Introduction
Transform everyday ingredients into a slice of paradise with this unbelievably moist and flavorful pineapple cake! This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike – it’s easy to follow, tastes amazing, and will quickly become a family favorite. Get ready for sunshine on a plate! ☀️
Why This Works
This recipe works because it perfectly balances the sweetness of pineapple with a hint of tang, creating a flavor profile that’s both refreshing and comforting. The secret? We use both crushed and chunks of pineapple for a delightful textural experience, ensuring every bite is bursting with juicy goodness. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make!
Key Ingredients
- 🍍 2 cups crushed pineapple, drained
- 🍍 1 cup pineapple chunks, drained
- 🥚 4 large eggs
- 🥛 1 cup milk
- 🧈 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 🍯 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 🥄 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 🌾 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 🧂 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 🤏 ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 🤏 ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This helps prevent sticking and ensures a beautiful, even cake.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, leading to a lighter cake.
3️⃣ Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4️⃣ In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5️⃣ Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – don’t overmix!
6️⃣ Gently fold in the crushed and chunked pineapple.
7️⃣ Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8️⃣ Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Handy Tips
- Room temperature ingredients are key for proper emulsification and a smoother batter.
- Don’t overmix the batter! Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake.
- If you don’t have a 9×13 inch pan, a 9-inch round pan will work, but you may need to adjust baking time.
Heat Control
Baking at 350°F (175°C) ensures even cooking and prevents burning. If your oven tends to run hot, reduce the temperature slightly and check for doneness a few minutes early. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Crunch Factor
While this cake is wonderfully moist, the pineapple chunks provide a delightful textural contrast, offering a little “crunch” in every bite. The balance of soft cake and juicy pineapple pieces is what makes this recipe so special!
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For an extra burst of flavor, add a tablespoon of pineapple juice to the batter.
- To make a cream cheese frosting, simply whip together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, ½ cup of butter, and 3 cups of powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add a splash of vanilla extract for extra deliciousness!
- If you’re short on time, use pre-made frosting instead of making your own.
Storage Tips
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This cake makes a wonderful gift! Slice it into individual portions and wrap each slice in cellophane, tied with ribbon. You can also package it in a pretty cake carrier or tin.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Coconut Pineapple Cake: Add ½ cup of shredded coconut to the batter.
🌟 Spiced Pineapple Cake: Add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg to the batter.
🌟 Ginger Pineapple Cake: Add 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger to the batter.
🌟 Cream Cheese Pineapple Swirl: Swirl a mixture of cream cheese and sugar into the batter before baking!
Troubleshooting
- Cake is dry: You may have overbaked it. Next time, reduce baking time slightly and check for doneness earlier.
- Cake is dense: You may have overmixed the batter. Be sure to mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Cake sank in the middle: Your oven temperature might be uneven. Try rotating the pan halfway through baking.
FAQ
- Can I use canned pineapple? Yes, but make sure to drain it well.
- Can I freeze this cake? Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- What kind of frosting is best? Cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with pineapple cake, but you could also use a simple glaze or buttercream frosting.
- Can I make this in a bundt pan? Yes, but adjust baking time as needed.
- What if I don’t have baking soda? The cake will still be edible but might not rise as much. Baking soda helps create lift.
Conclusion
This moist and delicious pineapple cake is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone! Its bright, tropical flavors and simple preparation make it an ideal dessert for any occasion. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your delicious creations with us on RateMyRecipes! We can’t wait to see your pictures!