreshing fruitiness, and that dreamy creamy topping that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a slice of sunshine in your day, this cake offers the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but absolutely essential to creating the magic of this Hawaiian Wedding Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Each component plays a pivotal role—from the moistness of the crushed pineapple and tender crumb of the yellow cake mix to the silky, tangy frosting that makes every bite unforgettable.
- Yellow cake mix (15.25 oz): Serves as the fluffy, buttery base that absorbs all the pineapple goodness beautifully.
- 3 large eggs: Bind everything together while adding richness and structure to the cake.
- 1 cup crushed pineapple with juice: Keeps the cake moist and bursting with tropical flavor.
- ½ cup vegetable oil: Adds moisture and tenderness to create that perfect cake texture.
- ½ cup water: Helps blend the dry ingredients smoothly for an even batter.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the sweet flavors with its warm aromatic notes.
- Cream cheese (8 oz), softened: Forms the creamy base of the frosting with its tangy richness.
- Whipped topping (8 oz Cool Whip): Lightens the frosting, making it fluffy and refreshing.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting perfectly without being overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Added to the frosting for a subtle depth of flavor.
- 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, well-drained: Mixed into the frosting for bursts of juicy goodness in every bite.
- ½ cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty aroma as a garnish.
- Shredded coconut (optional): Sprinkled on top to elevate the tropical flair and texture.
How to Make Hawaiian Wedding Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Cake
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so your cake doesn’t stick and comes out cleanly every time. Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, crushed pineapple with juice, vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract. Beat everything together until the batter is smooth and fully blended — this is where all those tropical flavors get to mingle. Pour the luscious batter into your greased pan, spreading evenly, then pop it in the oven to bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s perfectly baked when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, let the cake cool completely in the pan to prepare it for its dreamy frosting.
Step 2: Make the Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake is cooling, start on the frosting that makes this Hawaiian Wedding Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe so irresistible. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s silky and smooth. Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to create a sweet, creamy base. Then gently fold in the whipped topping to lighten the texture, followed by the well-drained crushed pineapple to infuse bursts of juicy sweetness throughout the frosting. This frosting is what takes the cake from delicious to truly unforgettable.
Step 3: Assemble and Chill
Once your cake is fully cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. This step is crucial — make sure the cake is no longer warm, or the frosting might melt and lose its structure. For an optional but fabulous finishing touch, sprinkle the chopped toasted nuts and shredded coconut over the frosted cake, adding a textural contrast and enhancing the tropical vibe. Now, cover the cake and chill it for at least one hour so the flavors can meld and the frosting firms up just right for slicing and serving.
How to Serve Hawaiian Wedding Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Enhancing the look and taste of your cake with simple garnishes can really wow your guests. Toasted pecans or walnuts bring a satisfying crunch and nutty warmth, while shredded coconut fluffs up the tropical flair. For an extra pop, consider adding fresh pineapple chunks or even a few maraschino cherries for color and a sweet bite that pairs beautifully with the creamy frosting.
Side Dishes
This cake shines as a stand-alone dessert, but you can elevate your gathering by pairing it with light, fresh sides. Think about a tropical fruit salad with mango, papaya, and kiwi to complement the pineapple in the cake, or even a simple scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to add a creamy contrast. For drinks, a glass of chilled pineapple juice or a light, tropical punch would be perfect companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can turn a simple cake into a centerpiece. Try serving slices on vibrant plates with a drizzle of toasted coconut syrup or a sprinkling of extra nuts on the side. You can also cut the cake into small bite-sized squares for a party platter or layer it in a trifle dish with pineapple chunks and whipped cream for a stunning, layered Hawaiian dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Hawaiian Wedding Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe should be kept refrigerated in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the frosting from drying out. Stored this way, your cake will stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days. Just make sure to keep it chilled until you’re ready to enjoy more.
Freezing
If you want to keep your cake longer, it freezes beautifully. Wrap the individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. Frozen, the cake can last for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw the slices overnight in the fridge to preserve that wonderful texture and flavor.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating isn’t generally recommended, especially because the frosting can lose its texture. If you want to soften the cake slightly, leaving it at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving works perfectly. This brings out the flavors without affecting the creamy frosting.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple will add a bright and natural sweetness to your Hawaiian Wedding Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Just make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture affecting the cake’s texture.
Is it possible to make this cake from scratch without the cake mix?
Yes, you can bake a yellow cake from scratch using your favorite recipe, but the convenience of the box mix keeps this recipe quick and foolproof. Just make sure your homemade cake is moist to complement the pineapple and frosting.
Can I substitute whipped topping with homemade whipped cream?
You can, though homemade whipped cream tends to be less stable and may not hold the same light texture in the frosting as Cool Whip does. If using whipped cream, whip it until soft peaks form and fold carefully into the cream cheese mixture.
How far in advance can I make this cake?
This cake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld nicely overnight. Prepare it up to 24 hours ahead and keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.
Can I omit the nuts and coconut for allergies?
Definitely! The nuts and coconut are optional garnishes that add texture and tropical flair but are not essential to the cake’s flavor. Simply skip them to keep the cake allergy-friendly.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Wedding Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe truly is a treasure, bringing tropical charm and creamy sweetness to your dessert table with such ease. I encourage you to try making this cake—it’s perfect for sharing with family and friends, for celebrations or simply when you’re craving something special. The combination of moist pineapple cake and dreamy frosting is a slice of paradise that’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to recipes.
Print
Hawaiian Wedding Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Hawaiian Wedding Cake is a tropical delight featuring a moist yellow cake infused with crushed pineapple and topped with a luscious whipped cream cheese frosting mixed with pineapple and optional toasted nuts and coconut. Perfect for celebrations or any time you crave a sweet, fruity dessert with a light, creamy topping.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup crushed pineapple with juice
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (Cool Whip)
- 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, well-drained
Optional Toppings
- ½ cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts
- Shredded coconut for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix the cake batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, 1 cup crushed pineapple with juice, vegetable oil, water, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat thoroughly until the batter is smooth and well mixed.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
- Make the frosting: While the cake cools, beat the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Gently fold in the whipped topping and the well-drained crushed pineapple to create a fluffy frosting.
- Frost the cake: Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the pineapple cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Avoid frosting while warm to prevent melting.
- Add toppings and chill: Sprinkle the top with chopped toasted pecans or walnuts and shredded coconut if desired. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set the frosting and enhance the flavors before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before applying the frosting to prevent it from melting.
- For best flavor, prepare the cake ahead and refrigerate overnight after frosting.
- To toast nuts, lightly toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and golden.
- You can substitute the whipped topping with fresh whipped cream for a lighter alternative.
