Spring, Hope, and Pineapple Coconut Coffee Cake

Two years ago, we were just at the forefront of the pandemic, and I a lot of questions had come to mind during this unstable period.  Can you believe some of the changes that have occurred in our community, our state, our country, and our world since then?  I would never have guessed a pandemic of this magnitude would come to shake us and our daily living.  As much as I can’t begin to comprehend such a shift; I find myself relying on a few specific scripture verses that ring through my mind during moments of anxiety or fear. During times of uncertainty, God is always there for us.  He is our peace.

“And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:7

“You keep him in perfect peace whose minds is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 6:3

Now, more than ever, we need someone to rely on.  Someone to completely trust.  When we don’t know, when winter seems too long, when we wonder when will this virus ever go away? When will life go back to “normal” again?  Spring comes again and shows us that God is still in control.  The seasons will continue to change and the buds will appear once again – a sign of hope of new life.

As we experience yet again, Good Friday and think of all the sacrifices Jesus made for us the day…I am reminded that even though we endure hardship, pain, suffering, and sin – Jesus conquered the death.  He took our sins upon him.  He did it for us because he loves us.  He reigns forever. He is risen. And he brings new life.

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

2 Corinthians 5:17

What new things are you finding in your world today?  I noticed these buds about to burst today.  Yesterday, they were just tiny sprouts.  Have hope today in Christ.  When we do, we discover purpose, and the peace and trust of eternal life.  He doesn’t want us to fear or worry at all – even though it’s almost impossible to do during these times.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

In light of Easter this Sunday, I stumbled across this balmy cake, that reminds us of Spring and our hope in Christ.  As God states in Revelation, “I am making everything new!”  The hymn, Great is Thy Faithfulness professes this truth to lean on.   I leave you with this, dear friends –

Morning by morning new mercies I see

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided – 

Strength for today, and bright hope for tomorrow

Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside

Spring, Hope, and Pineapple Coconut Coffee Cake

Print Recipe

Prep Time:10 minutes mins

Cook Time:40 minutes mins

Total Time:50 minutes mins

Ingredients

• CAKE BATTER
• 2 c. all-purpose flour
• 1 t. baking soda
• 1/2 t. salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 c. granulated sugar
• 2 c. 16 oz crushed pineapple with juice
• COCONUT TOPPING
• 1/2 c. butter
• 1/2 c. granulated sugar
• 1/2 c. evaporated milk
• 1/2 c. flaked coconut
• 1/2 c. nuts if desired

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Heavily oil a 9 x 13-inch baking dish; set aside.
• For Cake Batter, in a small bowl combine flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in sugar. Stir in pineapple. Stir in flour mixture. Pour batter into prepared dish. Bake for 35-45 minutes.
• Meanwhile, for Coconut Topping, in a small heavy saucepan melt butter over medium heat, browning butter without letting it burn. Stir in sugar and milk; cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in coconut and nuts (if desired). Spread on hot cake.

Course: Brunch, coffee cake

Servings: 12

Author: Molly

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