Best 6 Hawaiian Surprise Cake Recipes

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Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of the Hawaiian Surprise Cake, a tropical paradise in every bite. With its moist and fluffy coconut cake layers, luscious pineapple filling, and creamy haupia frosting, this cake is a symphony of Hawaiian flavors. This delectable treat is perfect for any occasion, from backyard luaus to tropical-themed parties. The article features three irresistible recipes to create this iconic cake: a classic Hawaiian Surprise Cake recipe, a gluten-free variation for those with dietary restrictions, and a delightful haupia frosting recipe that adds an extra layer of creamy coconut goodness. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a culinary novice, these recipes will guide you through each step, ensuring a perfect Hawaiian Surprise Cake that will transport your taste buds to the Aloha State.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

HAWAIIAN SUNSET CAKE



Hawaiian Sunset Cake image

This three-layer orange cake is pretty enough for company, but it's so simple to fix that you'll find yourself making it all the time. A boxed mix keeps it convenient while the pineapple-coconut filling makes it a crowd-pleaser. -Kara De la vega, Suisun City, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 45m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 package white or orange cake mix (regular size)
1-1/2 cups milk
1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
1 package (3 ounces) orange gelatin
4 large eggs
1/2 cup canola oil
FILLING:
1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
2 cups sugar
3-1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut (about 10 ounces)
1 cup sour cream
1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
Additional coconut, toasted, optional

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes., Pour into three greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely., In a large bowl, combine the pineapple, sugar, 3-1/2 cups coconut and sour cream. Set aside 1 cup for frosting. Place one cake on a serving plate; top with a third of the remaining pineapple mixture. Repeat layers twice. , Fold whipped topping into the reserved pineapple mixture. Spread over top and sides of cake. Sprinkle with toasted coconut if desired. Refrigerate until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 548 calories, Fat 23g fat (12g saturated fat), Cholesterol 66mg cholesterol, Sodium 384mg sodium, Carbohydrate 80g carbohydrate (61g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 5g protein.

HAWAIIAN SURPRISE CAKE



Hawaiian Surprise Cake image

Rhonda Pryor-Houk of Louisville, Kentucky created this charming cake after coming across a recipe for orange cake in a mystery novel. It's loaded with nuts, fruit and coconut.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 55m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 19

6 tablespoons butter, softened
2/3 cup plus 1 teaspoon sugar, divided
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
2 large eggs, separated
2 tablespoons apricot preserves
1/2 teaspoon orange extract
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup vanilla or white chips
1/4 cup macadamia nuts, chopped
1 snack-size cup (4 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained and chopped
1/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries
1/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut
FROSTING:
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
1-3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon orange extract

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, cream the butter, 2/3 cup sugar and cream until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add egg yolks and preserves; beat well. Stir in extract. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; beat into creamed mixture until combined. Stir in the chips, nuts, oranges, cherries and coconut. , In another bowl, beat egg whites and remaining sugar on medium speed until soft peaks form; fold into batter. Pour into an 8-in. fluted tube pan coated with cooking spray. , Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely. , In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add confectioners' sugar and extract; beat until smooth. Frost cake. Store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts :

HAWAIIAN CAKE



Hawaiian Cake image

This is a moist and unusual cake. Great for summer.

Provided by Carol

Categories     Desserts     Fruit Dessert Recipes     Pineapple Dessert Recipes

Yield 14

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 ½ cups butter
2 cups white sugar
4 eggs
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
¼ cup unsweetened pineapple juice
1 (3.5 ounce) package flaked coconut
1 cup chopped walnuts
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 (16 ounce) package graham crackers, crushed

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and line with parchment paper one 10 inch tube pan.
  • Cream butter or margarine, sugar, and eggs together; add salt, baking soda, crushed pineapple, and pineapple juice. Add coconut, walnuts, and vanilla. Mix in the graham cracker crumbs. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
  • Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 565.7 calories, Carbohydrate 66.1 g, Cholesterol 105.4 mg, Fat 32.5 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 6 g, SaturatedFat 16.4 g, Sodium 643.6 mg, Sugar 48.5 g

HAWAIIAN DREAM TRIFLE



Hawaiian Dream Trifle image

This creamy, dreamy trifle is heavenly. Very simple ingredients create an easy and amazing dessert. One taste and you're transported to a tropical island. The secret ingredient is the coconut cream pudding layer... it's the things dreams are made of. Toasting the coconut and macadamia nut enhances the flavors. Once the flavors...

Provided by Susan Bickta

Categories     Other Desserts

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 10" store made angel food cake
1 can(s) crushed pineapple, drained, 20 oz
1 jar(s) pineapple preserves, 12 oz.
1 c sweetened flaked coconut, toasted (reserve 1 tablespoon for garnish)
2/3 c toasted macadamia nuts, chopped (reserve 1 tablespoon for garnish)
2 box instant coconut cream pudding mix, 3.4 oz each (4 serving size)
3 c cold milk
1 pkg frozen whipped topping, thawed, divided, 16 oz.

