Hawaiian Sunset Cake

Name: Hawaiian Sunset Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12-16 servings.
Ingredients: 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

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

Ingredients

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

Directions

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

1 piece: 548 calories, 23g fat (12g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 384mg sodium, 80g carbohydrate (61g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.

Originally published as Hawaiian Sunset Cake in Quick Cooking November/December 2002

Reviews

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Average Rating:

raudabaughbull54

Oct 2, 2014

I make this cake all of the time , it is wonderful but I add cream cheese to the pineapple mixture.
JoycemRhodes

Jun 21, 2013

I baked this for a family dinner. There were just 5 of us so I had a lot left over, but I like it so much I had a piece for every meal till it was gone. Family like it to. I like the coconut and fruit filling. It really makes the cake taste like hawaiian sunset.
fclark8

Aug 23, 2012

This is a very delicious cake and really simple to make. Taste all home made, no one will ever know unless you tell.
crummies

Apr 5, 2012

I took this cake to a family gathering, and it was a hit. I had someone ask me for the receipe so they could make it for their son's wedding reception...
Heather224

Oct 3, 2011

Loved this recipe! So moist. Of course mine didn't look at pretty as the one in the picture lol...I to didn't let the pineapple drain enough...but I think that it let the juice get down into the cake and make it even more moist.... anywho...it was YUMMY!!!
sibertt

Mar 2, 2011

This is a wonderfully moist, refreshing cake. Make sure to drain the pineapple well so that the icing isn't too "soupy".
bevsq55

Jan 3, 2011

I used an orange cake mix and I think I would use a white cake next time. It was a little to rich for my husband and I, but everyone that I gave the cake to loved it. At first I thought that the sugar was confectionery sugar until I looked at the reviews and seen that someone would use Splenda, which meant it was regular sugar. I think I would make that clear in the recipe. Great cake for a party.
ncnanny77

Jun 19, 2010

this cake is great
1fixitchick

Feb 21, 2010

With an interest in shaving the calorie content, the next time I make this, I am going to substitute with fat free milk, sugar free gelatin & pudding mix, Splenda, light sour cream, and fat-free topping...in other words, I'll substitute whatever I can in hopes of cutting those calories. I hope it will still be taste worthy! I've done this with other recipes with a lot of success.
plumshoe

Oct 11, 2009

The cake is very moist with the orange gelatin. But the pineapple and coconut overpower the orange flavor. I think next time I'll add some mandarin oranges into the cake batter.