Name: Pina Colada Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Caribbean
Ingredients: 280 g all-purpose flour (sifted); 30 g cornstarch (sifted); 1 tablespoon baking powder (sifted); A pinch of salt (sifted); 113 g unsalted butter (room temperature); 66 ml vegetable oil; 310 g granulated sugar; 3 large eggs (room temperature); 2 teaspoons pineapple extract; 275 ml canned coconut milk; ½ cup pineapple jam; 1.25 cups (350 g) unsalted butter (room temperature); 2.25 cups (580 g) icing sugar (sifted); 5-7 tablespoons coconut cream; 2-3 cups coconut flakes or desiccated coconut; 1 cup fresh pineapples (chopped); ½ cup cherries

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 48 reviews

If you love tropical flavors and crave a dessert that bursts with sunshine in every bite, then this Pina Colada Cake Recipe is going to become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine moist, fluffy layers infused with pineapple extract and coconut milk, all wrapped in a luscious coconut cream frosting topped with pineapple chunks and cherries. It’s like a vacation for your taste buds, blending the sweet and tangy notes of a classic pina colada cocktail into a beautifully layered cake that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, shown in four steps. In the first step, the bowl contains a pile of white granulated sugar topped with two creamy pale yellow pieces of butter along the side, with a white cloth napkin nearby. The second step shows the ingredients partially mixed into a pale yellow, soft and fluffy creamy texture, with two metal beaters resting inside the bowl. In the third step, one bright yellow egg yolk is added at the center of the creamy mixture, surrounded by the light yellow mix. The final step shows the creamy mix fully blended into a smooth, soft, and light yellow texture covering the beaters, ready for the next step. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for ingredients you can easily find, each playing a vital part in delivering that creamy, tropical goodness. From the coconut milk that keeps the cake wonderfully moist to the pineapple extract that gives it that signature pizazz, every item contributes to the overall luscious texture and flavor.

280 g all-purpose flour (sifted): Provides the cake’s sturdy base and tender crumb.
30 g cornstarch (sifted): Helps keep the cake light and soft by softening the flour’s protein.
1 tablespoon baking powder (sifted): The perfect rising agent for a fluffy texture.
A pinch of salt (sifted): Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
113 g unsalted butter (room temperature): Adds richness and creamy texture.
66 ml vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
310 g granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps tenderize the crumb.
3 large eggs (room temperature): Bind ingredients and add structure.
2 teaspoons pineapple extract: Infuses authentic pineapple flavor throughout the cake.
275 ml canned coconut milk: Adds moisture and that unmistakable creamy coconut essence.
½ cup pineapple jam: Adds sweetness and a delightful fruity layer.
1.25 cups or 350 g unsalted butter (room temperature) for frosting: The base for smooth, fluffy frosting.
2.25 cups or 580 g icing sugar (sifted): Sweetens and stabilizes the frosting.
5-7 tablespoons coconut cream: Brings richness and authentic coconut flavor to the frosting.
2-3 cups coconut flakes or desiccated coconut: Texture and tropical flair for decoration.
1 cup fresh pineapples (chopped): Provides juicy bursts of freshness.
½ cup cherries: Adds vibrant color and a pop of sweetness on top.

How to Make Pina Colada Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 160°C (320°F). Line two 7-inch round cake tins with parchment paper and lightly grease them. This ensures your cakes come out flawlessly without sticking, which is essential for those smooth layers.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. This combination creates the foundation for a light, airy crumb, so take your time to mix these well and set the bowl aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Oil

In a separate bowl, whip the unsalted butter for about a minute until creamy. Add the granulated sugar and vegetable oil, then continue whisking for 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is key to incorporate air, which gives the cake softness.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Pineapple Extract

Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, whisking about 2 minutes each to ensure full incorporation. Then, stir in the pineapple extract, which breathes that wonderful tropical aroma right into the batter.

Step 5: Add Coconut Milk

Pour the canned coconut milk into the wet mixture and whisk for 1 to 2 minutes. The coconut milk not only adds moisture but also enriches the cake with authentic coconut flavor.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold half of the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Add the remaining dry ingredients and fold until no large lumps remain. Slight lumps are okay and help maintain a delicate texture.

