Tropical Hawaiian Pineapple Cake Recipe for Sweet Paradise

Sweet tropical breezes whisper through every delectable slice of this Hawaiian pineapple cake recipe that transports you straight to island paradise.

Sunshine-kissed ingredients dance together in perfect harmony, creating a dessert that captures the essence of Hawaiian culinary magic.

Soft, moist layers bursting with juicy pineapple promise a delightful escape from ordinary cakes.

Vibrant flavors blend seamlessly, offering a refreshing twist on traditional dessert expectations.

Each forkful promises a mini vacation to the lush, emerald landscapes of Hawaii.

Creamy textures and bright fruity notes make this cake an irresistible treat for any gathering.

Prepare to indulge in a slice of tropical bliss that will leave everyone craving more.

Storing Cake For That Fresh-From-the-Oven Taste

• Store covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep the cake chilled to maintain its moisture and prevent spoilage.
• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature to avoid overheating and drying out the cake.
• Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to allow the cake to soften and reach optimal flavor and texture.

FAQs

• Can I make this cake without pineapple?

No, crushed pineapple is a key ingredient that provides moisture and flavor to the cake. Removing it would significantly change the texture and taste of the Hawaiian Pineapple Cake.

• Is this cake suitable for people with nut allergies?

The base recipe doesn’t include nuts, but the optional garnish uses chopped nuts. You can easily skip the nuts or replace them with toasted coconut flakes for added crunch.

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

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The top should also be golden brown and slightly springy to the touch.

Pineapple Cake That Tastes Like Island Sunsets

• Dive into a mouthwatering Hawaiian Pineapple Cake that brings the essence of island flavors right to your kitchen.
• Whip up this recipe with basic ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Impress family and friends with a rich, moist cake that combines sweet pineapple and creamy frosting in every delectable bite.
• Top the cake with nuts or coconut flakes to add your personal touch and create a dessert that's uniquely yours.

Ingredients for Bright, Tropical Cake Joy

• Flour: A key dry ingredient that provides structure to the cake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's richness.
• Crushed Pineapple: Provides moisture and a signature tropical flavor to the cake.

• Baking Soda, Salt: Help the cake rise and balance the overall flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the cake's aromatic profile.

• Butter, Cream Cheese: Create a smooth, creamy base for the frosting.
• Confectioners' Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.

• Chopped Nuts, Coconut Flakes: Add texture and additional tropical flair to the cake.

Baking Tools for a Fluffy Pineapple Finish

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining cake ingredients smoothly.
• 9×13 inch baking dish: Perfect for creating a classic rectangular cake.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Helps blend frosting ingredients to creamy perfection.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Toothpick: Checks cake doneness by testing center for moist crumbs.
• Spatula: Helps spread frosting evenly across the cake's surface.

Baking Up Pineapple Cake With Ease

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C).

Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a generous coating of grease to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Cake Batter

• Flour
• Sugar
• Eggs
• Baking soda
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• Crushed pineapple (with its juicy liquid)

Whisk everything together until the mixture looks smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the luscious batter into the prepared baking dish.

Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean when poked in the center.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Frosting

• Softened butter
• Cream cheese
• Vanilla extract

Gradually fold in the confectioners’ sugar, mixing until the frosting becomes wonderfully creamy.

Step 5: Frost and Finish

Once the cake has cooled slightly but is still warm, spread the frosting evenly across the top.

For extra pizzazz, sprinkle chopped nuts and coconut flakes if you’re feeling fancy.

Let the cake cool completely before serving up this tropical delight.

Cake Tips For Moist and Sweet Results

• Gently press crushed pineapple in a fine-mesh strainer to remove excess liquid, ensuring your cake doesn't become too wet or soggy.
• Allow eggs and cream cheese to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing, creating smoother batter and creamier frosting.
• Check cake doneness by inserting a toothpick at a 45-degree angle – if it comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked.
• If frosting seems too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until you reach a spreadable texture that glides smoothly over the warm cake.

Fresh Spins On Pineapple Cake Recipes

• Gluten-Free Hawaiian Cake: Replace regular flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the tropical flavor profile.
• Vegan Pineapple Delight: Substitute eggs with mashed bananas, use plant-based butter and cream cheese alternatives, and select organic sugar for a completely dairy-free cake.
• Low-Sugar Tropical Treat: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of traditional sugar, reduce overall sweetness while keeping the pineapple's natural brightness.
• Dairy-Free Island Cake: Replace butter and cream cheese with coconut cream and cashew-based frosting for those avoiding dairy products.

Serving Up Pineapple Cake With Flair

• Tropical Paradise Plating: Garnish with fresh pineapple chunks and mint leaves for a vibrant, island-inspired presentation that captures the cake's Hawaiian essence.
• Dessert Companion Pairing: Serve alongside a scoop of coconut ice cream or a chilled tropical fruit smoothie to enhance the cake's sweet and tangy flavors.
• Brunch Showstopper: Perfect centerpiece for weekend brunches, complemented by fresh coffee or a light mimosa to create a delightful morning treat.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Can be prepared a day in advance, allowing flavors to meld and making it an easy, stress-free dessert for gatherings and potlucks.

Hawaiian Pineapple Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

This Hawaiian pineapple cake recipe combines tropical flavors in a delightful dessert that transports diners to island paradise. Moist layers infused with pineapple and coconut create a sweet escape perfect for summer gatherings or when you crave a taste of Hawaii.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 can (20 ounces/567 grams) crushed pineapple in juice

Leavening and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Frosting Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 package (8 ounces/227 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• Coconut flakes for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and generously coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with grease to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine flour, sugar, eggs, baking soda, vanilla extract, salt, and crushed pineapple with its natural juice until the mixture achieves a smooth, uniform consistency.
3. Transfer the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution and creating a level surface.
4. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, monitoring until the top develops a golden-brown hue and a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.
5. While the cake bakes, craft the creamy frosting by whipping softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until they form a silky, homogeneous blend.
6. Gradually incorporate confectioners’ sugar into the butter mixture, stirring continuously to create a luxuriously smooth frosting with no lumps.
7. After removing the cake from the oven, allow it to cool slightly while remaining warm, then carefully spread the prepared frosting across the entire surface.
8. For added texture and flavor, optionally sprinkle chopped nuts and delicate coconut flakes over the frosted cake.
9. Let the cake cool completely at room temperature, allowing the frosting to set and the flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

• Drain pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the cake soggy, ensuring a perfectly textured dessert.
• Customize the cake by swapping white flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut flour for a dietary-friendly version.
• Add a tropical twist by incorporating shredded coconut directly into the cake batter for extra flavor and texture.
• Room temperature ingredients help create a smoother, more evenly mixed batter, resulting in a lighter and more tender cake.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg