Hawaiian Birthday Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Hawaiian Birthday Cake is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. The combination of fruity jam, light whipped cream, and the rich, creamy buttercream frosting creates a delightful contrast with the fresh tropical fruits. The ombré frosting technique makes it look like a work of art, while the tropical flavors give it a refreshing, exotic flair that’s sure to make any occasion extra special.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake Layers (3 layers):

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk, room temperature
½ cup sour cream

For the Filling:

½ cup passionfruit jam (or mango, guava, or pineapple jam)
1 cup whipped cream

For the Buttercream Frosting:

1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened
5 cups powdered sugar, sifted
5–6 tbsp heavy cream
2 tsp vanilla extract
Gel food coloring: yellow, orange, and coral

For Decoration:

Fresh mango slices
Kiwi slices
Pineapple wedges
Fresh plumeria (or edible flowers)
Optional: strawberries or papaya slices for added color

directions

Bake the Cake Layers:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk and sour cream, mixing until just combined.

5. Divide the batter evenly among the pans, smoothing the tops. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

6. Cool the cakes completely on wire racks.

Prepare the Buttercream:

1. Beat the butter until creamy and pale. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until smooth.

2. Add heavy cream and vanilla, beating until light and fluffy. Adjust the consistency with more cream if needed.

3. Divide frosting into three bowls: leave one white, tint the second yellow, and tint the third with orange or coral.

Assemble the Cake:

1. Place one cake layer on a cake board or serving stand. Spread a thin layer of jam, then a layer of whipped cream.

2. Repeat with the second cake layer, then place the final cake layer on top, pressing gently to level.

3. Apply a thin crumb coat of white buttercream and chill the cake for 20 minutes.

Create the Sunset Ombré Frosting:

1. Starting at the bottom of the cake, spread coral frosting around the base.

2. Above that, spread orange frosting, slightly overlapping the coral.

3. Finish with yellow frosting at the top, blending gently into white near the top edge.

4. Use a cake scraper to smooth the sides and blend the colors, creating the sunset ombré effect. Smooth the top with white buttercream.

Decorate with Tropical Fruits:

1. Arrange kiwi, mango, and pineapple slices in a fan shape on one side of the cake.

2. Add papaya or strawberry slices for extra color.

3. Place a fresh plumeria flower or edible bloom for a tropical finish.

Servings and timing

Yield: 12 servings
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Additional Time: 30 minutes (for chilling and assembly)
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Variations

• Other Fruits: Try adding dragon fruit, passionfruit pulp, or starfruit for even more tropical flair.

• Flavored Frosting: Add coconut extract to the frosting for a coconutty touch.

• Lighten it Up: Use a lighter whipped topping instead of heavy cream for the filling to reduce calories.

• Vegan Version: Substitute vegan butter and dairy-free whipped cream, and use a plant-based milk and sour cream substitute.

• Chocolate Addition: Add chocolate ganache between layers for a tropical-chocolate twist.

storage/reheating

Store the finished cake in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. The cake can be stored in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap. The fresh fruit topping should be added shortly before serving to ensure it stays fresh.

FAQs

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day ahead and store them tightly wrapped at room temperature. Assemble and frost the cake the next day.

Can I use a different flavor jam?

Absolutely! Mango, guava, or pineapple jams all work beautifully in place of passionfruit jam.

What if I don’t have fresh plumeria?

Fresh plumeria can be replaced with other edible flowers like orchids, marigolds, or pansies. Alternatively, skip the flowers and use more fruit for decoration.

Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?

Gel food coloring is recommended for richer, more vibrant shades without thinning the buttercream. Liquid coloring can dilute the frosting and affect its texture.

How do I achieve the perfect ombré effect?

Start with the darkest color at the bottom and gradually blend lighter shades upwards. Use a cake scraper to smooth the frosting and create a seamless gradient.

Can I make this cake without the fruit decoration?

Yes! The cake will still be delicious with just the ombré frosting, though the fruit adds a beautiful tropical touch.

Can I use store-bought jam?

Yes, store-bought passionfruit or other tropical fruit jams work well for the filling.

How long will this cake stay fresh?

The cake will stay fresh for about 2 days if stored properly in the fridge. For the best flavor and texture, bring it to room temperature before serving.

Can I freeze this cake?

You can freeze the cake layers before frosting. Wrap the layers tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw before frosting and decorating.

Is there a way to make the frosting lighter?

Yes, you can replace half of the butter with shortening to make the frosting more stable, especially in warm weather.

Conclusion

This Hawaiian Birthday Cake is the perfect way to celebrate in style, with its bright colors, tropical flavors, and decadent layers. The combination of light, fluffy cake and rich, fruity filling is sure to impress your guests, while the ombré buttercream and fresh fruit make it a showstopper. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a celebration of summer, this cake will steal the spotlight every time.