Pineapple and coconut is such an obvious pairing – think island holiday drinks sipped straight from a coconut with a juicy piece of pineapple as a garnish. Though the pineapple in this cake is no garnish because it offers a sweet and tangy taste sensation that is wonderful when coupled with the heavenly taste and texture of coconut. This cake has that soft, yellow and moist crumb that is the hallmark of a delicious cake. In addition to the dessicated coconut, this cake also has coconut milk. Double-whammy of coconut!
The recipe calls for a can of pineapple but you could just as easily chop up a pineapple into small chunks and cook down on medium heat for 10 – 15 minutes until the flesh of the pineapple softens. The pineapple must still hold its shape but be soft when pieced by a fork. Chop finely and add to the cake mixture.
This cake was made in a large loaf pan but it could also be made in a square or rectangular pan.
Ingredients for cake
- 185 g softened butter
- 3/4 c caster sugar
- 3 eggs
- 2/3 c desiccated coconut
- 1 3/4 c self-raising flour
- 270ml coconut milk
- 440g of drained, crushed pineapple or cooked fresh pineapple chunks
Method to make cake
- Preheat oven to 180 degrees celsius.
- Grease and line the bottom of a large loaf pan (22.5 – 24cm).
- Drain the pineapple thoroughly and use the fruit only.
- Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and beat well.
- Add the rest of the ingredients and give a quick beat to combine everything.
- Spread mixture into prepared pan and bake for 45 – 50 minutes till cake is well risen, springy and coming away from the sides of the pan.
- Cool in tin for 10 minutes before turning over onto a wire rack to completely cool.
- The cake is delicious on it own but if a frosting is desired, try a lime glace icing.
Lime Glace Icing
- 1 1/2 c sifted icing sugar
- 20g melted butter
- 2 TB lime juice
Make a soft paste with the icing sugar, melted butter and lime juice. Beat till the icing is smooth and spreadable. Spread over the top of the cake. Add flakes of coconut to decorate.
