Creating A Tropical Hawaiian Wedding Cake

The Hawaiian Wedding Cake is a refreshing summer dessert that is easy to make and is sure to impress at any gathering. The cake is a pineapple vanilla cake topped with crushed pineapple and a creamy topping. The recipe starts with a simple yellow cake mix, with pineapple and coconut added to the batter. The cake is then topped with a mixture of cream cheese, pudding and milk, and finished with a layer of whipped cream and shredded coconut. The result is a delicious and refreshing cake that tastes like a piña colada.

Choosing a cake mix

The Hawaiian wedding cake is a simple cake to make, and you can start with a basic yellow cake mix. You can make the cake from scratch, but a boxed cake mix will also do the trick.

For a homemade cake, you will need all-purpose flour, white sugar, baking soda, eggs, and butter or oil. Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl, then mix in the eggs and butter or oil. If you want to add a tropical twist, you can substitute pineapple juice for the liquid in the recipe.

If you prefer to use a boxed cake mix, look for a yellow or white cake mix. Pillsbury and Betty Crocker both offer gluten-free options if you have guests with dietary restrictions. Follow the package directions to prepare the batter, but you can add a tropical twist by substituting pineapple juice for the water in the recipe.

Once you have your cake mix ready, bake it in a 9x13-inch pan according to the recipe instructions. Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the toppings.

Now you are ready to transform your basic cake into a Hawaiian wedding cake!

Preparing the pineapple

Firstly, you will need to procure two 20-ounce cans of crushed pineapple. The pineapple plays a starring role in this cake, imparting a tropical flavour and a juicy texture. Drain the pineapple, but be sure to reserve the juice! This juice will be used in the cake batter, adding a subtle pineapple essence to the entire cake.

Once you have drained the pineapple and set the juice aside, it's time to prepare the cake batter. For this step, you will need a yellow cake mix, which can be easily found at most grocery stores. Follow the directions on the cake mix package, but instead of using water, substitute it with the pineapple juice you set aside earlier. This step elevates the entire cake, infusing it with a subtle pineapple flavour.

After you've mixed the batter, it's time to bake! Pour the batter into a 9x13-inch pan and place it in the oven. Baking times may vary depending on your oven, but on average, it should take around 30 to 40 minutes for the cake to bake through. You'll know it's ready when you insert a toothpick into the centre and it comes out clean.

Now that your cake is baked, it's time to let it cool. It's important that the cake is completely cooled before proceeding to the next step, as you don't want a soggy cake! This cooling process can take some time, so be patient. Once the cake is cool to the touch and no longer warm, you're ready for the next step.

Take a wooden skewer or the handle of a wooden spoon and poke holes all over the surface of the cake. This step will allow the pineapple juice to seep into the cake, infusing even more flavour. After poking the holes, spread the drained, crushed pineapple evenly over the top of the cake. This layer of pineapple will add a juicy, tangy element to your Hawaiian wedding cake.

With the pineapple layer in place, your cake is almost ready! The final steps involve preparing the toppings and assembling the layers. But remember, preparing the pineapple is the key to this tropical treat, ensuring your Hawaiian wedding cake is bursting with flavour!

Making the cream cheese mixture

To make the cream cheese mixture, you will need cream cheese, milk, and instant vanilla pudding mix. You can also add whipped cream to the mixture. Start by beating the cream cheese until it is smooth and soft. Then, slowly add the milk a little at a time, making sure to beat the mixture until smooth before each addition. Scrape the sides of the bowl frequently to avoid lumps. Once all the milk is incorporated, add the vanilla pudding mix and beat for another 2 minutes. Your cream cheese mixture is now ready to be spread over the pineapple layer on the cake.

Assembling the cake

Once your Hawaiian wedding cake is baked, cooled, and ready to be assembled, follow these steps:

First, use a wooden spoon or skewer to poke holes all over the cake. This will allow the pineapple juice to soak into the cake, keeping it moist and flavourful. Next, spread the crushed pineapple evenly over the cake. If you're using pineapple juice, pour it over the cake at this stage.

Now, it's time to add the creamy pudding layer. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then slowly add the milk, beating well after each addition. Once all the milk has been incorporated, add the vanilla pudding mix and beat until combined. Gently fold this pudding mixture into the whipped cream, then spread it evenly over the pineapple layer.

For the finishing touches, spread a layer of Cool Whip or whipped cream over the pudding. Sprinkle the top of the cake with coconut flakes, walnuts, or other toppings of your choice.

Your Hawaiian wedding cake is now ready to serve! It's best to chill the cake in the fridge until serving time to keep it fresh and allow the flavours to meld. Enjoy!

Decorating the cake

To start, you'll want to spread a layer of crushed pineapple over the cake. This will add a juicy, tangy element to the dessert and complement the other tropical flavours. You can use pineapple juice to help the pineapple stick to the cake, or even poke holes in the cake and let the juice soak in for extra flavour.

Next up is the creamy layer. You can make this by mixing together cream cheese, vanilla pudding mix, and milk until smooth. You can also add some whipped cream to this layer for a lighter, fluffier texture. This layer will provide a delicious contrast to the tangy pineapple and sweet coconut.

Speaking of coconut, that's the next step! Sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes over the cake for that extra tropical touch. The coconut will add a nice crunchy texture and a subtle sweetness. You can also add some chopped nuts (like walnuts or macadamia nuts) for an extra bite and a little more flavour.

Finally, finish off your Hawaiian wedding cake with some colourful toppings. Maraschino cherries and bright, tropical flowers are great choices. You could even add some small umbrellas for a truly festive touch.

Frequently asked questions