Tropical Pineapple Cake Recipe

Tropical Paradise: The Most Heavenly Juicy Pineapple Cake Recipe

Tropical sweet tooths can’t resist this delectable pineapple cake recipe that bursts with sunny flavors.

Ripe, golden pineapples mingle perfectly with tender cake layers, creating a mouthwatering dessert.

Each slice promises a delightful blend of tangy and sweet notes that dance across your palate.

Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly to craft a remarkably simple yet impressive treat.

The fragrant pineapple weaves through soft, pillowy cake crumb with irresistible charm.

Creamy frosting adds a luxurious finish that elevates this dessert from ordinary to extraordinary.

Bake this crowd-pleasing cake and watch smiles bloom around the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 293 kcal

Servings: 11

What Goes In Juicy Pineapple Cake

For Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides the cake's sturdy base, selecting unbleached flour ensures better texture and flavor.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a soft, tender crumb.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and moisture to the cake.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, airy texture.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
For Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, complex flavor, choose pure extract for best results.
  • Crushed Pineapple: Brings tropical sweetness and natural moisture.
For Glaze Components:
  • Butter: Creates rich, creamy base for the glaze, use unsalted for better control of saltiness.
  • Pineapple Juice: Intensifies tropical flavor and adds shine to the glaze.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps thicken the glaze.
  • Heavy Cream: Optional ingredient that adds luxurious smoothness to the glaze.

Tools You’ll Need For Juicy Pineapple Cake

  • Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending cake ingredients without overmixing.
  • 9×13-inch Baking Pan: Ideal size for creating this delicious pineapple cake.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Fork or Skewer: Needed for poking holes in the warm cake for glaze absorption.
  • Small Saucepan: Used for preparing the rich pineapple glaze.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring the glaze and scraping batter.
  • Toothpick: Helps check cake doneness by testing the center.

How To Bake Juicy Pineapple Cake Smoothly

  • Oven Preparation

Warm up the kitchen companion to a cozy 350 degrees. Prepare a rectangular baking canvas with a light butter massage and soft flour dusting.

  • Batter Creation

Combine dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl. Blend wet components with a gentle touch, stirring until everything whispers together without aggressive mixing. The crushed pineapple brings tropical magic to the mix.

  • Cake Transformation

Pour the sunshine-colored batter into the waiting pan. Let the oven work its magic for 30-35 minutes until a slender wooden tester emerges clean and promising.

  • Pineapple Glaze Magic

In a petite saucepan, dance butter and sweet companions over medium warmth. Stir constantly as the mixture bubbles and transforms into a silky liquid blanket.

  • Glaze Infusion

While the cake still radiates warmth, create a landscape of tiny holes across its surface. Drench the cake with the golden glaze, allowing it to seep into every delicious crevice.

  • Serving Celebration

Allow the cake to cool completely. Slice into generous portions. Optional tropical touches like billowy cream or toasted coconut can elevate this delightful creation to new heights of deliciousness.

Tips For Better Juicy Pineapple Cake Texture

  • Baking Brilliance: Ensure your cake turns out perfectly moist by draining the crushed pineapple slightly, but keep some juice for maximum flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Twist: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend to make this cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Tropical Topping Options: Sprinkle toasted macadamia nuts or add a layer of coconut flakes for an extra tropical punch that complements the pineapple's sweetness.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free cream alternatives to create a version that works for those avoiding dairy products.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: This cake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together, making it an ideal dessert for advance preparation and gatherings.

Serving Juicy Pineapple Cake The Easy Way

  • Tropical Brunch Companion: Pair this pineapple cake with fresh coconut mimosas or tropical fruit smoothies for a delightful weekend breakfast experience.
  • Summer Dessert Bar Delight: Create a dessert station featuring this cake alongside other fruity treats like mango sorbet or passion fruit tarts, offering guests a vibrant selection of tropical flavors.
  • Elegant Afternoon Tea Treat: Slice the cake into delicate squares and serve on a beautiful platter with light green tea or vanilla-infused iced tea, perfect for sophisticated gatherings with friends.
  • Versatile Potluck Star: Bring this cake to potlucks or family gatherings, as it travels well and can be enjoyed at room temperature, making it an easy and crowd-pleasing dessert option.

Juicy Pineapple Cake Storage Made Simple

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store the pineapple cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, keeping it moist and fresh. Seal tightly to prevent drying out or absorbing other refrigerator odors.
  • Freezing Friendly Technique: Wrap individual cake slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cake remains delicious for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
  • Glaze Moisture Protection: Keep the cake's surface covered with plastic wrap or foil to maintain its soft texture. Avoid direct air exposure that could cause the cake to become hard or stale.
  • Temperature Control Tip: For best taste and texture, consume the cake within 48 hours. If storing longer, refrigerate and bring to room temperature before serving to restore its original softness and flavor intensity.
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Tropical Pineapple Cake Recipe

Tropical Pineapple Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 11 1x

Description

Tropical pineapple cake blends sweet Hawaiian flavors with moist, tender crumb. Delightful dessert brings sunshine to your table with rich cream cheese frosting and caramelized fruit layers.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (20 oz/567 g) crushed pineapple in juice
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
  • 2 tsps baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (120 ml) pineapple juice
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Heat the oven to 350F (175C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan with butter and dust with flour, or line with parchment paper to ensure easy cake release.
  2. Blend Dry Components: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine flour, white and brown sugars, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed, creating a uniform dry mixture.
  3. Create Batter: Gently fold eggs and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients. Carefully incorporate crushed pineapple and its juice, maintaining a smooth consistency without overmixing to preserve the cake’s delicate texture.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 35 minutes, testing doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean with minimal crumbs.
  5. Craft Pineapple Glaze: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in sugar, pineapple juice, and cream, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and develops a glossy consistency.
  6. Infuse and Glaze: Once baked, remove the cake and puncture the surface with a fork. Pour the warm glaze over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the small holes for maximum flavor penetration.
  7. Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool completely, allowing the glaze to set and flavors to meld. Slice and present, optionally garnishing with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for an elegant finish.

Notes

  • Preserve Moisture: Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain the cake’s soft, tender texture and prevent a dense, tough result.
  • Pineapple Precision: Drain crushed pineapple slightly to control moisture content, ensuring the cake doesn’t become soggy while retaining its juicy character.
  • Glaze Absorption Technique: Create multiple fork punctures while the cake is still warm to maximize glaze penetration and enhance overall flavor intensity.
  • Temperature Control: Let the cake cool completely before slicing to allow the glaze to set properly and develop a rich, cohesive taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 11
  • Calories: 293
  • Sugar: 34 g
  • Sodium: 204 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 44 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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