Tropical Pineapple and Coconut Cake

  Tropical Pineapple and Coconut Cake

 Ingredients:

**For the Cake:**
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs, room temperature
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup coconut milk

**For the Pineapple Filling:**
– 2 cups crushed pineapple (drained)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup cornstarch

**For the Coconut Frosting:**
– 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
– 6 cups powdered sugar
– 1/4 cup coconut milk
– 1 tsp vanilla extract

**For Decoration:**
– Pineapple slices
– Strawberries
– Toasted coconut flakes

 Instructions:

1. **Bake the Cake:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
– In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
– In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
– Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the coconut milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
– Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

2. **Prepare the Pineapple Filling:**
– In a medium saucepan, combine the crushed pineapple, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes translucent. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

3. **Make the Coconut Frosting:**
– In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the coconut milk and vanilla extract, and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.

4. **Assemble the Cake:**
– Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of pineapple filling over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and spread more pineapple filling. Top with the third cake layer.
– Frost the top and sides of the cake with the coconut frosting.

5. **Decorate the Cake:**
– Arrange pineapple slices and strawberries on top of the cake. Press toasted coconut flakes onto the sides of the cake.

6. **Serve and Enjoy:**
– Slice and serve the cake. Enjoy the tropical flavors of pineapple, coconut, and strawberries!

Feel free to customize the decoration as per your preference. Enjoy your delicious tropical pineapple and coconut cake!