If you are craving a dessert that feels like pure indulgence wrapped in tropical flavors and nutty goodness, the Million Dollar Cake Recipe will quickly become your go-to sweet treat. This classic American cake combines moist pineapple-infused layers with a rich cream cheese frosting, crowned with shredded coconut and crunchy pecans. Every bite offers a beautiful balance of sweet, tangy, and buttery textures that feels as luxurious as its name suggests. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or just treating yourself to something special, this cake never fails to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, everyday ingredients come together magically to create the incredible taste and texture of the Million Dollar Cake Recipe. Each component plays a vital role, from the tender crumb of the cake to the creamy, nutty frosting that finishes it beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure you need for a soft yet sturdy cake base.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly and helps with browning.
- Baking soda: Leavens the cake for a tender, light texture.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add moisture and richness.
- Crushed pineapple with juice: Adds tangy moisture and a tropical twist that keeps the cake delightfully moist.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth into the cake batter and frosting.
- Cream cheese (softened): Creates a luxuriously smooth and tangy frosting base.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and creaminess to the frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for a silky finish.
- Shredded sweetened coconut: Offers chewy texture and enhances the tropical vibe.
- Chopped pecans: Provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor contrast.
How to Make Million Dollar Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan so the cake doesn’t stick. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. This dry mix forms the foundation of your cake’s crumb. Next, add in the lightly beaten eggs, crushed pineapple along with its juice (don’t drain it!), and vanilla extract. Stir everything until the batter is silky smooth and combined, making sure not a single dry spot remains.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
Pour your luscious batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula for uniform baking. Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Remove from the oven and let the cake cool completely in the pan—this cooling step is essential for the frosting to glide on smoothly later.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake cools, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until completely smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is light, fluffy, and luscious. Finally, fold in the shredded coconut and chopped pecans gently so the frosting maintains its airy texture but gains those fantastic little bursts of texture and flavor throughout.
Step 4: Frost the Cake
Once your cake is fully cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top using a spatula or butter knife. Don’t rush this step—take your time to cover every inch so each slice will boast that signature rich, nutty topping. For the best texture and flavor meld, refrigerate the frosted cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Million Dollar Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Million Dollar Cake Recipe presentation, consider sprinkling a few extra toasted pecans or a light dusting of shredded coconut on top right before serving. It adds a fresh crunch and makes it look even more irresistible. A small drizzle of honey or a few fresh pineapple chunks on the side can also bring a lovely visual pop and complement the tropical flavors.
Side Dishes
This cake is quite rich on its own, but pairing it with a light, fresh fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream can balance the sweetness perfectly. For a more indulgent spread, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream adds a cool contrast that pairs beautifully with the creamy frosting and nutty crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or celebrate a special occasion, try layering this cake in a trifle dish with pineapple chunks and coconut flakes between layers of cake and frosting. Or cut the cake into small squares and serve as bite-sized dessert bars at a party. The Million Dollar Cake Recipe is versatile and always a crowd-pleaser no matter how it’s served.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your cake, wrap any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container to keep the frosting from drying out. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing the flavors to deepen and the cake to stay moist and delicious.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully when wrapped properly. Slice it into portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the pieces overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Since the Million Dollar Cake Recipe is best enjoyed chilled, it’s not necessary to reheat. If you prefer it slightly less cold, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving. This lets the frosting soften just enough while keeping the refreshing pineapple and cream cheese notes intact.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of crushed pineapple in this recipe?
Fresh pineapple can be used but needs to be finely chopped and drained well to avoid making the cake batter too wet. Crushed pineapple with its juice is preferred for the perfect moisture balance in the Million Dollar Cake Recipe.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just keep an eye on the moisture level and adjust slightly if the batter seems too thick or thin.
How long does the frosted cake need to chill before serving?
Refrigerating for at least 30 minutes is recommended to let the frosting firm up and the flavors to meld, creating that iconic texture and taste in the Million Dollar Cake Recipe.
Can I toast the pecans before adding them to the frosting?
Definitely! Toasting pecans enhances their flavor and adds a wonderful depth of nuttiness. Just be sure to let them cool before folding into the frosting to keep the texture just right.
What makes this Million Dollar Cake Recipe so special compared to other cakes?
It’s the perfect blend of pineapple moisture, tangy cream cheese frosting, shredded coconut, and crunchy pecans that creates a symphony of flavors and textures. It’s simple but feels luxurious, which is why it lives up to the “Million Dollar” name!
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give the Million Dollar Cake Recipe a try because it’s one of those desserts that brings smiles to every table and warms hearts with every slice. It’s comfort, celebration, and a bit of tropical sunshine all in one spectacular cake. Once you make it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again for the people you love most.
Print
Million Dollar Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Million Dollar Cake is a rich and moist American dessert featuring a pineapple-infused cake base topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting mixed with shredded sweetened coconut and chopped pecans. This easy-to-make cake delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making it ideal for gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple with juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the lightly beaten eggs, crushed pineapple along with its juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Add Coconut and Pecans: Gently fold the shredded sweetened coconut and chopped pecans into the frosting ensuring even distribution.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake surface using a spatula or knife.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the frosted cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow the frosting to set and for the best texture.
Notes
- This cake tastes even better the next day after chilling to allow flavors to meld.
- For added depth of flavor, toast the chopped pecans lightly before folding into the frosting.
- Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
