Patriotic Pineapple Coconut Cake (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Cake

01 - 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple with juice
02 - 2 large eggs
03 - ¼ cup vegetable or canola oil
04 - 1 cup granulated sugar
05 - ½ cup brown sugar
06 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
07 - 2 teaspoons baking soda
08 - ½ teaspoon salt

→ For the Icing

09 - 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
10 - 1 cup unsalted butter
11 - 1½ cups granulated sugar
12 - 2 cups shredded coconut
13 - 1 cup chopped pecans
14 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
15 - ¼ teaspoon salt

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed pineapple with its juice, eggs, oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Stir until well mixed and the sugars begin to dissolve.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet pineapple mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
05 - Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to the corners. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
06 - While the cake is baking, make the icing. In a medium saucepan, combine the evaporated milk, butter, and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
07 - Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded coconut, chopped pecans, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
08 - When the cake comes out of the oven and is still hot, immediately pour the warm coconut-pecan icing over the top. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the entire surface.
09 - Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature, which will give the icing time to set. Once cooled, slice into squares and serve.

# Notes:

01 - This cake gets even more moist and flavorful the day after baking.
02 - For a patriotic touch, decorate with fresh blueberries and strawberries in an American flag pattern.
03 - The warm icing will soak partially into the cake, creating an extra moist and flavorful dessert.