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Pina Colada Cake
CakesDinnerHealthy Eating

Pina Colada Cake

Stewart Lucas
By Stewart Lucas, Chief Culinary Specialist
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Rachel Evans, RDN, LDNPublished: September 1, 2024Last Updated: June 15, 2026
35 mins
Easy
4 Servings
★★★★★ 4.9 (53 reviews)
Quick Summary Answer
⏱️ 4 min read read📅 Updated: June 15, 2026

This chef-curated Pina Colada Cake offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

Key Takeaways

  • ✓Ready in just 35 mins using straightforward, kitchen-tested technique.
  • ✓Delivers 23g of muscle-fueling protein per serving for lasting satiety.
  • ✓Portion-balanced at 504 calories per serving with wholesome, unrefined ingredients.
  • ✓Masterclass temperature checkpoints ensure maximum tenderness and flavor development.

The Story

This chef-curated Pina Colada Cake offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

Culinary Heritage & Chef's Notes

In the NutriGuide test kitchen, Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas refined this classic Pina Colada Cake to celebrate vibrant, wholesome ingredients. By prioritizing aromatic layering and precise thermal control, this recipe achieves remarkable culinary depth while preserving natural micronutrients and wholesome texture.

At NutriGuide, our mission is to ensure that home cooking is both accessible and culinary-grade. When executing Pina Colada Cake, focus on fresh aromatics, dry surface contact for proper searing, and allowing the food to rest before serving.

Ingredients & Measurements

  • 1 (18 1/2 oz.) pkg. yellow cake mix
  • 1 1/2 c. water
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 (3 1/2 oz.) can shredded coconut,

Chef's Sourcing & Quality Tips:

  • Produce & Aromatics: Always use fresh whole aromatics and seasonal herbs rather than dehydrated powders when possible.
  • Cooking Oils: Utilize cold-pressed oils with appropriate smoke points such as extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
  • Salt & Seasoning: Season from a modest height above the pan to ensure an even, uniform crystalline dispersion.

Step-by-Step Culinary Masterclass

Follow these sequential steps with careful attention to sensory cues and cooking temperatures:

Step 1: Technique & Execution

divided 1 (16 oz.) can cream of coconut 1 (9 oz.) container frozen whipped topping, thawed 1/4 c. pecans, chopped Combine cake mix, water, eggs and half of the coconut

Step 2: Technique & Execution

Turn into greased 9 x 13 inch baking pan

Step 3: Technique & Execution

Bake in 350 degree GAS oven 30 to 35 minutes, or until done

Step 4: Technique & Execution

Remove from oven and punch holes in top while hot

Step 5: Technique & Execution

Pour cream of coconut over hot cake

Step 6: Technique & Execution

Combine remaining coconut with whipped topping and spread over the cake

Chef's Pro Tips & Variations

Nutritional Profile per Serving

MetricAmountDietary Benefit
Calories504 kcalControlled caloric load for steady metabolic burn
Protein23gHigh-biological-value protein for tissue maintenance
Carbohydrates44gComplex, slow-digesting dietary fiber
Fat11gWholesome dietary lipids for micronutrient absorption

Pina Colada Cake

This chef-curated Pina Colada Cake offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

★★★★★4.9 from 53 votes
Pina Colada Cake
CourseDinner
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings4
AuthorStewart Lucas

Macro Nutrition Profile (Per Serving)

Calories25% DV
504 kcal
Protein46% DV
23g
Fat14% DV
11g
Carbs16% DV
44g
Scale Ingredients

Ingredients

Ingredient Substitutions

Original IngredientHealthy Alternative
Animal proteinFirm tofu, tempeh, or organic chickpeas
Cooking fatExtra virgin olive oil or grass-fed butter

Instructions

1

Technique & Execution: divided 1 (16 oz.) can cream of coconut 1 (9 oz.) container frozen whipped topping, thawed 1/4 c. pecans, chopped Combine cake mix, water, eggs and half of the coconut

2

Technique & Execution: Turn into greased 9 x 13 inch baking pan

3

Technique & Execution: Bake in 350 degree GAS oven 30 to 35 minutes, or until done

35:00
4

Technique & Execution: Remove from oven and punch holes in top while hot

5

Technique & Execution: Pour cream of coconut over hot cake

6

Technique & Execution: Combine remaining coconut with whipped topping and spread over the cake

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it turned out! Click a star below to leave a review and rate the recipe.

Storage & Freezing Tips

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the components separate if possible to preserve texture.
  • Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet on medium-low heat with a splash of olive oil or butter.
  • Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this dish because ingredients like eggs become soggy, rubbery, or mushy when defrosted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this recipe be prepared ahead of time?▼

Yes, this meal is excellent for weekly meal prep. Store components separately and assemble before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?▼

All ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. If you are highly sensitive, verify that packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Tried this recipe?

Tag @stewartlucas on Instagram and hashtag it #nutriguide!

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Stewart Lucas

Stewart Lucas

Chief Culinary Specialist

Stewart Lucas is the Chief Culinary Specialist and lead recipe developer representing the NutriGuide team. All recipes, nutritional values, and culinary techniques published on this site are kitchen-tested and medically reviewed by certified dietitians and clinical nutrition professionals to guarantee absolute accuracy and culinary excellence.

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