The Sweet Paradise: Hawaiian Pineapple Cake Recipe

Sweet memories of tropical vacations dance through my mind whenever I whip up this delightful hawaiian pineapple cake that captures island sunshine on a plate.

Soft golden layers blend tropical flavors with comforting home-baked warmth.

Juicy pineapple chunks nestled between tender cake crumbs create a dessert that feels like an instant getaway.

Subtle hints of coconut whisper gentle island breezes into each delectable bite.

Baking this treat becomes a delicious journey that transports you beyond ordinary desserts.

Moist, fragrant, and bursting with sunny flavor, this cake promises to become your new favorite sweet indulgence.

Let’s roll up our sleeves and transform simple ingredients into an extraordinary tropical celebration.

Why Hawaiian Pineapple Cake Brings Island Vibes

• Capture Tropical Vibes: Bring the Hawaiian sunshine right into your kitchen with this delightful pineapple cake that transports your taste buds to a tropical paradise.
• Stress-Free Baking: Create a stunning dessert with straightforward steps that even novice bakers can master, guaranteeing a delicious result every single time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Texture: Enjoy a perfectly moist cake with incredible depth of flavor, thanks to the combination of pineapple, coconut, and macadamia nuts that provide a delightful sensory experience.
• Versatile Dessert Delight: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, summer parties, or simply as a sweet treat to brighten up any ordinary day with its vibrant tropical essence.

What You’ll Need For Hawaiian Pineapple Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundational dry ingredient that provides structure to the cake.
• Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cake.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm, aromatic spice that complements the pineapple flavor.

• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and creates a soft, tender crumb.
• Pineapple Juice: Adds tropical flavor and moisture to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a rich, deep flavor that enhances the overall taste.

• Crushed Pineapple: Adds chunks of fruit and extra moisture to the cake.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet glaze for the cake.
• Shredded Coconut, Chopped Macadamia Nuts: Provide additional texture and tropical flavor to the finished cake.

How To Make Hawaiian Pineapple Cake Easily

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F and generously coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter to keep the cake from sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon

Ensure the dry mix is silky smooth with zero lumps.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Pineapple juice
• Vanilla extract

Blend until the mixture looks glossy and well-combined.

Step 4: Fold in Pineapple Chunks

Gently stir crushed pineapple into the wet ingredients, making sure the fruit is evenly distributed throughout.

Step 5: Create Cake Batter

Slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring carefully. Mix until just combined – don’t overmix or you’ll end up with a tough cake.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean with just a few crumbs.

Step 8: Cool Down

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack for about an hour.

Step 9: Whip Up the Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Pineapple juice

Mix until smooth and slightly runny.

Step 10: Decorate and Finish

• Shredded coconut
• Chopped macadamia nuts

Let the glaze set for 15-20 minutes.

Step 11: Slice and Serve

Cut into generous slices and serve this tropical delight to eager guests!

Pro Tips For Hawaiian Pineapple Cake

• Prevent Sticking Easily: Thoroughly grease the baking pan and consider using parchment paper for effortless cake removal.
• Mix Dry Ingredients Smoothly: Sifting flour and spices helps eliminate lumps, creating a more consistent cake texture.
• Fold Gently for Perfect Batter: Mix wet and dry ingredients carefully to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake tough and dense.
• Check Cake Doneness Accurately: Use the toothpick test by inserting it into the center; clean or with minimal crumbs indicates perfectly baked cake.
• Enhance Flavor with Glaze Technique: Allow cake to cool completely before adding glaze to ensure it sets properly and provides a glossy, delicious finish.

Tropical Twists On Hawaiian Pineapple Cake

• Tropical Banana Swap: Replace crushed pineapple with mashed ripe bananas for a creamy, tropical banana cake variation with similar moisture and sweetness.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend to accommodate gluten-sensitive individuals without compromising cake texture.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use flax eggs, coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, and dairy-free milk for a plant-based version that maintains the cake's rich Hawaiian-inspired flavor profile.
• Nutty Macadamia Alternative: Swap macadamia nuts with toasted pecans or sliced almonds for a different nutty crunch while preserving the cake's overall tropical essence.

Great Pairings With Hawaiian Pineapple Cake

• Savor Island-Inspired Flavor Companions
• Brew Tropical Rum Cocktail: Mix light rum, pineapple juice, and a splash of coconut cream to echo the cake's Hawaiian essence, creating a refreshing beverage that complements the dessert's sweet and tangy profile.
• Pair with Macadamia Nut Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of creamy macadamia nut ice cream alongside the cake, enhancing the nutty undertones and providing a cool contrast to the warm, spiced cake.
• Sip Coconut Green Tea: Prepare a light, fragrant green tea with a hint of coconut, offering a delicate and cleansing palate cleanser that balances the cake's rich flavors and brings out its subtle tropical notes.

How To Store Hawaiian Pineapple Cake Properly

• Store covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator, keeping the cake moist and fresh.
• Wrap individual cake slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag, storing for up to 3 months without losing quality.
• Keep cake at room temperature for 1-2 days if covered with a cake dome or plastic wrap, ideal for short-term storage without refrigeration.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore softness and bring out the cake's delicious flavors.

FAQs For Hawaiian Pineapple Cake

• What makes this cake Hawaiian-style?

The combination of pineapple, coconut, and macadamia nuts creates a tropical flavor profile that represents Hawaiian cuisine and ingredients.

• Can I use fresh or canned pineapple for this recipe?

Canned crushed pineapple works best for consistent moisture and texture in the cake. Fresh pineapple might make the batter too watery.

• Is this cake considered a dessert or a breakfast item?

This versatile cake can be enjoyed as both a dessert and a breakfast treat, perfect with coffee or tea. Its moist texture and sweet glaze make it suitable for various occasions.

• Do I need any special baking skills to make this cake?

No special skills are required. The recipe is straightforward and suitable for beginner bakers, with clear step-by-step instructions that ensure a delicious result.

Hawaiian Pineapple Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15-60 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy Hawaiian Pineapple Cake whisks tropical paradise onto your plate with layers of sweet, tangy goodness. Sunshine-kissed ingredients blend together, creating a delightful dessert that transports taste buds to island bliss, leaving you craving another slice.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup fresh pineapple, crushed

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Leavening and Spices:

• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Topping/Garnish:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut
• 1/4 cup chopped macadamia nuts

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
2. Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon in a large mixing bowl, ensuring a smooth, lump-free dry mixture.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk granulated sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, pineapple juice, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.
4. Gently fold the crushed pineapple into the wet ingredients, distributing the fruit evenly throughout the liquid mixture.
5. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring carefully to create a uniform cake batter without overmixing.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure consistent thickness.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with minimal crumbs.
8. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack for approximately 1 hour.
9. Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar with pineapple juice until smooth and slightly runny.
10. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake, then immediately sprinkle shredded coconut and chopped macadamia nuts on top for added texture and flavor.
11. Let the glaze set for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving the Hawaiian pineapple cake.

Notes

• Check ingredient freshness by using ripe pineapples and high-quality vanilla extract for enhanced tropical flavor profile.
• Swap vegetable oil with coconut oil to intensify Hawaiian-inspired taste and create a more authentic tropical dessert experience.
• Adjust baking time for different altitudes by adding 2-3 minutes if located in high-elevation regions to ensure proper cake texture and doneness.
• Transform into gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour, maintaining the cake’s moisture and delicate crumb.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg