The pineapple adds moisture, and it’s not all that noticeable in the finished cake, unless you have large chunks of it.  Sometimes I can get get Dole brand crushed pineapple on sale in the supermarket cheaper than I can get it from my distributor and I’ve noticed that it has larger chunks so I will run it through the food processor after I drain it.  I have made it without the nuts, and without the coconut but not without the pineapple.  Without the nuts is not so bad; I’ve added more coconut to help with the structure when I do that.

You’d need something with a similar consistency - applesauce maybe?  But I am not sure how that will affect the taste of the cake, it’s worth making a small batch and testing it to see.

Maybe I will try the applesauce in a small batch first.  If it doesn’t work out I will use the pineapple and puree it first.

Gosh, Jeanne, I didn’t intend that you write out the WHOLE recipe again - you are so generous with your time - thanks so much. 
Will that quantity make 2x2-layer 9” cakes?

let me know how the substitution of pineapple comes out….
I want to know as well I have to make a carrot cake that calls for Pineapple but the person eating it can’t have pineapple!

Sure, no problem

AnnieMacD - 07 November 2009 08:53 AM

Gosh, Jeanne, I didn’t intend that you write out the WHOLE recipe again - you are so generous with your time - thanks so much. 
Will that quantity make 2x2-layer 9” cakes?

That will actually make 4 9x2” round pans.  the original recipe (cut that by half) will make 2 9x2” round pans or 1 12” round pan, or a 9x13 with some left for cupcakes.

Jeanne, I just noticed your 11/11 correction to the coconut for the original recipe doubled. You took it from 7 oz to 28 instead of just 14. Just curious, why the big jump? Experience taught you that it needed 4x rather than double the coconut?

Hmmm…. I’ll have to check the recipe at work.  I think the original called for 1 1/2 cups of coconut so that would make it about 14 ounces doubled.  Good catch!  I usually make a 4x batch so I could have been remembering that quantity instead!