A Patriotic Tropical Delight with Pineapple, Coconut & Cream Cheese Frosting
This “God Bless America” Cake is a showstopping dessert that combines moist pineapple-coconut cake with fluffy cream cheese frosting, decorated like the American flag with fresh berries! Perfect for Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or any patriotic celebration.
📝 Ingredients Breakdown
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice) (for moisture & tang)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz whipped topping (Cool Whip)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
For the Flag Decoration:
- ½ cup fresh blueberries (for the “stars”)
- 1 cup sliced strawberries (for the “stripes”)
- Extra shredded coconut (optional, for “snow” effect)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions (With Pro Tips!)
1️⃣ Prep & Preheat
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease & flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
📌 Pro Tip:
- Use parchment paper for easy cake removal.
2️⃣ Make the Cake Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add eggs, pineapple (with juice), oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Fold in coconut.
- Pour into pan and bake 35–40 mins (toothpick should come out clean).
📌 Pro Tip:
- Don’t overmix—just combine until no flour streaks remain.
3️⃣ Cool & Frost
- Let cake cool completely.
- Beat cream cheese + powdered sugar until smooth, then fold in whipped topping.
- Spread frosting evenly over the cake.
📌 Pro Tip:
- Chill frosting 15 mins for easier spreading.
4️⃣ Decorate Like a Flag
- Arrange blueberries in the top-left corner (for the “stars”).
- Layer strawberry slices in horizontal stripes (for the “stripes”).
- Sprinkle coconut between berries for extra flair (optional).
📌 Serving Suggestion:
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use fresh pineapple?
✅ Yes! Purée 1 cup fresh pineapple + use ¼ cup juice.
2. Why is my cake dense?
- Overmixed batter (stir just until combined).
- Old baking powder (check expiration date).
3. Can I make this ahead?
✅ Yes! Bake cake 1 day ahead (store covered). Frost & decorate day-of.
4. How do I store leftovers?
- Fridge: Up to 3 days (cover loosely).
- Freeze (unfrosted): Up to 1 month.
5. Can I use a different frosting?
✅ Yes! Try coconut buttercream or stabilized whipped cream.
🔥 Flavor Variations
- Piña Colada: Add 1 tsp rum extract to batter.
- Tropical Flag: Use kiwi + mango instead of berries.
- Chocolate-Coconut: Swap ½ cup flour for cocoa powder.
⏱️ Time-Saving Tips
✔ Use store-bought frosting (mix with cream cheese for shortcut).
✔ Buy pre-sliced strawberries for faster decorating.
🍽 Serving Occasions
- Fourth of July BBQ
- Memorial Day potluck
- Veterans Day celebration
💬 Final Thoughts
This Pineapple Coconut Flag Cake is moist, tropical, and stunningly patriotic—the perfect centerpiece dessert for any red-white-and-blue event! The pineapple keeps it light, while the coconut adds texture.
Warning: You’ll be asked to bring it to every summer gathering! 🇺🇸🎂
Tried it? Share your pics below! 📸👇
