Escape to a tropical paradise with every slice of this Irresistibly Moist Pineapple Pound Cake! We're taking the beloved, dense, and buttery texture of a classic pound cake and infusing it with the bright, tangy sweetness of pineapple. The result? A stunning dessert that's both comforting and exhilaratingly fresh, perfect for any gathering or a delightful treat with your afternoon coffee.
This recipe isn't just about delicious flavor; it's about achieving that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes a pound cake truly unforgettable. The subtle acidity of the pineapple beautifully balances the cake's richness, ensuring each bite is perfectly harmonized. It's surprisingly simple to master, promising a gourmet bakery-quality dessert right from your own kitchen.
Why You'll Adore This Tropical Pound Cake
Prepare to fall in love with this pineapple-infused delight. Here’s why it’s destined to become a new favorite:
- Unmatched Moisture: Thanks to the crushed pineapple and precise baking techniques, this cake stays incredibly moist for days.
- Vibrant Tropical Taste: The sweet and tangy notes of pineapple shine through, perfectly complementing the cake's rich, buttery base.
- Impressively Simple: Despite its sophisticated taste and appearance, the recipe is straightforward and achievable for all skill levels.
- Versatile Presentation: Enjoy it plain, with a dusting of powdered sugar, a luscious glaze, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: This cake is sure to be the star of any potluck, family meal, or special occasion.
Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Pineapple Pound Cake
The foundation of any great cake lies in its ingredients. For this Pineapple Pound Cake, quality and temperature matter! Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal creaming and a smooth batter. The star, well-drained crushed pineapple, is key for flavor and moisture without making the cake soggy. Good quality all-purpose flour and fresh baking powder are also vital for a beautiful rise and tender crumb.
Room Temperature Magic
Using room temperature ingredients, especially butter and eggs, is not just a suggestion – it's crucial for baking success. They emulsify better, creating a smooth, airy batter that leads to a finer crumb and a more tender cake. For more tips on achieving baking perfection, explore these essential baking tips for beginners.
Mastering the Moist Crumb: Key Techniques
The secret to a truly great pound cake lies in a few fundamental techniques, particularly the creaming method. Thoroughly creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy incorporates air, which contributes significantly to the cake's lift and tender texture. When you introduce the dry ingredients and milk, remember to alternate them and mix just until combined. Overmixing is the enemy of a tender cake; it overdevelops gluten, leading to a tough, dry result. Finally, gently fold in the pineapple to ensure even distribution without deflating your beautifully aerated batter.
If you're a fan of tropical desserts, you might also enjoy our recipe for Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake: Your Easiest Tropical Dessert!
The Art of Creaming
Creaming butter and sugar isn't just mixing; it's an aeration process. Start with softened butter and granulated sugar, beating them together on medium-high speed until the mixture becomes pale in color and significantly increased in volume. This creates tiny air pockets that expand during baking, giving your pound cake its signature light-yet-dense texture.
Step-by-Step Guide to Your Pineapple Pound Cake
Ready to create this tropical masterpiece? Follow the instructions in the recipe card below to bake a Pineapple Pound Cake that will have everyone reaching for another slice. Each step is designed for clarity and success.
Pro Tips for Pineapple Pound Cake Perfection
Elevate your baking game with these tried-and-true tips:
Draining the Pineapple
This is critical! Use a fine-mesh sieve and press down on the crushed pineapple to remove as much liquid as possible. You can even gently blot it with paper towels. Too much moisture will make your cake dense and possibly soggy.
Don't Overmix
Once you start adding the flour mixture, mix only until just combined. Lumps are okay; overmixing leads to a tough cake.
- Proper Pan Preparation: Ensure your Bundt pan is thoroughly greased and floured, especially if it has intricate designs, to prevent sticking.
- Test for Doneness: A wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Cooling Patience: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack. It must be completely cool before glazing or slicing.
Serving Suggestions for Your Tropical Delight
While this Pineapple Pound Cake is truly divine on its own, a few simple additions can elevate it further and impress your guests:
- A delicate dusting of powdered sugar.
- A quick pineapple glaze (powdered sugar + reserved pineapple juice).
- A dollop of fresh, lightly sweetened whipped cream.
- A scoop of premium vanilla bean or coconut ice cream.
- Toasted coconut flakes for an extra layer of tropical flavor and texture.
Looking for more comforting cake recipes? Try our Heavenly Honeycrisp Apple Cake: Your Ultimate Fall Dessert for another delightful treat!
FAQs
What makes this pineapple pound cake so moist?
The secret to its incredible moisture lies in the well-drained crushed pineapple, which adds natural sweetness and liquid, along with the classic pound cake technique of properly creaming butter and sugar and not overmixing the batter.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! If using fresh pineapple, ensure you finely dice it and drain it thoroughly. Excess moisture can impact the cake's texture, so squeezing out as much liquid as possible is key.
What's the best way to store leftover pineapple pound cake?
Store any leftover pineapple pound cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer freshness, you can wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Can I add a glaze to my pineapple pound cake?
Yes, a simple pineapple glaze is highly recommended! Whisk together powdered sugar with a little reserved pineapple juice or milk until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled cake for an extra layer of flavor and moisture.
Irresistibly Moist Pineapple Pound Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightfully moist and rich pound cake infused with the sweet tang of crushed pineapple, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, well-drained
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a 10-12 cup Bundt pan or a 9x13 inch baking pan; set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy (about 5-7 minutes).
Step 3: Beat in the eggs one at a time, incorporating each egg fully before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Gently fold in the well-drained crushed pineapple until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 7: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
Step 8: Bake for 60-70 minutes for a Bundt pan, or 50-60 minutes for a 9x13 inch pan, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking time may vary.
Step 9: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: Once completely cooled, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a pineapple glaze if desired. Slice and serve!
Notes
For an extra tropical flair, lightly toast some shredded coconut and sprinkle it over the top of the glazed cake. You can also add 1/4 teaspoon of rum extract to the batter for a deeper flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Leave a Reply