Description
This Hawaiian Pineapple Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert featuring a tender crumb infused with crushed pineapple and a hint of cinnamon, topped with a creamy homemade cream cheese frosting. Perfect for potlucks, summer parties, or any occasion that calls for a tropical-inspired treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple in juice (do not drain)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon if using. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and entire can of crushed pineapple with its juice to the dry mixture. Stir gently until just fully combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the cake tender.
- Fold in Nuts: If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans evenly into the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting to ensure the frosting does not melt.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Continue beating until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake using a spatula.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the frosted cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the frosting to set properly.
Notes
- This cake is moist and flavorful, ideal for potlucks and summer gatherings.
- You can serve the cake without frosting or alternatively top it with whipped cream and toasted coconut for a different twist.
- Store the cake refrigerated; it keeps well for up to 4 days.
- Optional ingredients like nuts and cinnamon add extra texture and flavor but can be omitted for variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
