Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely. Chop small, drain briefly, or pat dry so the batter doesn’t become watery. Fresh tastes brighter.

Is this a Creamy Coconut Cake or a light sponge?

It straddles both — tender layers with a creamy, coconut-forward finish depending on your frosting choice.

Level layers, use a thin layer of frosting between them, and chill between coats to lock things in.

Yes — use plant butter and coconut milk, and choose dairy-free frosting.

A tender, sunny cake layered with a juicy pineapple filling and finished with a coconut-nut topping that bakes up golden and slightly sticky.

Scale

Heat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a large mixing bowl combine the cake mix, ½ cup melted butter, and the egg. Stir until the mixture forms a uniform batter. Press or spread this batter in an even layer across the bottom of the prepared pan.
Make the pineapple layer: in a saucepan whisk the crushed pineapple (with its juice), ½ cup sugar, cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy — about 4–6 minutes. Remove from heat and smooth the pineapple over the cake base.
Prepare the coconut topping: whisk together ½ cup melted butter, 1 cup sugar, the two lightly beaten eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Fold in the shredded coconut and the chopped nuts, if using. Spread this mixture evenly over the pineapple layer.
Bake for roughly 28–35 minutes, or until the topping has turned golden and the edges bubble. The center should be set.
Let the pan cool fully on a wire rack before cutting so the layers firm up and slice neatly.

Use pineapple packed in juice rather than heavy syrup to avoid an overly sweet or soggy cake.
If you want a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts — the cake will still be delicious.
Cool completely before slicing to get clean pieces; warm cake can fall apart.
For a toastier coconut flavor, lightly brown the shredded coconut in a skillet before folding it into the topping.