Imagine a slice of sunshine, a taste of vacation, right in your own kitchen! Our Delightful Hawaiian Pineapple Cake is your ultimate ticket to a tropical dessert escape. This easy-to-follow recipe brings together the moist tenderness of pineapple-infused cake with a dreamy, coconut-kissed cream cheese frosting, making every bite a mini-holiday.
Whether you’re planning a backyard luau, a family get-together, or simply craving something sweet and bright, this cake is guaranteed to impress. It’s surprisingly simple to prepare, proving that extraordinary flavor doesn’t always require extraordinary effort.
Why This Hawaiian Pineapple Cake Will Be Your New Favorite
This isn't just a dessert; it's an experience that brightens any occasion. Here’s why you'll adore making and eating this tropical treat:
- Effortless Elegance: Despite its stunning taste, this recipe is straightforward, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Moisture Rich: The crushed pineapple ensures a wonderfully moist crumb that stays tender for days.
- Tropical Harmony: The combination of sweet pineapple and creamy coconut frosting creates a balanced flavor profile that's truly addictive.
- Crowd-Pleaser: From kids to adults, everyone will fall in love with its irresistible taste and sunny disposition.
Gather Your Ingredients
You’ll love how simple the ingredient list is for such a flavorful cake. Most items are likely already in your pantry!
For the Pineapple Cake:
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Canned crushed pineapple (well-drained)
- Vegetable oil
- Large eggs
- Vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Coconut Frosting:
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Unsalted butter (softened)
- Powdered sugar (sifted)
- Vanilla extract
- Shredded sweetened coconut
Baking Your Tropical Masterpiece: Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to bring your Hawaiian Pineapple Cake to life:
- Prepare Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan, or line with parchment paper.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add the well-drained crushed pineapple, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Mix the Batter: Stir the ingredients with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine!
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Down: Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes before inverting it onto the rack to cool completely. It’s crucial the cake is fully cooled before frosting!
Crafting the Creamy Coconut Frosting
While your cake cools, prepare the luscious frosting:
- Beat Butter and Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and softened unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Stir in Vanilla & Coconut: Mix in the vanilla extract and shredded sweetened coconut until just combined.
- Frost Your Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
Tips for the Best Hawaiian Pineapple Cake
- Drain Pineapple Thoroughly: This is key to a perfectly moist, not gummy, cake. Press out as much liquid as you can.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For both the cake and the frosting, ensure your dairy ingredients (eggs, butter, cream cheese) are at room temperature for a smooth, cohesive batter and frosting.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are incorporated.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Patience is a virtue here! Frosting a warm cake will result in a melted, runny mess.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This cake is a star on its own, but a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or a maraschino cherry on top can add extra flair. For another easy and delightful dessert, you might enjoy our recipe for Easy Brownie Mix Cookies: Your Shortcut to Chewy, Chocolatey Bliss!
If you're a fan of pineapple desserts, you'll also love our Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake: Your Easiest Tropical Dessert!, offering another take on this beloved fruit.
For more general baking tips and to hone your skills, I often find excellent advice from reputable sources. A great resource is King Arthur Baking, which provides a wealth of knowledge for bakers of all levels.
Get ready to whisk yourself away to a culinary paradise with every forkful of this delightful cake. Enjoy your easy tropical escape!
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple for this cake?
While canned crushed pineapple is recommended for convenience and consistent moisture, you can use fresh pineapple. Be sure to finely dice it and drain it exceptionally well to prevent the cake from becoming too wet. The texture might vary slightly.
How should I store leftover Hawaiian Pineapple Cake?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay wonderfully moist and delicious for 3-4 days. Some even find the flavors deepen overnight!
What makes the frosting so creamy and delicious?
The secret to the irresistible frosting lies in using softened cream cheese and butter. These form a rich, tangy base that perfectly complements the sweetness of the pineapple, with shredded coconut adding a lovely texture and tropical hint.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Hawaiian Pineapple Cake is a fantastic make-ahead dessert. You can bake the cake a day in advance, let it cool completely, and then frost it. The flavors often meld beautifully after a day in the fridge.
Delightful Hawaiian Pineapple Cake
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A wonderfully moist and sweet pineapple cake topped with a creamy, coconut-kissed cream cheese frosting, perfect for an easy tropical dessert escape.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, well-drained
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cake)
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add the well-drained crushed pineapple, vegetable oil, eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Step 4: Stir the ingredients with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine.
Step 5: Pour the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes before inverting it onto the rack to cool completely. The cake must be fully cooled before frosting.
Step 7: For the frosting, in a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and softened unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy.
Step 8: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition until the frosting is light and fluffy. Mix in the remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Step 9: Stir in the shredded sweetened coconut until just combined.
Step 10: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Serve and enjoy your tropical treat!
Notes
For an extra touch, toast the shredded coconut before adding it to the frosting or garnishing the cake. This enhances its nutty flavor and adds a lovely crunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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