Ahh, Hawaiian Wedding Cake—think tropical, tender, melt-in-your-mouth, with a coconut-almond vibe 🥥💛. It’s a soft white or yellow cake, usually layered with buttercream and shredded coconut. Here’s a classic version you can make at home.
🌺 Hawaiian Wedding Cake
Ingredients
Cake
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2¾ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tbsp baking powder
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½ tsp salt
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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2 cups sugar
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4 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 tsp almond extract
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1 cup whole milk
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½ cup crushed pineapple, drained
Frosting
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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4 cups powdered sugar
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2–3 tbsp milk
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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½ tsp almond extract
Decoration
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1–2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
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Optional: chopped macadamia nuts
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans (or two larger ones).
2. Make the Cake
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Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
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In a separate large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
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Stir in vanilla and almond extracts.
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Add flour mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour.
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Fold in drained crushed pineapple gently.
3. Bake
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Divide batter evenly among pans.
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Bake 25–30 minutes (or until a toothpick comes out clean).
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Cool in pans 10 min, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
4. Make Frosting
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Beat butter until creamy.
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Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with milk.
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Mix in vanilla and almond extracts.
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Beat until light and fluffy.
5. Assemble the Cake
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Place first layer on cake stand. Spread frosting evenly.
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Repeat with remaining layers.
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Frost the sides.
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Press shredded coconut over top and sides (and nuts, if using).
🍍 Tips for Extra Hawaiian Flair
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Lightly toast coconut for a nutty flavor.
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Brush cake layers with a little pineapple juice for extra moisture.
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Add a few tablespoons of rum or coconut extract to frosting for an island vibe.
This cake is soft, moist, and tropical, perfect for weddings, birthdays, or any time you want to feel like you’re on a beach in Hawaii 🏖️.
If you want, I can also give a “single-tier, quick 9-inch pan version” that’s easier for weeknight baking but just as tropical.