“My mother-in-law hardly eats anything these days, but she absolutely loved this Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake!”

Prepare the batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the boxed cake mix and instant vanilla pudding mix. Add the water, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and eggs. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
Add the pineapple and coconut: Stir in the undrained crushed pineapple and coconut extract until evenly distributed throughout the batter. The pineapple juice keeps the cake moist, while the coconut extract boosts that irresistible tropical flavor.
Bake the cake: Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake according to the cake mix package instructions, usually around 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
Make the frosting: Beat the softened butter with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until fluffy. Add the heavy cream or milk a tablespoon at a time to reach your desired consistency. Mix in the coconut extract for an extra burst of flavor.
Frost and top: Spread the creamy frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Sprinkle the toasted shredded coconut generously on top, and add extra crushed pineapple if you like a juicy, refreshing finish.

Perfect balance: The tangy pineapple contrasts beautifully with the rich sweetness of coconut.
Textural delight: Soft cake, creamy frosting, and crunchy toasted coconut create layers of deliciousness.
Simple ingredients: No complicated steps or hard-to-find items — perfect for home bakers of all levels.
Versatile: Great for casual family dinners, festive gatherings, or as a delightful treat anytime.