Pineapple Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Let me introduce you to a cake that’s as luscious as it sounds—Pineapple Cream Cheese Pound Cake! It’s got everything you love about a classic pound cake—dense, buttery, and rich—but with the added bonus of tropical pineapple and creamy, tangy cream cheese. Every bite is a perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of citrusy freshness from the pineapple. Seriously, it’s the kind of cake that will have your friends asking for the recipe (and maybe even a second slice)!

Why You’ll Love Pineapple Cream Cheese Pound Cake

• Moist & Flavorful: Thanks to the combination of cream cheese and pineapple, this cake is irresistibly moist and packed with flavor. No dry cake here!
• Perfectly Balanced: The sweetness of the pineapple pairs beautifully with the rich cream cheese and the buttery, soft texture of the cake. It’s a perfect harmony of flavors.
• Versatile: Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, brunch, or as a treat for yourself, this cake is sure to shine at any occasion.
• Easy to Make: This pound cake may sound fancy, but it’s actually pretty simple to throw together. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a showstopper dessert in no time.
• Crowd-Pleasing: The combination of cream cheese and pineapple makes this cake a hit with just about everyone, and it’s a great way to impress guests!

Ingredients

This Pineapple Cream Cheese Pound Cake is made with a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully to create a moist, flavorful cake:

• Butter: The rich base that gives the cake its tender texture and buttery flavor.
• Cream Cheese: Adds moisture, richness, and a little tang to the cake, making it extra creamy.
• Sugar: For sweetness and a delicate crumb.
• Eggs: They help bind the ingredients together and provide structure.
• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cake.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise to a soft, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to the flavor.
• Crushed Pineapple: The star of the show! It brings a sweet, tangy flavor and keeps the cake moist. Make sure to drain it well before using.
• Powdered Sugar: For making a simple glaze to drizzle over the top (optional, but definitely worth it!).

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make this deliciously tropical pound cake? Here’s how it’s done:

1. Preheat Your Oven:

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or a bundt pan, ensuring it’s fully coated so the cake doesn’t stick.

2. Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese:

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and cream cheese together until smooth and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. The more you mix, the fluffier the cake will be!

3. Add Sugar and Eggs:

Gradually add the sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture, beating until it’s light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

4. Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed before adding them to the wet ingredients.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the crushed pineapple. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined—don’t overmix, or your cake may become dense.

6. Bake the Cake:

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time will depend on the size and type of pan you use, so keep an eye on it.

7. Let It Cool:

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Drizzle the Glaze (Optional):

If you want to add a little extra sweetness and shine to your cake, whisk together powdered sugar and a tiny bit of milk to make a glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled cake for a finishing touch.

9. Serve and Enjoy:

Slice and serve! This cake is delicious on its own, but feel free to pair it with fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 320
Total Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 250mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 21g
Protein: 3g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

How to Serve Pineapple Cream Cheese Pound Cake

This Pineapple Cream Cheese Pound Cake is perfect for so many occasions. Here are a few ways to serve it:

• As a Dessert: Serve it as a simple, delicious dessert on its own, or with a side of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a tropical twist.
• For Breakfast: This cake is sweet enough to be enjoyed for breakfast or brunch with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
• For Parties: It’s perfect for serving at parties or family gatherings. You can even make it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container to serve when guests arrive.
• With Fresh Fruit: Pair it with fresh pineapple, berries, or even a drizzle of caramel for a little extra indulgence.

Additional Tips

• Drain the Pineapple Well: Be sure to drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly to avoid adding too much liquid to the batter. You can even gently press it with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
• Make it Even More Tropical: Want to give it more of a tropical flavor? Add shredded coconut to the batter or top the cake with toasted coconut before serving.
• Store It Right: To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months—just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
• Use a Bundt Pan: If you want to make this cake extra special, bake it in a bundt pan for a more festive look. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as it may take a bit longer to bake.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
A1: Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but be sure to chop it finely and drain the excess juice before adding it to the batter.

Q2: Can I make this cake without the cream cheese?
A2: The cream cheese adds richness and moisture, but you can substitute it with sour cream or plain yogurt for a slightly different flavor and texture.

Q3: Can I add nuts to the cake?
A3: Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a delicious addition to this cake. Just fold them in gently at the end.

Q4: How do I know when the cake is done?
A4: When a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, it’s done! If it’s still wet, bake it a little longer, checking every 5 minutes.

Q5: Can I use a different pan size?
A5: Yes, but keep an eye on the baking time! A larger or smaller pan may alter the bake time, so check for doneness earlier or later depending on the size.

Q6: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A6: Yes, this cake can be made a day or two ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Q7: Can I freeze this cake?
A7: Yes! This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it will last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw it at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

Q8: Can I make a glaze without powdered sugar?
A8: If you don’t have powdered sugar, you can use regular granulated sugar, but it might not give you the same smooth, glossy finish. Alternatively, you can make a simple syrup glaze.

Q9: Can I add coconut to this cake?
A9: Absolutely! Shredded coconut would be a delicious addition to both the batter and as a topping.

Q10: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A10: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze it for longer storage.

Conclusion

This Pineapple Cream Cheese Pound Cake is everything you want in a cake—moist, flavorful, and utterly delicious. The sweet and tangy pineapple pairs perfectly with the rich cream cheese, making each bite irresistible. Whether you’re serving it as a dessert, bringing it to a party, or simply enjoying a slice with your morning coffee, this cake is sure to be a hit. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be hooked!

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