Aloha Sweetness: Hawaiian Pineapple Cake Recipe

Sweet and tangy flavors dance together in this delightful hawaiian pineapple cake that promises to transport your taste buds to tropical paradise.

Layers of moist, tender cake blend perfectly with rich, creamy frosting and bright pineapple chunks.

Each bite tells a story of sunshine and island breeze.

The recipe combines simple ingredients with classic baking techniques that even novice bakers can master.

Tropical fruit lovers will adore this dessert that balances sweetness and texture beautifully.

Prepare to indulge in a slice of pure culinary joy that feels like a mini vacation on your plate.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 392 kcal

Servings: 11

All You Need For Hawaiian Pineapple Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and creates a tender cake crumb with a soft texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, golden cake with perfect caramelization.
• Baking Soda: Ensures the cake rises evenly and creates a light, airy texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cake.

• Eggs: Binds ingredients together and adds richness to the cake's texture.
• Crushed Pineapple: Delivers tropical moisture and natural sweetness to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides depth of flavor and complements the pineapple's tropical notes.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Creates a smooth, rich base for the frosting with tangy undertones.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve a silky, spreadable consistency.
• Shredded Coconut, Chopped Nuts: Optional toppings that add texture and tropical garnish.

Tools For Baking Hawaiian Pineapple Cake

• 9×13-inch baking dish: Essential for baking the cake, provides perfect size and shape.
• Large mixing bowl: Needed for combining cake ingredients smoothly.
• Medium mixing bowl: Used for preparing cream cheese frosting.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending dry and wet cake ingredients evenly.
• Electric mixer or hand mixer: Helps create smooth, creamy frosting.
• Toothpick: Crucial for checking cake doneness.
• Spatula or spreading knife: Great for evenly spreading frosting on cake.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.

How To Make Hawaiian Pineapple Cake From Scratch

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the oven to create the perfect baking environment. Grab a baking dish and give it a light coating of grease to ensure the cake slides out effortlessly.

• Batter Creation

Combine all the dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl. Blend in the wet ingredients, stirring gently until everything comes together in a smooth, luscious mixture. The key is to mix just enough to bring the ingredients together without overdoing it.

• Cake Transformation

Pour the batter into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let the magic happen. Keep an eye on the cake, checking its doneness with a toothpick. Once it comes out clean, you’ll know your masterpiece is ready.

• Creamy Frosting

Whip up a dreamy cream cheese frosting by blending the creamy ingredients until they reach a silky smooth consistency. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar, creating a luscious topping that will make taste buds dance.

• Final Touch

Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the frosting with a gentle hand. For an extra burst of tropical flair, sprinkle some shredded coconut or chopped nuts on top.

• Serving and Storing

Slice into this heavenly creation and savor each bite. Store any remaining pieces in a sealed container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh and delicious for several days.

Tips To Brighten Hawaiian Pineapple Cake Flavor

• Tropical Baking Brilliance: Expert Tips for Hawaiian Pineapple Cake
• Moisture Magic: Add an extra half cup of crushed pineapple for an incredibly moist, tender cake that melts in your mouth and keeps fresh longer.
• Nutty Crunch Upgrade: Toast coconut and chopped macadamia nuts before sprinkling on top for a deeper, richer flavor and delightful textural contrast.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make this recipe safe for those with wheat sensitivities without compromising taste.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace cream cheese and butter with coconut cream and vegan cream cheese alternatives to create a delicious plant-based version that maintains the tropical essence.

Serve Hawaiian Pineapple Cake Island Style

• Tropical Brunch Centerpiece: Showcase this vibrant cake as the star of a Hawaiian-themed breakfast gathering with fresh tropical fruits.
• Sunset Dessert Pairing: Serve alongside a scoop of coconut ice cream and a small glass of rum punch for a delightful evening treat.
• Coffee Companion: Slice into small squares and enjoy with a hot cup of Kona coffee, creating a perfect mid-afternoon sweet break.
• Potluck Crowd-Pleaser: Bring this cake to summer gatherings, where its moist texture and tropical flavors will wow friends and family at picnics or backyard parties.

Storing Hawaiian Pineapple Cake Without Drying Out

Keep cake covered in refrigerator, lasting up to 5 days for maximum freshness.

• Freezing Magic: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months for quick dessert emergencies.
• Room Temperature Tips: Store covered at cool room temperature for 1-2 days, avoiding direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare cake base one day ahead, frost just before serving to maintain optimal texture and moisture levels.

Sweet Hawaiian Pineapple Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Hawaiian Pineapple Cake blends tropical sweetness with moist, tender crumb. Coconut and rum highlights create a paradise-inspired dessert sure to transport you to island flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (20 oz / 565 g) can crushed pineapple with juice (do not drain)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups (400 g / 14.1 ounces) granulated sugar
• 2 cups (250 g / 8.8 ounces) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsps baking soda
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 (8 oz / 225 g) package cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (115 g / 4 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (240 g / 8.5 ounces) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup (50 g / 1.8 ounces) shredded coconut
• ¼ cup (30 g / 1 ounce) chopped macadamia nuts or pecans

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with flour, ensuring complete coverage to prevent adherence.
2. Batter Creation: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine dry ingredients by whisking flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Integrate eggs, crushed pineapple with its juices, and vanilla extract, gently mixing until just incorporated, avoiding overmixing to maintain cake’s delicate texture.
3. Baking Process: Pour batter evenly into prepared pan, spreading smoothly. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown, verifying doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center – it should emerge clean and dry.
4. Cooling and Frosting Preparation: Allow cake to cool completely in the pan. Simultaneously, create cream cheese frosting by blending cream cheese and butter until silky, gradually adding powdered sugar and vanilla extract to achieve a luxurious, spreadable consistency.
5. Finishing Touches: Once cake reaches room temperature, generously spread cream cheese frosting across the entire surface. Optionally, garnish with shredded coconut and chopped nuts for added tropical flair and textural complexity.
6. Serving and Storage: Cut into substantial portions and serve immediately. Preserve remaining cake in a sealed container within the refrigerator, maintaining freshness for up to five days.

Notes

• Optimize Oven Temperature: Ensure precise 350F heating for even baking, preventing dry edges or undercooked centers. Use an oven thermometer to verify accurate temperature calibration.
• Prevent Overmixing: Stir cake batter gently until ingredients just combine, avoiding tough texture. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a dense, chewy cake instead of a tender crumb.
• Control Moisture Balance: Drain pineapple slightly to prevent excess liquid, which can make cake soggy. Pat crushed pineapple with paper towels to remove extra juice while retaining fruit’s flavor.
• Enhance Frosting Consistency: Bring cream cheese and butter to room temperature before mixing, ensuring smooth, lump-free frosting. Sift powdered sugar to eliminate clumps and create silky texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 392
• Sugar: 42 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg