Introduction: Malibu Coconut Pineapple Cake

This cake is super moist with a fluffy whipped topping. If you like coconut, pineapple and rum then this is the cake for you! :)

Step 1: Prepare

Grease (vegetable shortening works great) and flour two 8 1/4" x 1 1/2" round cake pans. Set aside for later.

Separate 4 egg whites in a small bowl. Set aside.

Whisk 2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and a pinch of salt (roughly 1/8 teaspoon) together. Set aside.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit

Step 2: Sugar, Spice and Everything Nice...

Using an electric mixer beat 1/2 cup shortening, 1 3/4 cups sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla and 2 1/4 teaspoons coconut extract.

Once combined, add the egg whites and the flour mixture and mix until smooth.

Pour in 1 1/2 cups Malibu Rum and a single 8 1/4 ounce can of pineapple chunks with syrup. Mix until pineapple chunks are shredded and distributed throughout batter.

Step 3: Baking!

Pour batter evenly into the prepared round cake pans.

Bake in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for 25 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Edges of cake should be golden brown.

note: It is possible that the cake edges may have a slight "candied" look to them - not unlike a pineapple upside down cake. This is normal and will not affect the taste and end result of the cake.

Step 4: Making Frosting

While the cake is baking, it's a great time to make the frosting:

Cream 8 ounces of Neufchatel Cheese in a bowl with 1 cup sugar, 1/8 teaspoon salt, 1 1/3 teaspoons vanilla and 1 1/2 tablespoons coconut extract. Put aside.

Whip 1 /12 cups heavy cream with an electric mixer until stiff. Do not overmix.

Fold cream cheese mixture into whipped cream until just combined.

Set aside.

Step 5: Frosting the Cakes

After cakes have cooled, place one cake upside down on a serving plate.

Generously lather Neufchatel whipped cream frosting on top of 1st layer in a circular motion until top is covered.

Carefully place 2nd layer upside down on top of the bottom frosted layer. Generously frost whole cake in large, sweeping motions until completely covered.

Drain and dry (blot with paper towels) pineapple slices (one 8 1/4 ounce can of pineapple round slices) to use as garnish. Feel free to decorate in different ways!

Step 6: Enjoy!

Serve and eat! :D