Hawaiian Pineapple Cake: A Taste of the Tropics in Every Bite

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Hawaiian Pineapple Cake: A Taste of the Tropics in Every Bite

If you’re craving a tropical escape, this Hawaiian Pineapple Cake is the perfect way to bring the flavors of the islands to your kitchen. Bursting with sweet, tangy pineapple, this cake is ultra-moist, light, and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Each bite is like a mini getaway to paradise.

This easy, one-bowl cake requires no fancy techniques—just mix, bake, and enjoy. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, potluck, summer gathering, or simply as a sweet treat, this cake is guaranteed to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Tropical Flavor: The juicy sweetness of pineapple shines through in every bite.
  • Super Moist: Thanks to the pineapple juice, this cake stays soft and fluffy.
  • No Mixer Required: Just mix everything together—no special equipment needed.
  • Beginner-Friendly: Simple ingredients and easy steps make this a no-fail recipe.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual family desserts to festive celebrations.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 can (20 oz/565g) crushed pineapple (do not drain; the juice keeps the cake moist)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup shredded coconut (optional, for topping)
  • ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
  2. Add the eggs, crushed pineapple (with juice), and vanilla extract. Stir until just combined—no need for an electric mixer.
  3. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

  • Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Let the cake cool completely in the pan before adding frosting.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until fluffy.
  3. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Frost and Decorate

  1. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
  2. Sprinkle with shredded coconut and chopped nuts for a tropical touch.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

  • Slice, serve, and enjoy a taste of the tropics in every bite.

Tips for Customization

  • Add Fruit: Garnish with fresh pineapple chunks or maraschino cherries for extra flair.
  • Make It Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
  • Lighter Frosting: Substitute whipped cream for a less rich topping.
  • Extra Moisture: Add ½ cup of shredded coconut to the batter for more texture.
  • Rum Infusion: Stir in 1 tablespoon of dark rum or rum extract for an island-inspired twist.

Storage & Freezing Instructions

Storing Leftovers

  • Keep the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best texture.

Freezing the Cake

  • Unfrosted Cake: Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
  • Frosted Cake: Slice and freeze individual pieces in airtight containers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Use Fresh Pineapple Instead of Canned?

Yes. Use 1 ½ cups finely crushed fresh pineapple and ½ cup pineapple juice instead of the canned version.

2. What If I Don’t Have Cream Cheese for the Frosting?

You can substitute it with buttercream frosting or use whipped cream for a lighter option.

3. Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?

Absolutely. You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Just frost it before serving.

4. Can I Turn This into Cupcakes?

Yes. Divide the batter into cupcake liners and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes.

Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Your Website

This Hawaiian Pineapple Cake is an excellent choice for AdSense and SEO because:

  • Engaging & Evergreen Content – Tropical desserts attract readers year-round.
  • Highly Searchable Keywords – “Hawaiian pineapple cake,” “tropical desserts,” and “easy cake recipes” are great for organic traffic.
  • Long-Form Content – Detailed steps, tips, and FAQs make this post informative and valuable.
  • Ad Placement Opportunities – The structured format allows seamless ad integration without disrupting the reading experience.

Final Thoughts

This Hawaiian Pineapple Cake is a tropical-inspired dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With its ultra-moist texture, sweet pineapple flavor, and creamy frosting, this cake is a must-try for any occasion.

Bake a batch today and bring a slice of paradise to your kitchen.

Happy Baking!

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