Gooey Coconut Pineapple Butter Cake is a moist, delicious cake and no need for frosting. Easy cake starting with a cake mix and with cream cheese too!
This gooey Coconut Pineapple Butter cake starts out using a cake mix !
This cake consists of two layers really. Cake on the bottom (almost like a pie crust) and the gooey filling/topping on top. But somehow, it forms one delicious taste treat.
See the dark top ? Not burnt, it is due to all the Icing Sugar (Powdered Sugar) used in this recipe.
Somehow the Sugar forms that paper thin layer, which actually feels like paper, but tastes amazing. I like to pick off those parts and eat it first ! (but I think that’s only me!).
The first time I baked the cake, I almost could not believe how simple this recipe is.
Therefore, I did not expect the final outcome to be so amazing … soooo gooey, sweet with a slight tart taste of the pineapple.
It is now a family favorite and frequently on request for dessert.
There is no need for icing or anything like that. After tasting how sweet (and moist) this cake is, I decided to serve it with only a drizzle of not-too-sweet thin Custard.
Started serving the cake this way from the first time and I can not imagine serving it any differently.
And should you have any leftovers – the longer it stands, the better it gets !
More Cake recipes you might like:
- Magic Chocolate Custard Cake
- Amarula Chocolate Caramel Cake
- Gooey Coconut PEACH Butter Cake
- Decadent Chocolate Cake
- Divine Coconut Cake
Gooey Coconut Pineapple Butter Cake
Gooey Coconut Pineapple Butter Cake

Gooey Coconut Pineapple Butter Cake is a moist, delicious cake and no need for frosting. Easy cake starting with a cake mix and with cream cheese too!
Ingredients
BOTTOM:
- 1 Box Vanilla Cake Mix (or similar i.e. yellow cake mix)
- 1 extra-large Egg
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, melted
TOPPING:
- 250 g Cream Cheese, plain, softened ( 8 oz )
- 2 extra-large Eggs
- 1 t Vanilla Essence
- 5 cups Icing Sugar (Powdered Sugar)
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, melted
- 1 cup Desiccated Coconut
- 1 can (440 g) Crushed Pineapple, (do not drain)
Instructions
- BOTTOM: Pre-heat the oven to 180 deg C (350 deg F) – spray a 20 x 30 cm ( 9 x 12 inch ) oven dish with cooking spray
- Combine the Cake Mix, 1 Egg and 1/2 cup melted Butter (it will be a dry-ish mixture) – press into the bottom of the prepared oven dish
- TOPPING:Beat the Cream Cheese until smooth – add the Eggs one-by-one followed by the Vanilla, whilst beating all the time.
- Add the Icing Sugar (also cup-by-cup) to the Cream Cheese mixture – beat until well combined – slowly add the melted Butter and Coconut
- Fold in the Pineapple – pour filling/topping over the cake mixture in the prepared oven dish – bake for 45 – 55 minutes
- The cake is ready when browned – a tester should come out a little sticky – that’s fine
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the oven dish before cutting into servings
Notes
- This cake is very sweet and moist - I recommend only a drizzle of not-too-sweet custard (or unsweetened whipped cream) drizzled over the cake
Nutrition Information
Yield
15Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 408.1Total Fat 23.5gSaturated Fat 14.9gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6.5gCholesterol 94.5mgSodium 86.8mgCarbohydrates 47.9gFiber 1.1gSugar 45.6gProtein 3.5g
Nutrition value is not always accurate
Sarah
Sunday 1st of May 2022
Can I use coconut extract/essence ilo vanilla?
Linda Nortje
Sunday 1st of May 2022
Hi Sarah, yes you can as it is really all about your taste preference when using an essence. (Be sure to use essence and not extract as extract is much stronger)
Debbie
Sunday 24th of April 2022
I make a raw apple cake with a rum/butter sauce for topping. Would that work in place of the custard? Sounds delicious!
Linda Nortje
Sunday 24th of April 2022
There is actually no need for any topping, Debbie. We only prefer the custard to break the sweetness of the cake 🙂 If your sauce does not take too long to make, taste the cake first, then decide whether you really want/need a sauce or topping
Marci
Friday 18th of March 2022
Are you aware that is you print, the instructions will not print?
Linda Nortje
Friday 18th of March 2022
All fixed and ready for full printing !
Linda Nortje
Friday 18th of March 2022
Hi Marci, thank you so much for bringing this to my attention ! I have been in contact with the technical team and hopefully it will be fixed soon. My apologies again
Ray
Friday 11th of March 2022
Do you have a recipe for a not too sweet custard?
Linda Nortje
Friday 11th of March 2022
Try this recipe for homemade custard : 1/4 cup Custard Powder 2 1/2 cups Milk 1 tablespoon Caster Sugar (Superfine Sugar) 1.) Combine the Custard Powder with 1/4 cup Milk in a small bowl - stir until smooth 2.) Meanwhile heat the remaining Milk over medium heat, pour in the Custard mixture and the Sugar - stir continuously until the Milk starts to boil and thicken - stir another minute, remove from heat and use as you prefer (If you are looking for a thinner custard, use 3/4 of the Custard as above)
Rosemarie
Friday 11th of March 2022
Hi there, this cake sounds wonderful except for the coconut. Can I just leave it out? Or do you have any recommendations for a substitute? Thanks so much for sharing!
Linda Nortje
Friday 11th of March 2022
Rosemarie, I honestly have never left out the coconut. Maybe try a little less, half a cup ?