Step 7: Bake

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and pop them into the oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell at this stage is already making your kitchen feel like a tropical paradise.

Step 8: Cool Your Cakes

Once baked, turn the cakes out onto a cooling rack, upside down. This helps maintain their soft shape and prevents them from doming too much. Let them cool completely before moving on to frosting.

Step 9: Make the Coconut Frosting

To start your frosting, whisk the butter for about a minute until creamy. Gradually add icing sugar in two parts, whisking three minutes after each addition to get that fluffy texture. Finish by blending in coconut cream for plenty of rich coconut flavor and a silky consistency.

Step 10: Assemble Your Cake

Place a bit of frosting on the cake board to hold your first cake layer steady. Spread a thick layer of frosting on it, followed by a generous layer of pineapple jam for that extra fruity pop. Top with the second cake layer, then evenly frost the entire cake with the coconut cream. Chill it for at least 30 minutes to let the frosting set. Once set, apply a second layer if you love extra creaminess, then sprinkle the cake generously with coconut flakes.

Step 11: Decorate

Use a 4-star piping nozzle to pipe lovely swirls around the cake’s edge. Alternate topping these with juicy chunks of fresh pineapple and bright cherries to give it a festive, eye-catching finish that’s as delightful to see as it is to eat.

How to Serve Pina Colada Cake Recipe

A round, white cake covered entirely with shredded coconut, showing a soft, fluffy texture. The top has eight evenly spaced dollops of white cream around the edge, each topped with a dark red cherry and a bright yellow pineapple wedge placed between the cream dollops. The cake is sliced into eight pieces from the center to the edge but remains intact. It sits on a round white marble surface with a smooth, shiny finish. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The crowning touch to your pina colada cake is the fresh pineapple and cherries arranged beautifully on the frosting swirls. These colorful gems not only elevate the look but also add fresh bursts of flavor, perfectly complementing the creamy coconut notes.

Side Dishes

Serve this cake with a chilled glass of coconut water, pineapple juice, or even a light tropical punch. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of passion fruit coulis can also add a refreshing contrast to this rich dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice the cake into mini cupcakes topped individually with coconut cream and small fruit pieces. Or create a tropical dessert platter by cutting the cake into squares and serving alongside fresh tropical fruits and toasted coconut chips for a party-ready spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, keep your pina colada cake refrigerated in an airtight container. It will stay moist and fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for making ahead for celebrations or to enjoy leftovers the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting and decorating.

Reheating

Since the cake is best enjoyed chilled, reheating is not recommended. However, if you prefer your cake at room temperature, simply leave it out for 30 minutes before serving to take the chill off without compromising its delicate texture.

FAQs

Can I substitute fresh pineapple for pineapple jam in this Pina Colada Cake Recipe?

Fresh pineapple has a different moisture content and texture compared to pineapple jam, so it’s best to use jam in the filling layer to maintain the cake’s structure and balance of sweetness. You can always add fresh pineapple as a garnish instead.

What if I don’t have pineapple extract?

If you can’t find pineapple extract, try using crushed pineapple juice reduced to a syrup or a little bit of pineapple flavoring, but the extract really helps achieve that classic pina colada taste efficiently.

Can I use shredded coconut instead of coconut flakes?

Yes, desiccated or shredded coconut will work just fine and distribute more evenly across the frosting. If you prefer texture, coconut flakes give a nicely chewy bite.

Is this cake gluten-free?

This particular Pina Colada Cake Recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you could experiment with a gluten-free flour blend, but keep in mind that texture and rise may vary.

How long does it take to make this cake from start to finish?

Including preparation, baking, cooling, and frosting, plan about 55 minutes plus chilling time. It’s a little project with big rewards, leaving you with a stunning cake that’s worth every minute.

Final Thoughts

This Pina Colada Cake Recipe is a tropical dream come true, effortlessly combining rich coconut, sweet pineapple, and fluffy cake into a show-stopping treat. Whether for a birthday, summer gathering, or just because you want to brighten your day, this cake will deliver smiles and happy sighs with every bite. So grab your ingredients and start baking—you’re about to create a slice of paradise!