If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as bright and sunny as a summer day, this Juicy Pineapple Cake is exactly what you need! Imagine biting into a moist, tender cake that’s bursting with the tropical sweetness of pineapple. The best part? The pineapple is in every bite, creating a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth experience. It’s light, sweet, and incredibly refreshing, making it the perfect treat for everything from casual gatherings to special occasions. Trust me, once you try it, you won’t be able to stop at just one slice!
Why You’ll Love Juicy Pineapple Cake
This cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll adore it:
Moist and Flavorful:
The pineapple keeps this cake incredibly moist and gives it an irresistible juiciness that will make each bite feel like a tropical vacation.
Simple and Quick:
No complicated steps here! This cake comes together in a flash, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers. Plus, it’s baked in one pan for easy prep and clean-up.
Versatile:
You can serve it at just about any event—whether it’s a casual weekend treat, a potluck, or a birthday celebration. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can be dressed up or kept simple depending on your mood.
Easy to Customize:
While the classic pineapple flavor is divine, you can always play around with this recipe. Add some coconut for a piña colada twist, or sprinkle shredded coconut on top for some extra texture and flavor.
Refreshing:
The light pineapple flavor keeps this cake from feeling too heavy. It’s the kind of dessert that feels indulgent but still refreshing—a perfect ending to any meal.
Ingredients in Juicy Pineapple Cake
Here’s what you need to make this irresistible cake:
- Flour: All-purpose flour provides the perfect base for this cake, giving it structure while still staying soft.
- Sugar: Regular granulated sugar adds the sweetness we need to balance out the tartness of the pineapple.
- Baking Soda: To give the cake a nice rise, making it light and fluffy.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance out all the sweetness.
- Eggs: These bring moisture and help bind everything together.
- Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla rounds out the flavor and gives the cake a delicious, aromatic quality.
- Pineapple: Both the juice and chunks of fresh or canned pineapple are used to keep the cake juicy and flavorful.
- Butter: Adds richness and ensures the cake is tender.
- Sour Cream: For an extra layer of moisture and tang, which helps make this cake so soft and juicy.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive right into making this deliciously moist pineapple cake:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This will ensure everything is evenly distributed before you mix it into the wet ingredients.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This process should take about 3-4 minutes. It creates air in the batter, giving your cake that perfect fluffiness.
4. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and pineapple juice (save the pineapple chunks for later).
5. Add the Dry Ingredients:
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Start and finish with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
6. Fold in the Pineapple:
Gently fold the pineapple chunks into the batter. These little bits of pineapple will add juicy pockets of flavor throughout the cake, so be sure to distribute them evenly.
7. Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
8. Let it Cool:
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. You can even serve it slightly warm for that extra comforting vibe.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooled, slice into this juicy, pineapple-filled treat and enjoy the burst of tropical sweetness with every bite. You can serve it plain, or if you want to take it up a notch, top it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition Facts
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Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
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How to Serve Juicy Pineapple Cake
This cake is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your dessert experience:
With Whipped Cream:
Top a slice with a dollop of fresh whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. The light, airy whipped cream complements the juicy pineapple perfectly.
With Ice Cream:
A scoop of vanilla ice cream or coconut-flavored ice cream pairs wonderfully with the pineapple cake, creating a tropical dessert combo.
As a Cake or Cupcakes:
While this recipe is for a large cake, you can easily turn it into cupcakes. Just adjust the baking time to about 18-20 minutes for a fun, handheld version of this tropical delight.
Additional Tips
Make It in Advance:
This cake actually gets better the next day as the flavors meld and the cake continues to stay moist. If you can, bake it the day before and let it sit covered overnight.
Experiment with Flavors:
If you love coconut, consider adding some shredded coconut to the batter for extra texture and a tropical flair. You could even top the cake with a coconut glaze or sprinkle coconut flakes on top.
Gluten-Free Version:
For a gluten-free version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that the other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Store Leftovers:
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. It stays moist and delicious!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
A1: Yes, canned pineapple works perfectly. Just make sure to drain it well before adding it to the cake batter to prevent the cake from being too soggy.
Q2: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! This cake actually improves after sitting for a day. Just cover it tightly and store it at room temperature.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also refrigerate it for a few extra days if needed.
Q4: Can I make this into cupcakes?
A4: Yes, you can! Bake for about 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. This will give you adorable, individual servings.
Q5: Can I freeze this cake?
A5: Yes, you can freeze the cake! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. It will last up to 2-3 months in the freezer. To serve, thaw overnight at room temperature.
This Juicy Pineapple Cake is the kind of dessert that’s always a hit and sure to bring smiles to the table. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a simple treat, this cake’s tropical sweetness and moist texture will make it an instant favorite!
PrintJuicy Pineapple Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Add a refreshing touch to your day with this delicious, moist pineapple cake! Bursting with tropical flavor and juiciness in every bite, it’s the perfect cake to share with friends and family.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of crushed pineapple
- ½ cup of pineapple juice
- ½ cup of butter
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup of milk
- 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- ½ cup of condensed milk (for the glaze)
- Pineapple chunks (for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk until smooth.
- Gently fold in the crushed pineapple and pineapple juice.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once the cake is done, poke small holes throughout the cake and pour the glaze (condensed milk mixed with pineapple juice) over the top.
- Decorate with pineapple chunks and let the cake cool before serving. Enjoy this juicy tropical treat!
Notes
- You can add a bit of coconut to the cake batter for an extra tropical twist.
- For a more decadent glaze, you can combine the condensed milk with a little bit of heavy cream.
- The cake can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain its moistness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tropical, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg