Did you know that the acidity in pineapple actually helps make cakes more tender? I recently discovered this while experimenting with a tropical twist on a classic cake, and the result was a moist, flavorful treat I can't wait to share. The pineapple adds a natural sweetness and a hint of tang that balances perfectly with the light, fluffy texture. If you're curious about how simple ingredients can transform into something this delightful, stay tuned.
What You'll Love About This Recipe
This Pineapple Cake recipe is a tropical delight that's sure to impress with its perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Easy to make with simple, accessible ingredients.
- Moist and fluffy cake paired with a sweet, tangy pineapple topping.
- Perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations.
Recipe
Pineapple cake is a delightful dessert that combines the tropical sweetness of pineapple with a soft, moist crumb. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, offering a revitalizing twist on traditional cakes. To make this cake, you'll need: 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 11⁄2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 cup of crushed pineapple (with juice), 1⁄2 cup of unsalted butter (softened), 1⁄2 cup of milk, 3 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1⁄2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1⁄2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. For the glaze: 1 cup of powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of pineapple juice.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined. Fold in the crushed pineapple. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely. For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar and pineapple juice until smooth, then drizzle over the cake.
Notes: Verify the cake is completely cooled before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting. You can use fresh or canned pineapple, but adjust the juice quantity in the glaze accordingly. Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Prep Time: 15 minutes, Cooking Time: 35 minutes, Total Time: 50 minutes, Servings: 12, Calories: Approximately 250 per slice, Cuisine: American.
Equipment
Gathering the right equipment guarantees a smooth baking process for pineapple cake. Having these tools on hand will help you achieve the perfect texture and flavor.
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Spatula
- Knife or cake leveler
Nutrition
Pineapple cake is a delightful dessert that offers both flavor and nutritional benefits. While indulgent, it provides essential nutrients that can fit into a balanced diet.
- Calories: Approximately 250 per serving
- Carbohydrates: Around 35 grams
- Protein: About 3 grams
- Fat: Roughly 10 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Vitamin C: From pineapple, aiding immunity
- Calcium: Supports bone health
What to Serve With This Recipe
I love pairing pineapple cake with a fresh fruit salad for a light, invigorating contrast, or topping it with whipped cream and caramel drizzle for an extra indulgence. A scoop of vanilla ice cream beside it makes it feel like a special treat every time. If I'm feeling fancy, I'll even enjoy it with an iced coffee to balance the sweetness.
Fresh Fruit Salad
When I'm serving up a slice of pineapple cake, I love pairing it with a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness with something light and invigorating. I usually toss together a mix of juicy seasonal fruits, like strawberries, kiwi, and grapes, for a burst of color and flavor. A squeeze of lime juice adds a zesty kick, and a drizzle of honey ties everything together without overpowering the natural taste. It's simple to make, and the cool, crisp texture complements the soft, moist cake perfectly. I find it's the ideal side to make the dessert feel complete.
Vanilla Ice Cream
If you're looking for a classic pairing that never disappoints, vanilla ice cream is my go-to for serving with pineapple cake. Its creamy texture and subtle sweetness perfectly balance the tangy, tropical flavors of the cake. I love how the cold ice cream melts just slightly, creating a luscious sauce that soaks into each bite. It's a match made in dessert heaven! Plus, it's super easy—just scoop and serve. Whether it's for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this combo always feels special. Trust me, once you try it, you'll never want your pineapple cake without it.
Whipped Cream Topping
Whipped cream's light, airy texture makes it a fantastic topping for pineapple cake, adding a touch of sweetness without overpowering the cake's tropical flavor. I love how it balances the tangy pineapple and rich cake, creating a dessert that feels indulgent yet invigorating. To make it even better, I often whip my own cream—it's super easy and tastes way better than the store-bought kind. Here are a few fun ways to elevate your whipped cream topping:
- Add a hint of vanilla extract for a subtle, aromatic twist.
- Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes for extra crunch.
- Fold in a bit of citrus zest to brighten the flavor.
- Drizzle a touch of honey for a natural sweetener.
Caramel Drizzle
Though the pineapple cake already boasts a burst of tropical flavor, I find that a caramel drizzle takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness. The rich, buttery sweetness of caramel complements the tangy pineapple perfectly, creating a balance that's hard to resist. I love how the drizzle adds a glossy finish, making the cake look even more enticing. Plus, it's so easy to make—just heat sugar and butter until golden, then stir in cream. I've tried it with a pinch of sea salt for a twist, and trust me, it's worth it. It's the little details that make this cake unforgettable.
Iced Coffee Pairing
After enjoying the caramel drizzle's rich sweetness, you might be wondering what drink could complete this pineapple cake experience. I'd suggest pairing it with an invigorating iced coffee—its bold, slightly bitter flavor balances the cake's tropical sweetness perfectly. I love adding a splash of vanilla or caramel syrup to my iced coffee for an extra layer of flavor that complements the cake. Here are a few ideas to elevate your pairing:
- Vanilla Iced Coffee: Smooth and sweet, it enhances the cake's tropical notes.
- Caramel Macchiato: A rich, indulgent match for the caramel drizzle.
- Cold Brew: Its boldness cuts through the cake's sweetness.
- Coconut Milk Latte: Adds a creamy, tropical twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead of Fresh?
Sure, I can use canned pineapple instead of fresh—it's a convenient option. Just make sure to drain it well to avoid extra moisture, and if it's in syrup, rinse it to reduce sweetness.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
I store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh, placing them in the fridge if I plan to eat them within a few days or in the freezer if I want them to last longer.
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
A lone pinecone, stripped of its bark, shines as a symbol of transformation into something sweeter. I can make this cake gluten-free by swapping the flour for almond or coconut flour—it'll still taste like paradise.
What Can I Use if I Don't Have Buttermilk?
If I don't have buttermilk, I'll mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. Alternatively, I'll use plain yogurt or sour cream thinned with milk.
How Long Does It Take to Cool Before Serving?
I usually let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. From there, I'll wait another 30-45 minutes until it's completely cool before serving. Patience pays off!
