Juicy Pineapple Cake Recipe

Heavenly Juicy Pineapple Cake Recipe: Tropical Sweetness Awaits

Sweet summer memories dance through my mind when I think about this incredible pineapple cake recipe that promises pure tropical delight.

Soft golden layers promise an explosion of fruity goodness waiting to surprise you.

Tropical ingredients blend seamlessly into a dessert that whispers sunshine and relaxation.

Ripe pineapple chunks bring natural sweetness and moisture to every tender crumb.

Baking becomes an adventure with such vibrant flavors melting together in perfect harmony.

Creamy frosting adds a luxurious finish that makes each slice irresistible.

You’ll want to slice into this cake and savor every single delectable moment.

What Makes Juicy Pineapple Cake So Fun and Fruity

  • Craft a Tropical Delight: Dive into a slice of paradise with this pineapple cake that brings sunny flavors right to your kitchen, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings.
  • Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Mix ingredients in just a few simple steps, making this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from novice to experienced.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Impress family and friends with a moist, flavorful cake that works wonderfully for gatherings, potlucks, or weekend treat moments.
  • Versatile Serving Option: Enjoy as a casual dessert or dress up with elegant garnishes for special occasions, making it adaptable to any dining setting.

Ingredients That Bring Juicy Pineapple Cake to Life

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The primary base that provides structure and texture to the cake.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and become fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cake.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake crumb.
  • Eggs: Provide moisture, richness, and help bind the ingredients together.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake remains moist and soft.
  • Pineapple Juice: Infuses the cake with a tangy tropical flavor and additional moisture.
Fruit and Flavor Ingredients:
  • Fresh Pineapple: Chopped and crushed pieces that add natural sweetness and texture to the cake.
  • Butter: Used for greasing the pan and creating the creamy frosting.
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth and sweet frosting.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • Sour Cream: Contributes to a rich and creamy frosting texture.

How to Bake This Sweet, Tropical Pineapple Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F and coat a 9-inch cake pan with a generous layer of butter or cooking spray, making sure every nook and cranny is covered.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Blend these dry ingredients until they’re perfectly combined and look like a smooth, powdery mixture.

Step 3: Create Wet Ingredient Magic

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Eggs
  • Vegetable oil
  • Pineapple juice

Beat these ingredients until they transform into a silky, well-integrated liquid gold.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Use a light touch and stir carefully to keep the batter airy and delicate. Avoid overmixing, which can make the cake tough.

Step 5: Add Pineapple Goodness

Toss in chopped and crushed pineapple pieces, distributing them evenly throughout the batter so every bite will be bursting with tropical flavor.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top, creating an even surface that promises a perfectly baked cake.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few crumbs clinging to it.

Step 8: Cool Down

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This takes about an hour, so be patient and let the cake settle.

Step 9: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

In a bowl, cream together:
  • Butter
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Sour cream

Whip until the mixture becomes smooth, fluffy, and irresistibly creamy.

Step 10: Frost with Flair

Once the cake has cooled, spread the creamy frosting across the top, creating a delicate and inviting layer that screams deliciousness.

Step 11: Final Flourish

For an extra touch, garnish with fresh pineapple chunks or dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving.

Pineapple Cake Tips for Texture and Moisture

  • Select Fresh Pineapple: Choose ripe, sweet pineapples with vibrant yellow-orange color and fragrant aroma for maximum flavor in your cake.
  • Drain Pineapple Thoroughly: Pat crushed pineapple pieces dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from making the cake soggy.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs, butter, and pineapple juice to reach room temperature for smoother blending and better cake texture.
  • Prevent Overmixing: Fold batter gently with a spatula, stopping just when ingredients are combined to maintain a light, tender crumb.
  • Toothpick Test Precision: Insert a toothpick at a 45-degree angle into cake's center; minimal crumbs indicate perfect baking time and doneness.

Flavor Twists to Try with Juicy Pineapple Cake

  • Tropical Coconut Fusion: Replace half the vegetable oil with coconut oil and sprinkle shredded coconut throughout the batter for an enhanced tropical flavor profile.
  • Rum-Soaked Island Style: Brush the warm cake with rum after baking and add a rum-infused cream cheese frosting for a sophisticated adult version.
  • Spiced Caramel Pineapple: Incorporate ground cinnamon and nutmeg into the batter, then drizzle caramel sauce over the frosted cake for a rich, warm-spiced experience.
  • Upside-Down Pineapple Transformation: Arrange caramelized pineapple rings at the bottom of the pan before pouring batter, creating a classic upside-down cake presentation with golden, glazed fruit on top.

What to Enjoy with Pineapple Cake Treats

  • Boost Tropical Flavors: Pair with coconut rum cocktail for an explosive island-inspired taste experience.
  • Enhance Cake's Richness: Serve alongside creamy vanilla bean gelato to complement the pineapple's tangy sweetness.
  • Create Refreshing Contrast: Match with chilled passion fruit spritzer to elevate the dessert's bright, fruity profile.
  • Indulge Dessert Moment: Enjoy with light, crisp white wine like Riesling to balance the cake's dense, moist texture.

How to Store Pineapple Cake Without Losing Moisture

  • Store the pineapple cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and maintain its moisture.
  • Wrap the unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding frosting and serving.
  • Keep the cake at room temperature for 1-2 days if serving soon. Place it in a cake carrier or cover with a cake dome to protect from dust and maintain freshness. Ensure the area is cool and away from direct sunlight.

Quick Answers About Juicy Pineapple Cake

  • Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes, canned pineapple works perfectly. Just drain excess liquid and pat the fruit pieces dry before adding to the batter to prevent too much moisture.

  • Is this cake suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

The recipe contains eggs and dairy, so it’s not vegan or dairy-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour and dairy substitutes for alternative versions.

  • How do I know if the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out with just a few moist crumbs and no wet batter, the cake is done. The top should also be golden brown and slightly springy when touched.

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Juicy Pineapple Cake Recipe

Juicy Pineapple Cake Recipe


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4.5 from 22 reviews

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

Description

Tropical paradise meets sweet indulgence in this mouthwatering Pineapple Cake, where golden fruit layers dance with rich, creamy frosting. Summer memories and island flavors blend perfectly, promising delightful moments you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda

Pineapple Components:

  • 1.5 cups fresh pineapple, chopped
  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/4 cup crushed pineapple

Finishing Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9-inch cake pan with butter or cooking spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly combined.
  3. Create a smooth mixture by blending sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and pineapple juice in a separate bowl, whisking until the ingredients are fully integrated.
  4. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring carefully to avoid overmixing and maintain a light, airy texture.
  5. Incorporate the chopped and crushed pineapple pieces into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, ensuring an even surface with a spatula.
  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. For the frosting, cream together butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and sour cream until smooth and fluffy.
  10. Once the cake has cooled, spread the creamy frosting evenly across the top, creating a delicate layer.
  11. Optional: Garnish with additional fresh pineapple chunks or a light dusting of powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

  • Check pineapple freshness by selecting ripe, fragrant fruits with vibrant yellow color and minimal brown spots for maximum flavor intensity.
  • Drain pineapple chunks thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the cake too soggy, using a fine-mesh strainer or paper towels.
  • Substitute vegetable oil with Greek yogurt or applesauce for a healthier version that maintains moisture and reduces overall fat content.
  • Experiment with gluten-free flour blends to make the cake suitable for individuals with wheat sensitivities, ensuring similar texture and taste.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 289
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 133 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 34 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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