pineapple coconut surprise cake

Name: Pineapple Coconut Surprise Cake
Prep time: 1 h 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box(es) yellow cake mix (15.25 oz); water, per cake mix directions; oil, per cake mix directions; eggs, per cake mix directions; 1 can(s) crushed pineapple (20 oz); 1 package(s) cream cheese, room temperature (8 oz); 1 1/4 cup(s) milk; 1 package(s) instant vanilla pudding (3.4 oz); 1 package(s) flaked coconut (14 oz); 8 ounce(s) Cool Whip

(5 RATINGS)

606 Pinches 16 Photos

Meryl Hausner

Wood-Ridge, NJ

Updated on Aug 25, 2025

When I was a school teacher, one of my fellow teachers made this cake, and everybody asked her for the recipe. Now I am passing the recipe along to my online friends. This cake tastes better when made a day ahead.

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Pineapple Coconut Surprise Cake ready to be sliced.

Blue Ribbon Recipe

This pineapple coconut cake is a creamy tropical delight! It's a dessert anyone can prepare. The base is a boxed yellow cake mix. Cream cheese, vanilla pudding, and milk are whipped to create a creamy frosting. It's spread across the cake and then topped with chunks of pineapple. Lastly, it's topped with whipped topping and flaked coconut. The final result is a simple dessert filled with tropical flavors. We added a bit of toasted coconut and extra pineapple on top for added crunch and pineapple flavor.

— The Test Kitchen

prep time 1 Hr 30 Min

cook time 25 Min

method Bake

yield 12 serving(s)

Ingredients

1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
water, per cake mix directions
oil, per cake mix directions
eggs, per cake mix directions
1 can crushed pineapple (20 oz)
1 package cream cheese, room temperature (8 oz)
1 1/4 cups milk
1 package instant vanilla pudding (3.4 oz)
1 package flaked coconut (14 oz)
8 ounces Cool Whip

How To Make pineapple coconut surprise cake

Test Kitchen Tips

If you want a thicker cake, we suggest baking this in a 9x13 pan.

Step 1

Prepare cake by mixing cake mix, water, oil, and eggs per package directions.

Step 2

Pour into a greased 15 1/2 X 10 1/2 X 1-inch pan.
Step 3

Bake at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 4

While the cake is baking, drain the pineapple.
Step 5

Let the cream cheese stand at room temperature for 1 hour. Place the cream cheese in a bowl. Gradually add a little milk at a time, beating at medium speed to blend the mixture smoothly.
Step 6

Then add pudding mix.
Step 7

Beat at a low speed for 12 minutes.
Step 8

Spread the mixture over the cake.
Step 9

Top with crushed pineapple, sprinkled evenly.
Step 10

On top of this, spread Cool Whip.
Step 11

Sprinkle coconut over everything.
Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!

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