Sunshine, palm trees, and a fork in hand—this cake brings serious vacation energy to your kitchen. One slice in, and suddenly you’re not at home anymore… you’re somewhere warm, breezy, and delicious. This Palm Tree Cakes–inspired dessert is all about turning classic tropical flavors into a show-stopping centerpiece that feels fun, festive, and totally doable.
At its core, this cake layers soft sponge with a creamy mango and pineapple filling that tastes like summer on repeat. Everything gets wrapped in silky mango buttercream, then finished with toasted coconut for that just-back-from-the-beach vibe. It’s the kind of Mango Cake that disappears fast, so fair warning. 😄 FYI: the balance of fruit and cream keeps it light, not overly sweet.
What makes this recipe extra special is how easily it fits into celebrations. Planning a luau, pool party, or tropical birthday? This cake slides right into your lineup of Hawaiian Theme Cakes and Hawaiian Birthday Cakes without feeling overcomplicated. Think bold flavors, simple steps, and big payoff. IMO, that’s the sweet spot.
Presentation matters too, and this cake delivers. With coconut “sand” and playful palm-inspired styling, it looks like something straight out of Cake Land—but you don’t need pro skills to pull it off. Even better, the base starts as a Basic Cake, so beginners can jump in confidently.
Love experimenting? This tropical beauty pairs nicely alongside classics like Pistachio Cake or even a surprise Lemon Pistachio Cake for contrast. Whether you’re baking your first Hawaii Cake or adding a new favorite to your recipe box, this one brings the fun.
Ready to bake something that feels like a mini getaway? Let’s make cake feel like a holiday. 🌴🍰
Palm Tree Cake
Ingredients
Method
1. Bake the Cake Layers
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare three 8-inch round pans by greasing and lining them with parchment. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Using a mixer, beat the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla. Add the dry ingredients and milk alternately, mixing gently until just blended.
Divide the batter evenly between the pans. Bake for 25–28 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the layers cool fully before assembling.
2. Make the Tropical Cream Filling
Whip the cold cream until firm peaks form. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, then gently mix in the mango and pineapple. Chill until needed.
3. Prepare the Mango Buttercream
Beat the butter until smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed. Blend in the mango purée and cream until the frosting becomes silky and easy to spread.
4. Assemble and Decorate
Place one cake layer on your stand. Spread a thick layer of tropical cream filling on top. Add the second layer and repeat. Finish with the final cake layer. Cover the entire cake with mango buttercream, smoothing the sides and top. Decorate with fresh fruit, toasted coconut, mint, and optional coconut slices for a tropical finish.
Notes
🥭 Ingredient Tip: Fresh vs. Canned Fruit
Fresh mango and pineapple bring brighter flavor and a lighter texture. Canned fruit tends to be sweeter and can overwhelm the filling. If you’re short on time, canned works—but fresh delivers the true island vibe.🎉 Serving Suggestions
This cake shines at tropical celebrations and birthday tables. Surround it with flowers or palm-inspired décor for maximum impact. Serve slightly chilled so the filling stays firm and refreshing—perfect for warm-weather gatherings.❓ FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?Yes! Bake the cake layers up to one day ahead and wrap them tightly. Assemble and decorate on the day of serving for best results. Can I use frozen fruit?
You can, but thaw and drain it well. Excess moisture may loosen the filling. How long does this cake last?
Stored in the refrigerator and covered, it keeps well for up to 3 days. Can I make this as a sheet cake?
Absolutely. Use a 9×13 pan and adjust baking time slightly.