Tropical Delight Cake

After making the Chocolate Caramel Crunch Cake the other day I decided to try it with a pineapple coconut theme.  Boy oh boy was this cake delicious!  I personally think it was even better than the chocolate one, but I am totally partial to anything pineapple coconut.

Here's what you need:

1 yellow cake mix - any brand
1 small (3.4 oz) box Jell-o instant vanilla pudding
3 eggs
1-1/4 cups water
1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
1 20 oz. can crushed pineapple
1 cup brown sugar
4 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
1/4 cup sugar
8 oz. Cool Whip
3/4 cup shredded coconut, toasted

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix cake mix, pudding, eggs, water, and oil in a large bowl for 1 minute until completely smooth and a light yellow.

 

Pour into a 9 x 13 baking dish that has been sprayed with a cooking spray.  Bake for 35 - 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.  Cool 10 minutes.

While the cake is cooking, place the pineapple and juice in a sauce pan with the brown sugar and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.

 

After cake has cooled for 10 minutes, poke slits in the cake without going all the way through to the dish using a butter knife. Pour the pineapple mixture over the holes, covering the whole cake.

 

Set aside until cake is completely cooled.  Approximately 1 hour.

While cake is cooling heat oven to 350 degrees and place the coconut on a cookie sheet spreading out in an even layer. Bake 7 minutes then stir and bake another 5 - 7 minutes until toasted and golden.

Once cake has cooled; in a medium bowl place the 4oz room temperature cream cheese and the 1/4 cup sugar and beat until smooth.  Add the 8 oz. of Cool Whip and mix until completely smooth.

 

Pour onto the cake and smooth out over the whole top. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving (4 is even better).

Just before serving sprinkle the whole top of the cake with the toasted coconut.

 

 And serve.

Serves 12

Enjoy!

~Hugs~

Michelle

Here's the handy printable - Tropical Delight Cake

You will find me linking up to these fabulous parties each week.

Ingredient Spotlight : Pineapple at Eat At Home