Steps:

  • 1. Toast coconut AND nuts. Spread each out on a separate baking sheet in a single layer. Bake at 350 F for 12-14 minutes, stirring often to avoid burning. Coconut and macadamia nuts are toasted when they are lightly browned and fragrant. Coconut will toast faster than the nuts.
  • 2. Cut or tear angel food cake into bite-size pieces. Set aside.
  • 3. In a medium-size bowl, combine crushed pineapple and 1/2 jar of pineapple preserves. Mix well and set aside.
  • 4. In a large bowl, combine the instant pudding mix and milk. Using a wire whisk, mix well. Then add 1 cup of the whipped topping. Set aside.
  • 5. Using a trifle bowl or a large glass bowl, layer ingredients: half of the cake pieces for the first layer.
  • 6. Next, half of the pineapple.
  • 7. Next, half of the coconut and half of the macadamia nuts.
  • 8. Spread half of the pudding over everything. Repeat layers using the rest of the cake, pineapple, coconut, macadamia nuts, and then the pudding.
  • 9. Generously spread top with whipped topping. Garnish with reserved toasted coconut and nuts.
  • 10. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

HAWAIIAN GUAVA CAKE



Hawaiian Guava Cake image

Now considered a classic Hawaiian dessert, guava cake was created at Dee Lite Bakery in Honolulu, where it became widely popular. This version is adapted from blogger Alana Kysar's "Aloha Kitchen: Recipes From Hawai'i," a cookbook of traditional Hawaiian dishes. Outside of Hawaii and California, pink guava concentrate can be tough to find, but you can also use white guava concentrate or 100 percent guava juice. (If using juice, you'll need to reduce it; see Tip below.) To mimic that lovely pink color, add a few drops of red food coloring. If you don't, the cake will still taste like guava, but will look more like a vanilla cake.

Provided by Kiera Wright-Ruiz

Categories     cakes, dessert

Time 50m

Yield One 9-by-13 cake (about 24 servings)

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 1/2 cups/320 grams cake flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup/115 grams unsalted butter (1 stick), at room temperature
1 1/4 cups/250 grams granulated sugar
6 large egg whites
1/4 cup/60 milliliters neutral oil, like canola or vegetable oil
1 cup/240 milliliters whole milk
1 cup/240 milliliters guava concentrate or reduced guava juice (see Tip)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 drops of red food coloring (optional)
1 cup/240 milliliters heavy whipping cream
8 ounces/230 grams cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup/100 grams granulated sugar
Pinch of kosher salt
3 drops of red food coloring (optional)
1/2 cup/120 milliliters guava concentrate or reduced guava juice (see Tip)

Steps:

  • Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with a parchment sling, leaving some over hang on the long sides.
  • Make the cake: In a large bowl, whisk the cake flour, baking powder and kosher salt until combined. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter and sugar and beat on medium until well combined, about 3 minutes. Add the egg whites, in three additions, beating about 1 minute after each. Reduce speed to low, add the oil and mix until combined, about 1 more minute.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, guava concentrate, vanilla and food coloring (if using). On low speed, alternate between adding the wet and dry ingredients to the bowl of the stand mixer, mixing well after each addition.
  • Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Make the frosting: In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip the cream on medium speed until frothy, 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually increase the speed to high and whip until it's light and fluffy with stiff peaks, another 2 to 3 minutes. (Don't overwhip!) Transfer the whipped cream to a bowl.
  • Replace the bowl on the stand mixer and fit the machine with the paddle attachment (there's no need to clean the bowl). Place the cream cheese in the bowl and mix on medium until smooth, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the sugar and kosher salt and increase the speed to high. Beat until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Lower the speed to medium and add the food coloring (if using). Add the guava concentrate in four additions, mixing well after each addition, and scraping down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula after the second and the final additions. Increase the speed to high and beat until smooth and well incorporated, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove the bowl from stand and, using the spatula, gently fold in the whipped cream in three additions, incorporating completely after each addition.
  • Spread the frosting on the cooled cake, using an offset spatula to smooth it over the edges. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving. Cut into 24 pieces and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 248, UnsaturatedFat 6 grams, Carbohydrate 29 grams, Fat 14 grams, Fiber 0 grams, Protein 3 grams, SaturatedFat 7 grams, Sodium 160 milligrams, Sugar 18 grams, TransFat 0 grams

HAWAIIAN CAKE



Hawaiian Cake image

Estella Traeger of Milwaukee, Wisconsin dresses up a boxed yellow cake mix with pineapple, coconut and a delightful blend of instant pudding, cream cheese and whipped topping. "This is a favorite dessert that suits any occasion. Try it once and you're sure to make it again," she promises.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 45m

Yield 20 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 package yellow cake mix (regular size)
2 cups cold 2% milk
2 packages (3.4 ounces each) instant vanilla pudding mix
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Steps:

  • Prepare cake mix according to package directions. Pour into a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until cake tests done; cool completely. , In a large bowl, combine milk and pudding mixes; beat in cream cheese until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Spread over cooled cake. Top with the pineapple, cherries, coconut and walnuts. Store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 316 calories, Fat 14g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 41mg cholesterol, Sodium 315mg sodium, Carbohydrate 43g carbohydrate (30g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.

Tips:

  • Mise en Place: Before you start baking, make sure you have all the ingredients and equipment you need. Measure and prepare your ingredients according to the recipe.
  • Properly Measure Ingredients: Use measuring cups and spoons to accurately measure ingredients. Incorrect measurements can affect the texture and flavor of your cake.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring your butter and eggs to room temperature before using them. This helps them blend better and creates a smoother batter.
  • Do Not Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are well combined.
  • Proper Baking Temperature: Preheat your oven to the correct temperature before baking. The right temperature ensures the cake bakes evenly and properly.
  • Cool the Cake Completely: Let the cake cool completely before frosting it. This helps prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off the cake.
  • Frosting Consistency: Make sure the frosting is the right consistency for spreading. If it's too thick, add a little milk or cream to thin it out. If it's too thin, chill it for a bit to thicken it up.

Conclusion:

The Hawaiian Surprise Cake is a delightful and visually stunning dessert that combines the flavors of pineapple, coconut, and macadamia nuts. With its moist crumb, creamy frosting, and crunchy topping, this cake is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Remember to follow the tips mentioned above to ensure your cake turns out perfect. Enjoy the sweet surprise hidden inside this tropical treat!

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