If you’re dreaming of a tropical treat that transports you straight to a sun-kissed beach, this Hawaiian Pineapple Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with juicy crushed pineapple and the perfect balance of sweetness, it’s a moist, tender cake crowned with a luscious cream cheese frosting that makes every bite pure delight. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just treating yourself, this cake combines simple ingredients into a flavor-packed experience that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Hawaiian Pineapple Cake Recipe lies in its straightforward but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role: from the light fluffiness of all-purpose flour to the moist, tangy punch of pineapple with its juice, and the creamy richness of the frosting that unites all the flavors perfectly.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy yet soft structure every great cake needs.
- 2 cups sugar: Sweetens the cake just right, balancing the tanginess of the pineapple.
- 2 large eggs: Help bind everything together and add moisture.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Works as a leavening agent, giving the cake a lovely rise.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, comforting aroma and flavor.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple (undrained): The star ingredient that infuses the cake with tropical juiciness.
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional): Adds a pleasant crunch and nutty contrast.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Creates a creamy frosting base with smooth texture.
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened: Brings a tangy richness to the frosting that pairs beautifully with pineapple.
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens the frosting while keeping it silky.
- Coconut or additional nuts for garnish (optional): Adds a decorative touch and extra texture.
How to Make Hawaiian Pineapple Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan. This ensures your Hawaiian Pineapple Cake Recipe will slide out effortlessly once baked, keeping its perfect shape.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, blend together the flour, sugar, eggs, baking soda, vanilla extract, salt, and the undrained crushed pineapple. The pineapple’s juice adds moisture and intensifies the tropical flavor, making your batter wonderfully fragrant and just right for baking.
Step 3: Add the Nuts
If you love a bit of texture contrast, gently fold in the chopped nuts here. They’re optional but really elevate the cake with their crunch and depth.
Step 4: Bake It to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and pop it into the oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. That golden-baked appearance is your cue that the cake has reached moist, fluffy perfection.
Step 5: Make the Frosting
While the cake is baking, whip up the heavenly cream cheese frosting. Beat softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla until nice and smooth. Then slowly add the confectioners’ sugar until the frosting is sweet, creamy, and spreadable.
Step 6: Frost While Warm
Spread the frosting over the cake while it’s still warm, allowing it to melt into a luscious layer. Garnish with coconut flakes or extra nuts, if you like, for an extra tropical touch that looks as good as it tastes.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Finally, let the cake cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts and the perfect presentation. Now you’re ready to indulge or share with friends and family!
How to Serve Hawaiian Pineapple Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh coconut flakes or toasted nuts make wonderful garnishes. They add a subtle crunch and a visual hint of the delightful flavors inside. A sprinkle of bright maraschino cherries or a light dusting of powdered sugar can also amp up the tropical charm.
Side Dishes
Pair your Hawaiian Pineapple Cake Recipe with a cup of strong coffee or a refreshing cup of iced tea. For a festive occasion, serve alongside a tropical fruit salad or coconut sorbet to embrace the island vibes fully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the cake into small squares for bite-sized treats perfect for parties, or serve it as a layered dessert with dollops of whipped cream and pineapple slices on top. You could even turn it into a trifle by alternating cake pieces with pineapple chunks and cream cheese frosting in a glass dish for a show-stopping presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Hawaiian Pineapple Cake Recipe fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to eat it the next day. Otherwise, refrigeration is best to maintain the cream cheese frosting’s freshness, though the cake might firm up slightly.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a sealable freezer bag. You can keep them frozen for up to three months without losing the delicious tropical flavor or moist texture.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen cake slices, thaw them overnight in the fridge. If you want a warm treat, microwave briefly for about 15 seconds—just enough to take the chill off without melting the frosting completely.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh crushed pineapple adds even brighter flavor, but since canned pineapple includes juice, be sure to capture the juice when using fresh pineapple to keep the cake moist.
Is there a gluten-free version of this Hawaiian Pineapple Cake Recipe?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure. The texture might be slightly different, but the tropical flavors will still shine.
Can I make this cake without nuts?
Yes! The nuts are completely optional and only add extra texture. The cake is delicious and moist without them, perfect for those with nut allergies or preferences.
How long does this cake stay fresh?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, this cake stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Beyond that, its moisture and texture start to decline, so it’s best enjoyed sooner rather than later.
Can I use a different frosting?
While the cream cheese frosting complements the pineapple perfectly, you can also try a whipped cream topping for a lighter finish, or even a tropical glaze made from pineapple juice and powdered sugar for a zingy twist.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—the perfect Hawaiian Pineapple Cake Recipe to brighten up any day with tropical sweetness and nostalgic comfort. Once you try making it yourself, I’m sure this cake will earn a special spot in your recipe collection and your heart. So, grab your ingredients and treat yourself and those you love to this moist, flavorful delight. You won’t regret it!
Print
Hawaiian Pineapple Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Hawaiian Pineapple Cake is a moist, tropical treat combining crushed pineapple and a tender crumb topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet everyday dessert, it’s easy to make and bursting with classic island flavors.
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple in juice (undrained)
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
Frosting
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- Coconut or additional nuts for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Batter: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, eggs, baking soda, vanilla extract, pinch of salt, and the entire can of crushed pineapple with its juice. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Add Nuts: Gently fold in the chopped nuts if you choose to include them for added texture and flavor.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Frosting: While the cake bakes, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, mixing until combined and fluffy.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the warm cake. Garnish with shredded coconut or additional nuts if desired.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts and optimal flavor. Serve and enjoy your tropical Hawaiian treat!
Notes
- Using crushed pineapple with juice keeps the cake moist and adds natural sweetness.
- Chopped nuts are optional but add a nice crunch and contrast in texture.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and butter with plant-based alternatives.
- Ensure the frosting is spread on warm, not hot, cake to prevent melting.
- Store leftover cake in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh.
