Juicy Pineapple Cake Recipe

The Sunniest Juicy Pineapple Cake Recipe for Sweet Moments

Sweet summer memories dance through this mouthwatering pineapple cake recipe that brings tropical sunshine right to your plate.

Bursting with golden chunks of tangy pineapple, this delectable dessert promises pure delight in every bite.

Soft, moist layers blend tropical flavors with classic cake comfort, creating a treat that feels both familiar and exotic.

The pineapple weaves its magic through tender crumb, infusing each slice with bright, refreshing notes.

Delicate and rich, this cake transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Bake this crowd-pleasing creation and watch smiles bloom around your table.

Juicy Pineapple Cake Highlights

  • Capture the essence of sunny islands with this vibrant pineapple cake that brings a burst of fruity sweetness to your dessert table.
  • Perfect for beginners, this recipe offers simple steps that guarantee a moist, delicious cake without complicated methods or professional skills.
  • Impress family and friends with a dessert that combines classic cake textures with the tangy, refreshing flavor of pineapple, making it ideal for gatherings and potlucks.
  • Suitable for birthdays, summer parties, or casual get-togethers, this cake adapts to any occasion with its crowd-winning combination of soft texture and tropical taste.

Must-Have Ingredients for Pineapple Cake

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key foundation that provides structure and volume to the cake.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
  • Butter: Provides rich flavor and moisture to the cake.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cake's soft texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet notes.
Leavening and Seasoning:
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
  • Salt: Balances and intensifies the other flavors in the cake.
Moisture and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, tender cake batter.
  • Crushed Pineapple, Pineapple Juice: Brings tropical sweetness and juicy texture to the cake.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates a rich, sweet glaze that adds extra moisture.
Topping:
  • Pineapple Chunks: Provides fresh, bright garnish and additional pineapple flavor.

Tools for Baking Juicy Pineapple Cake

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for creaming butter and sugar, mixing wet ingredients.
  • Electric mixer or whisk: Essential for achieving light, fluffy cake batter.
  • 8-inch round cake pan: Specific size needed for even baking.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Precise ingredient measurements are key.
  • Whisk: Great for combining dry ingredients smoothly.
  • Toothpick: Helps check cake doneness.
  • Spatula: Useful for folding pineapple and smoothing batter.
  • Small bowl: For preparing glaze mixture.

Steps to Sweet Pineapple Cake Bliss

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Prepare your oven by heating it to 350F.

Grab an 8-inch round cake pan and coat it with butter and flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create A Creamy Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, whip together butter and sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and light, creating a smooth foundation for your cake.

Step 3: Introduce Eggs And Flavor

  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Blend in the vanilla extract to enhance the overall taste profile.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, gently whisk together:
  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Ensure all dry ingredients are evenly mixed without any lumps.

Step 5: Merge Wet And Dry Mixtures

Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Alternate between adding dry ingredients and milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture.

This technique helps create a smooth, consistent batter.

Step 6: Welcome The Pineapple

Carefully fold in crushed pineapple and its juice, mixing just until combined.

Be gentle to maintain the cake’s delicate texture.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top for an even surface.

Bake for 30-35 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean when the cake is ready.

Step 8: Craft A Luscious Glaze

While the cake bakes, prepare a glaze by mixing:
  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • Pineapple juice

Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and silky.

Step 9: Soak And Cool

Remove the cake from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes.

Create small holes across the cake’s surface and pour the glaze over, allowing it to seep into every delicious crevice.

Step 10: Final Tropical Touch

Once completely cooled, garnish the top with fresh pineapple chunks, adding a burst of tropical brightness to your cake.

Tips for Moist Pineapple Cake

  • Squeeze out excess moisture from crushed pineapple to prevent a soggy cake and ensure perfect texture.
  • Start testing the cake with a toothpick around 25 minutes to avoid overcooking and maintain moisture.
  • Allow butter, eggs, and milk to reach room temperature for smoother batter and more even baking.
  • Select ripe, sweet pineapple for maximum flavor and natural sweetness in your cake.
  • Fold pineapple into batter carefully to keep the cake light and prevent dense texture.

Pineapple Cake Flavor Twists to Try

  • Tropical Coconut Cake: Replace milk with coconut milk and add shredded coconut to the batter for a more tropical flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Pineapple Cake: Swap wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend to accommodate gluten-sensitive diets.
  • Vegan Pineapple Delight: Use plant-based butter, replace eggs with mashed banana or applesauce, and choose dairy-free milk alternative for a vegan-friendly version.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener and reduce condensed milk in glaze for a lower-calorie dessert.

How to Serve Pineapple Cake Anytime

  • Tropical Island Brunch Companion: Serve alongside fresh coconut mimosas for a Hawaiian-inspired weekend breakfast gathering.
  • Elegant Dessert Presentation: Garnish with toasted coconut flakes and a delicate mint leaf to elevate the cake's visual appeal and add a subtle herbal note.
  • Summer Potluck Star: Pair with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and drizzle extra pineapple glaze for a crowd-pleasing dessert that screams warm-weather celebration.
  • Afternoon Tea Delight: Cut into petite squares and serve on a decorative platter with light tea, creating a sophisticated treat perfect for casual entertaining.

Best Storage for Pineapple Cake Freshness

  • Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
  • Wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Keep cake at room temperature for 1-2 days if covered with a cake dome or loosely tented with foil. Ensure the area is cool and dry to maintain freshness.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, place cake slices in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore moisture and warmth.

FAQs

  • Can I use canned pineapple for this cake?

Yes, canned crushed pineapple works perfectly. Just drain excess liquid before adding to ensure the right cake consistency.

  • Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture might slightly change. Add xanthan gum for better binding.

  • How do I know if 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 when touched.

  • Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

You can reduce sugar by 25%, but it might affect the cake’s moisture and texture. Consider using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup as alternatives.

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Juicy Pineapple Cake Recipe

Juicy Pineapple Cake Recipe


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4.9 from 34 reviews

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

Description

Delightful pineapple cake embodies tropical sunshine with its moist crumb and tangy sweetness. Luscious layers combine fresh fruit and rich frosting for a memorable dessert that transports you to island paradise.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) all-purpose flour
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) whole milk

Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) pineapple juice
  • 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (for topping)

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Prepare an 8-inch round cake pan by greasing and flouring the surface, then set the oven to 350F (175C) for optimal baking conditions.
  2. Using an electric mixer, whip butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a smooth base for the cake.
  3. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, ensuring thorough blending after each addition. Introduce vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile.
  4. In a separate mixing bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt to eliminate potential lumps and ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
  5. Gradually integrate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Maintain a consistent folding technique to preserve the batter’s delicate texture.
  6. Gently fold crushed pineapple and its accompanying juice into the batter, maintaining a light touch to prevent overmixing.
  7. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, smoothing the surface evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should emerge clean when inserted.
  8. During baking, craft the glaze by whisking sweetened condensed milk with pineapple juice until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
  9. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes after removing from the oven, then carefully create small holes across the surface for optimal glaze absorption.
  10. Drizzle the prepared glaze over the warm cake, ensuring it penetrates the entire dessert for maximum moisture and flavor.
  11. Once completely cooled, garnish the cake with fresh pineapple chunks to add a vibrant, tropical finishing touch.

Notes

  • Choose ripe, fresh pineapple for the most intense tropical flavor and natural sweetness in your cake.
  • Use room temperature eggs and butter to ensure smoother, more even cake batter and better incorporation of ingredients.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • To enhance moisture, drain pineapple chunks thoroughly but reserve the juice for adding extra flavor and preventing dryness in the cake.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 160 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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