This Hawaiian Pineapple Cake is a tropical delight, combining the sweetness of crushed pineapple with a moist and fluffy cake base. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting and sprinkled with coconut or nuts, this easy-to-make dessert is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or when you need a taste of the islands.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Moist and Flavorful – The pineapple adds natural sweetness and keeps the cake soft.
- One-Bowl Wonder – Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this a quick and easy dessert.
- No Butter or Oil Needed – The pineapple juice provides moisture, making it a lighter cake.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether for a summer barbecue or a cozy indoor treat, this cake always impresses.
- Customizable – Add coconut, nuts, or even a hint of rum for extra flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cake:
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Eggs
- Crushed pineapple (with juice)
- Vanilla extract
- Shredded coconut (optional)
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream cheese, softened
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Milk or pineapple juice (for consistency)
Directions
Make the Cake:
- Preheat and Prepare – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients – Add eggs, crushed pineapple (with juice), and vanilla extract. Stir until just combined.
- Fold in Optional Ingredients – If using, mix in shredded coconut or chopped nuts.
- Bake the Cake – Pour batter into the prepared dish and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
Make the Frosting:
- Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter – In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla – Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fluffy. If needed, add a splash of milk or pineapple juice for consistency.
- Frost the Cake – Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
- Decorate and Serve – Sprinkle with extra coconut or nuts for garnish. Slice and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-15 slices
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Cooling & Frosting Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
- Tropical Twist – Add mashed bananas or a splash of coconut milk for extra island flavor.
- Lighter Version – Reduce sugar in the batter and use Greek yogurt instead of some frosting ingredients.
- Pineapple Upside-Down Cake – Arrange pineapple slices and cherries at the bottom of the pan before adding batter.
- Sheet Cake or Cupcakes – Bake in a sheet pan or muffin tins for easy serving.
- Nut-Free Option – Skip the pecans or walnuts, or use sunflower seeds for a crunch.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing – Wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Room Temperature – Let sit for 15 minutes before serving for the best texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes! Finely chop fresh pineapple and add ¼ cup of pineapple juice for moisture.
2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bake the cake a day ahead and frost before serving for the freshest taste.
3. Do I need to drain the pineapple?
No, the juice helps keep the cake moist.
4. What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?
You can use whipped cream or a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and pineapple juice.
5. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
6. How do I make this cake fluffier?
Beat the eggs well before adding them to the batter for a lighter texture.
7. Can I use a different type of frosting?
Yes! A whipped coconut frosting or buttercream would also work well.
8. What’s the best way to cut clean slices?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
9. How do I know when the cake is done?
A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
10. Can I add rum for extra flavor?
Yes! A tablespoon of dark rum adds a delicious tropical depth.
Conclusion
This Hawaiian Pineapple Cake is a simple yet incredibly delicious dessert that brings a taste of the tropics to your table. With its moist texture, sweet pineapple flavor, and creamy frosting, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Try it today and enjoy a slice of paradise!

- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
This Hawaiian Pineapple Cake is a tropical delight featuring a moist vanilla cake base topped with juicy caramelized pineapple and crunchy toasted almonds. Bursting with island flavors, this easy-to-make dessert is perfect for summer gatherings, barbecues, or any time you crave a sweet, fruity treat!
Ingredients
For the Pineapple Topping:
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices, drained (reserve juice)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds (toasted)
For the Cake Batter:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (reserved from the can)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- Make the Pineapple Topping:
- Pour melted butter into the baking pan and sprinkle brown sugar evenly over it.
- Arrange pineapple slices on top of the sugar layer.
- Sprinkle toasted almonds over the pineapples.
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Mix in sour cream and pineapple juice until smooth.
- Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter over the pineapple and almonds, spreading evenly.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- For extra caramelization, broil the cake for 1–2 minutes after baking.
- You can use fresh pineapple instead of canned for a fresher taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Find it online: https://wowrecipesfood.com/hawaiian-pineapple-cake/
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