Hawaiian Dessert

Name: Hawaiian Dessert
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 24 servings.
Ingredients: 1 package yellow cake mix (regular size); 3 packages (3.4 ounces each) instant vanilla pudding mix; 4 cups cold whole milk; 1-1/2 teaspoons coconut extract; 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened; 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, well drained; 2 cups heavy whipping cream, whipped and sweetened; 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut, toasted

Chilled, fluffy, Hawaiian desserts like this one are a satisfying way to finish off a big meal. I got the recipe from a woman I happened to meet in a department store one day. Leftovers taste just as good the next day, and this dessert also can be frozen. — Eunice Stoen, Decorah, Iowa

Ingredients

1 package yellow cake mix (regular size)
3 packages (3.4 ounces each) instant vanilla pudding mix
4 cups cold whole milk
1-1/2 teaspoons coconut extract
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, well drained
2 cups heavy whipping cream, whipped and sweetened
2 cups sweetened shredded coconut, toasted

Directions

Mix cake batter according to package directions. Pour into two greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pans. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes or until the cakes test done. Cool completely.
In a large bowl, combine pudding mixes, milk and coconut extract; beat for 2 minutes. Add the cream cheese and beat well. Stir in pineapple.
Spread over the cooled cakes. Top with whipped cream; sprinkle with coconut. Chill for at least 2 hours.

Originally published as Hawaiian Dessert in Taste of Home February/March 1994

Reviews

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Average Rating:

Kay

Jun 27, 2018

My dessert was light fluffy and terrible. No way could I cut a piece of cake. It fell apart and soupy. Put all in big bowl with more cool whip and served into small bowls. Will never make again.
Susan

Jun 25, 2018

How would you freeze this? Without the cream cheese layer? It says it can be frozen but cream cheese can get funky when frozen. Any tips from the experts out there.
Elaine

Oct 12, 2017

5 I used coconut pudding and it was AWESOME !!!!!!
vlethen

Aug 10, 2015

This was simple to make and so Delicious. It is SO light! Everyone asked for the recipe, and I will definitely be making this again.
tasty4me2

May 26, 2015

First off I'm not a " baker" lol, love eating desserts but hv a hard time making them! This was easy peasy! Only tweaked a couple small things here. I added a teas. of vanilla extract to the yellow cake mix & chopped up some macadamia nuts to sprinkle on top with the coconut. Was a HUGE hit at hubby's office...they had a Hawaiian Day & he brought dessert..this! Recipe says serves 24 but these 2 pans fed 50, just cut them into smaller pieces!! 5 stars ;)
sharcos

Mar 8, 2015

this recipe was amazing! i have made this dessert several times in the last few weeks and it is a huge hit every time
zippee-0415

Sep 7, 2013

I've made this dessert several times and always get asked for the recipe.
calvinsmom2

Jul 5, 2012

Light, refreshing, absolutely delicious. Perfect dessert for summer.
Kathie1026

Jun 11, 2012

"Would you make this recipe again?"YES, YES, YES!!!While reading the directions, I couldn't understand why it called for dividing the cake batter between two 13x9" pans. It would have been a mistake to cook the cake in one pan, as there is enough filling to fill both pans.I'd also like to add, the filling smelled awesome to begin with, but instead of whipping and sweetening heavy whipping cream to apply on top, instead, I folded in an 8oz tub of cool whip before layering the filling over the cakes. Mom said it tasted better than a "store bought coconut cream pie." Dad was extremely happy I'd sent them a large amount home to snack on through the week... not that it'll last that long.
skymom747

Mar 23, 2010

This is a wonderful, flavorful dessert. I brought it to a pot luck dinner, and returned home with empty pans! It was such a hit :)