Moist Pineapple Cake Recipe

Name: Moist Pineapple Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-480772H29M58S
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 can of pineapple (undrained); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons baking soda; 8 oz cream cheese (softened); 1 stick butter (softened); 2 cups powdered sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons milk

If you are a fan of tropical flavors and love an easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, then this Moist Pineapple Cake is the one for you. With its light, tender crumb and rich pineapple flavor, this cake is a crowd-pleaser. It’s topped with a creamy and slightly tangy cream cheese icing that perfectly complements the sweet pineapple filling. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a potluck, or just a treat for yourself, this cake will not disappoint.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Moist Pineapple Cake is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to make. With no complicated techniques or special equipment required, it’s perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike. The combination of juicy pineapple and a rich cream cheese icing makes it a treat that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Plus, it only requires a few basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1 can of pineapple (undrained) – The juice from the canned pineapple adds to the moistness of the cake and gives it a rich, tropical flavor.

1 cup all-purpose flour – Provides structure to the cake and keeps it light and tender.
1 ½ cups sugar – Sweetens the cake and helps achieve a perfectly golden-brown crust.
2 large eggs – Eggs add richness and help bind the ingredients together.

2 teaspoons baking soda – The leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become fluffy.

For the Icing:

8 oz cream cheese (softened) – Adds a tangy flavor and creamy texture to the frosting.
1 stick butter (softened) – Butter adds a smooth richness to the icing.

2 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens the icing while keeping it light and fluffy.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the icing with a sweet vanilla note.
2 tablespoons milk – Helps to thin the icing to the perfect consistency for spreading.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Before you begin making the cake batter, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing your baking dish in advance will also help save time. Use a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it with either butter or a non-stick spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the can of undrained pineapple, all-purpose flour, sugar, eggs, and baking soda. Using an electric mixer or a hand whisk, beat the mixture until it’s smooth and well combined. The undrained pineapple adds extra moisture, making this cake incredibly soft and tender. Be sure to incorporate all the ingredients thoroughly so the baking soda can help the cake rise evenly.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Once the batter is ready, pour it into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking. Bake the cake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown color and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This step is crucial in ensuring the cake is fully cooked yet retains its moist texture.

Step 4: Cool the Cake

After removing the cake from the oven, let it cool for about 15 minutes in the pan. This cooling time allows the cake to settle and makes it easier to spread the icing evenly.

Step 5: Prepare the Icing

While the cake is cooling, it’s time to make the icing. In a medium-sized bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Make sure that your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature, as this will help them blend more easily. If you prefer a slightly thicker frosting, you can add less milk, or add more if you prefer a thinner consistency.

Step 6: Frost the Cake

Once the cake has cooled slightly, spread the cream cheese icing over the top in an even layer. The warmth from the cake will help melt the frosting just enough to make it spreadable, but not so much that it runs off the cake. Let the cake cool completely before serving, which allows the icing to set properly.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Pineapple Cake

Room Temperature Ingredients: When baking, it’s always best to use room temperature butter, cream cheese, and eggs. This helps the ingredients blend more easily and ensures a smooth, lump-free batter and frosting.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you’ve added the flour to the batter, be sure not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light, fluffy one.
Let the Cake Cool Slightly: Frosting a cake while it’s still too hot can cause the icing to melt. Let it cool for 15 minutes before spreading on the cream cheese icing.

Optional Toppings: Add toasted coconut flakes, crushed nuts, or extra pineapple chunks to the top for added flavor and texture.

Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Dessert

Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian-friendly

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 320 kcal
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 3g

Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Sodium: 300mg
Sugar: 40g
Fiber: 1g

Why This Cake is Perfect for Any Occasion

This Moist Pineapple Cake is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed year-round. The tropical flavors of pineapple combined with the rich, creamy frosting make it a refreshing yet indulgent treat. It’s perfect for summertime parties, family gatherings, or even as a midweek treat. Plus, its quick and easy preparation means that you can whip it up in no time.

Ideal for Beginners and Experienced Bakers

This recipe’s simplicity makes it perfect for novice bakers, but its delightful flavors and textures will impress even the most seasoned home cooks. With minimal ingredients and a straightforward method, anyone can make this cake successfully.

Perfectly Moist Every Time

The undrained pineapple ensures that the cake remains moist, even after baking. Unlike some cakes that can dry out after cooling, this cake retains its soft texture thanks to the extra juice in the pineapple.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned pineapple?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but you’ll need to add additional liquid to make up for the juice that comes with canned pineapple. Blend or finely chop the pineapple and use about ¼ to ½ cup of pineapple juice to ensure the cake remains moist.

2. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute so the texture remains similar.

3. How should I store this cake?

This cake should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

4. Can I freeze this cake?

Yes! You can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 3 months. Simply wrap it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. When ready to serve, let it thaw completely and then frost.

With its simple preparation and delightful flavors, this Moist Pineapple Cake is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Whether you’re looking for a quick treat or a crowd-pleasing dish, this cake delivers on taste, texture, and convenience.