This delightful Pineapple Cake comes together effortlessly with a moist, flavorful base of crushed pineapple and a rich, creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion, this tropical-inspired dessert is made even more irresistible with the option of crunchy nuts or coconut flakes as a garnish. Serve it warm or at room temperature for a sweet treat that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Bowl Wonder: Mix everything in one bowl for easy cleanup.
Tropical Vibes: The crushed pineapple gives this cake a refreshing sweetness and moist texture that screams summer, any time of year.
Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or casual desserts, and it pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea.
Customizable: Add nuts or coconut for a bit of crunch and flavor variation.
Cream Cheese Frosting: The tangy-sweet frosting complements the pineapple cake perfectly—it’s a match made in dessert heaven!
Key Ingredients
Crushed Pineapple (with Juice): The star of the cake, this ingredient keeps the cake moist and sweet, eliminating the need for extra liquids like milk or oil.
All-Purpose Flour: A pantry staple that forms the structure of the cake while keeping it soft and tender.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a golden-brown crust.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the batter.
Baking Soda: Leavens the cake, making it light and fluffy.
Cream Cheese: The base of the frosting, cream cheese brings a tangy balance to the sweet pineapple.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for a smooth, creamy finish.
Nuts (Optional): Chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch and a nutty depth to the cake, enhancing its texture and flavor.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cake Batter:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the following:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
1 (20-ounce) can of crushed pineapple (including the juice).
Stir the ingredients until well combined, ensuring the batter is smooth and lump-free.
Optional Nuts:
If desired, fold in 1 cup of chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) for added texture.
2. Bake the Cake:
Pour the Batter:
Pour the prepared batter evenly into the greased or lined baking pan.
Smooth the top with a spatula for an even surface.
Bake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.
The cake is ready when the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool Slightly:
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. The cake should still be warm when frosting is applied.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
Beat the Ingredients:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened.
Beat using a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy.
Add Vanilla and Sugar:
Gradually mix in:
1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
2-3 cups powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until smooth and creamy. Adjust the sugar based on your desired sweetness.
4. Frost the Cake:
Spread the Frosting:
Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the warm cake. The slight warmth will help the frosting melt slightly, creating a moist and flavorful finish.
Optional Garnish:
Sprinkle the frosted cake with chopped nuts or sweetened coconut flakes for added flavor and decoration.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve:
Slice the cake into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.
Pairing Suggestion:
This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk.
Serving Suggestions
Classic Presentation: Serve slices of the cake with a sprinkle of chopped nuts or sweetened coconut on top.
Tropical Flair: Garnish with fresh pineapple slices or maraschino cherries for a festive look.
Elegant Touch: Add a dollop of whipped cream and a mint leaf for a fancy dessert presentation.
Pairing Ideas: Enjoy with a cup of coffee, tea, or a chilled tropical drink like pineapple juice or a piña colada mocktail.
Special Occasions: Turn it into a layered cake by doubling the recipe and baking in two round pans. Frost between the layers and decorate for birthdays or celebrations.
Storage Tips
Refrigerate: Store the frosted cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. The cool temperature keeps the cream cheese frosting fresh and the cake moist.
Freeze: Freeze unfrosted slices wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and frost before serving.
Room Temperature: If you plan to consume the cake within 24 hours and it’s not too warm, you can store it at room temperature.
Variations
Coconut Lover’s Cake: Add ½ cup of shredded coconut to the batter or sprinkle toasted coconut over the frosting.
Citrus Twist: Replace half the pineapple juice with orange juice or lemon zest for a zesty kick.
Nut-Free Version: Omit the nuts and garnish with more fruit or shredded chocolate.
Lighter Frosting: Swap half the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a tangier, slightly lighter frosting.
Sheet Cake Alternative: Double the recipe and bake in a larger pan to feed a crowd.
Conclusion
This Easiest Pineapple Cake is proof that simple ingredients can create an unforgettable dessert. With its moist, pineapple-infused layers and creamy frosting, it’s the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a household favorite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, this cake is guaranteed to impress. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it disappears!
Easiest Pineapple Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 20 oz crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts optional
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract for frosting
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar adjust for desired sweetness
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9x13-inch baking pan. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, eggs, baking soda, vanilla extract, salt, and crushed pineapple with juice. Stir until smooth and lump-free. Optionally, fold in chopped nuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool slightly in the pan for 10-15 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and mix until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract and adjust sugar for desired sweetness.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the warm cake. The slight warmth will help the frosting melt slightly and enhance the flavor. Optionally, garnish with chopped nuts or sweetened coconut flakes.
- Slice the cake into squares and serve warm or at room temperature. Pair with coffee, tea, or milk for a delightful treat.
