Description
Get ready to fall in love with this German Chocolate Paradise Cake, a rich, buttery, and irresistibly gooey dessert that’s as easy as it is indulgent. Layers of sweet pineapple, shredded coconut, crunchy pecans, and a golden cake topping come together beautifully — all crowned with melty German chocolate frosting for the ultimate paradise-inspired treat. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering, potluck, or just a cozy night in, this dessert is guaranteed to steal the show!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1 can (12 oz) German chocolate frosting
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup butter, sliced
- 1 cup shredded coconut
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. - Layer the ingredients:
Pour the undrained crushed pineapple evenly into the prepared dish.
Sprinkle the shredded coconut evenly over the pineapple layer.
Scatter the chopped pecans on top for added crunch. - Add the dry cake mix:
Sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over the layered ingredients — do not stir. - Top with butter:
Arrange the sliced butter evenly across the top of the dry mix, covering as much surface as possible. - Bake:
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the edges are bubbly. - Add the frosting:
While the cake is still warm, spoon the German chocolate frosting over the top. Let it melt naturally, creating a luscious, gooey finish. - Cool and serve:
Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Butter placement matters: Make sure the butter slices are evenly spaced to help the cake mix bake up evenly and create that signature crisp, buttery top.
- Frosting tip: For an extra-smooth layer, warm the frosting slightly before spooning it over the cake.
- Nut swap: You can use walnuts instead of pecans for a slightly different flavor and texture.
- Make-ahead friendly: This cake keeps beautifully for up to 3 days at room temperature when covered. Reheat gently before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American / Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: German chocolate cake, dump cake, pineapple dessert, easy cake recipe, coconut pecan cake