Pina Colada Cake

This cake was inspired by our dear sweet cutie Chef Anthony (aka Frenchy) on Below Deck, who was left go on the 4-22/24 episode.

He made a Pina Colada for those weird guests who were ridiculously fussy, with all of the restrictions and dislikes. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, pescatarian etc etc.

Poor Frenchy. I think that’s what started his downward spiral having to make several various dishes.

I think the cake that he made for Melinda, that lady who couldn’t speak, was egg and gluten-free (this was the infamous ‘Jill’ charter) but mine is NOT gluten and egg-free.

Sorry not sorry! The great news is that my version is made with a cake mix!

Cake…

One Betty Crocker Super Moist French Vanilla Cake Mix

Follow box instructions with these changes:

2/3 cup milk in place of 1 cup water, or milk substitute.

4 eggs instead of 3

1/3 cup vegetable oil as instructed

Add: 50 ml bottle (1.691 oz) of Coconut Cream Rum Chata OR Malibu Caribbean Rum, OR regular white rum

3 oz (6 T) pineapple juice

2 tsp vanilla

1 T sour cream

Frosting…

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 T shortening

4 cups powdered sugar

2 tsp vanilla extract

2 tsp coconut extract

2 T pineapple juice

4 T milk or milk substitute

Few drops of yellow food coloring, optional.

Coconut flakes and lime zest for garnish on top of cake, optional

Cake: Follow box instructions for oven temp and baking time. I used an oval oblong pan but you can use whatever. Round pans for a regular layer cake, 9 X 11 pan, or even cupcakes.

I used this pan to make make three small layers, but this is also optional. You can also leave out the alcohol, and replace with additional milk.

Frosting: Cream butter and shortening in mixer on medium, gradually beat in powdered sugar, turning on low so it doesn’t fly everywhere, until incorporated. Add vanilla and coconut extracts, milk and pineapple juice and beat for 3 -4 minutes on medium. Add food coloring if using and beat until mixed.

Ice cake as you wish, and garnish with flaked coconut and some lime zest!

This is a fun, festive and light summer cake!! We’ll miss you Frenchy! It’s not you, it’s them!!