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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and generously coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with grease to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- Transfer the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution and creating a level surface.
- 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.
- While the cake bakes, craft the creamy frosting by whipping softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until they form a silky, homogeneous blend.
- Gradually incorporate confectioners’ sugar into the butter mixture, stirring continuously to create a luxuriously smooth frosting with no lumps.
- 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.
- For added texture and flavor, optionally sprinkle chopped nuts and delicate coconut flakes over the frosted cake.
- 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