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**Pineapple Cake with Coconut-Pecan Icing**

This delightful pineapple cake, topped with a rich coconut-pecan icing, combines tropical flavors with a moist, fluffy texture. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat, this cake is a crowd-pleaser.

### Ingredients:

**For the Cake:**
– **2 cups all-purpose flour** (500 milliliters): Provides the base for the cake, giving it structure and texture.
– **2 cups sugar** (500 milliliters): Sweetens the cake and helps with browning.
– **2 large eggs**, whisked gently: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
– **1 teaspoon vanilla extract** (5 milliliters): Adds a lovely aromatic flavor.
– **1 teaspoon baking soda** (5 milliliters): Acts as a leavening agent to make the cake rise.
– **A pinch of salt**: Enhances the flavor of the cake.
– **1 large can (20 ounces) pineapple pieces in their own juice**: Adds natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.

**For the Icing:**
– **1/2 cup butter**: Provides richness and helps the icing spread smoothly.
– **1 cup sugar** (250 milliliters): Sweetens the icing and helps it set.
– **1 can (5½ ounces) evaporated milk**: Adds creaminess to the icing.
– **1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans**: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
– **1 cup shredded coconut**: Provides a chewy texture and enhances the tropical flavor.

### Instructions:

1. **Preheat the Oven:**
– Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is at the right temperature when you are ready to bake your cake, which is crucial for even cooking.

2. **Prepare the Cake Batter:**
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 2 cups of sugar. Stir these dry ingredients together to ensure they are evenly mixed.
– Add the 2 whisked eggs to the bowl. The eggs should be well beaten to incorporate air into the batter, which helps the cake rise.
– Mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, which adds a pleasant aroma and flavor.
– Stir in 1 teaspoon of baking soda and a pinch of salt. Baking soda helps the cake rise and become fluffy, while the salt enhances the overall flavor.
– Open the can of pineapple pieces and pour them into the bowl along with their juice. Gently fold the pineapple into the batter until it is evenly distributed. The pineapple adds moisture and a sweet, tropical flavor to the cake.

3. **Bake the Cake:**
– Grease a 13×9 inch baking pan with oil or butter. This prevents the cake from sticking to the pan and ensures a smooth release.
– Pour the prepared batter into the greased pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
– Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, the cake is done. Avoid overbaking, as this can dry out the cake.

4. **Prepare the Icing:**
– While the cake is baking, prepare the icing. In a small saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 1 cup of sugar and 1 can of evaporated milk.
– Stir the mixture continuously as it heats. Bring it to a gentle boil, then continue cooking and stirring for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly. Be careful not to let it burn.
– Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans and 1 cup of shredded coconut. These ingredients add a delightful crunch and texture to the icing.

5. **Finish the Cake:**
– Once the cake is baked and removed from the oven, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This cooling period makes it easier to handle.
– Use a kebab skewer or the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top of the cake. These holes allow the icing to seep into the cake, adding extra flavor and moisture.
– Pour the warm icing over the cake, spreading it evenly with a spatula to cover the entire surface. Allow the icing to set and the cake to cool completely before serving. This cooling step helps the icing to firm up and makes the cake easier to cut.

### Tips for Success:
– **Consistency:** Make sure the cake batter is well mixed but not overworked. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
– **Cooling:** Allow the cake to cool slightly before icing to prevent the icing from melting and running off.
– **Storage:** Store the cake in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It can be kept at room temperature for a few days or refrigerated for longer storage.

Enjoy your homemade pineapple cake with its deliciously rich and tropical icing! This cake is perfect for any occasion and will surely be a hit with family and friends.