Description
Southern pineapple cake brings sunshine to dessert tables with its moist, tropical charm. Sweet layers packed with crushed pineapple and creamy frosting promise pure Southern comfort that will make you crave another slice.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Base:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Pineapple Filling:
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, crushed
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp cream cheese
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
- Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring a smooth, lump-free dry mixture.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer at medium speed.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to create a uniform batter.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to maintain a smooth, consistent cake batter.
- Prepare the pineapple filling by combining crushed pineapple, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and vanilla extract in a saucepan.
- Simmer the pineapple mixture over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens and becomes slightly syrupy.
- Pour half the cake batter into the prepared pan, then carefully spread the warm pineapple filling evenly across the surface.
- Gently pour the remaining cake batter over the pineapple filling, using a spatula to create an even layer.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with minimal crumbs.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour at room temperature.
- Whisk together powdered sugar, cream cheese, and milk to create a smooth, creamy glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake, then immediately sprinkle chopped pecans and ground cinnamon on top.
- Let the glaze set for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving the Southern Pineapple Cake.
Notes
- Sifting dry ingredients prevents lumps, ensuring a smooth, silky cake texture that melts in your mouth.
- Creaming butter and sugar thoroughly creates tiny air bubbles, resulting in a lighter, more tender cake crumb.
- Adding eggs one at a time helps them blend seamlessly, preventing potential curdling and maintaining batter consistency.
- Folding dry ingredients gently prevents overmixing, which can lead to a tough, dense cake that lacks the desired softness.
- Simmer pineapple filling slowly to develop rich, caramelized flavors and achieve the perfect syrupy consistency.
- Use room temperature ingredients for better incorporation and more even baking results.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg