Delicious Pineapple Cake

Delicious Pineapple Cake

This Delicious Pineapple Cake is incredibly moist, bursting with tropical flavor, and topped with a creamy pineapple frosting. It’s a simple yet impressive dessert that’s perfect for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

· Extremely Moist: Pineapple keeps the cake wonderfully tender
· Tropical Flavor: Sweet pineapple flavor in every bite
· Easy to Make: Simple ingredients, straightforward method
· Crowd-Pleaser: Always disappears quickly at gatherings
· Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual dinners to celebrations

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

· 2 cups all-purpose flour
· 2 cups granulated sugar
· 2 teaspoons baking soda
· ½ teaspoon salt
· 2 large eggs, room temperature
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
· 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
· ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

· 8 oz cream cheese, softened
· ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
· 4 cups powdered sugar
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
· 2 tablespoons pineapple juice (reserved from can)
· ½ cup shredded coconut (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
2. Add eggs, vanilla, and undrained crushed pineapple (including juice).
3. Mix until just combined – do not overmix.
4. Stir in nuts if using.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan.

Step 3: Bake

1. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until creamy.
3. Add vanilla and pineapple juice, beating until fluffy.
4. If using, stir in shredded coconut.

Step 5: Frost the Cake

1. Spread frosting over cooled cake.
2. Optional: Toast additional coconut and sprinkle over top.

Chef’s Notes & Tips:

· Don’t Drain Pineapple: The juice is essential for moisture and flavor
· Room Temperature Ingredients: Helps create a smooth batter
· Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined for a tender crumb
· Toasting Coconut: Toast at 350°F for 5-8 minutes until golden
· Storage: Refrigerate due to cream cheese frosting

Variations:

· Pineapple Upside-Down Cake: Arrange pineapple rings and cherries in pan before adding batter
· Coconut Pineapple: Add 1 cup shredded coconut to the batter
· Pineapple Carrot Cake: Add 1 cup grated carrots and 1 tsp cinnamon
· Individual Servings: Bake in muffin tins for 20-25 minutes

Serving Suggestions:

· With vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
· Garnish with fresh pineapple slices
· Perfect for summer parties and potlucks
· Great with coffee or as a dessert

This wonderfully moist and tropical cake is sure to become a family favorite! The pineapple keeps it incredibly tender while adding natural sweetness.