Hawaiian Pineapple Cake: A Tropical Delight

Hawaiian Pineapple Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that brings the taste of the tropics to your table. This easy-to-make cake is bursting with the sweet, tangy flavor of crushed pineapple and is topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving something sweet, this cake is sure to impress. Each serving of this delightful treat is approximately 350 calories, making it a satisfying dessert without being overly indulgent.

Ingredients to Prepare

This recipe yields 12-16 servings. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 1 (20 oz) can of crushed pineapple (undrained) in its own juice (not syrup)
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• ½ cup butter (1 stick), softened
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar
• Coconut for garnish (optional)

How to Make

Preheat the Oven:

1.1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 1.2. Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.

Prepare the Cake Batter:

2.1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Mix until well combined. 2.2. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and the entire can of crushed pineapple (with the juice) to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense. 2.3. If you’re adding nuts, fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts at this stage.

Bake the Cake:

3.1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. 3.2. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. 3.3. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling in the pan helps the cake retain its moisture.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:

4.1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. This ensures a smooth texture for the frosting. 4.2. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. 4.3. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. The gradual addition helps avoid lumps in the frosting.

Frost the Cake:

5.1. Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cake. An offset spatula works well for a smooth finish.

Garnish:

6.1. For a tropical touch, sprinkle the top of the frosted cake with coconut (optional). You can also add a few pineapple chunks or extra chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.

Serve:

7.1. Slice and serve the Hawaiian Pineapple Cake. This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes | Total Time: 45-50 minutes | Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving | Servings: 12-16 servings

Helpful Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature before making the frosting. This will result in a smooth, creamy texture.
• Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch and complement the sweetness of the pineapple, but feel free to omit them if you prefer a nut-free version.
• Mixing: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can lead to a dense cake.

Cooking Tips

• Baking Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so check the cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time to ensure it doesn’t overbake. The toothpick test is a reliable method to check doneness.
• Frosting: If the frosting is too thick, you can thin it out with a tablespoon of milk. If it’s too thin, add a little more confectioners’ sugar.
• Garnish: Toasted coconut adds an extra layer of flavor and texture. To toast coconut, simply spread it on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

• Pairing: This cake pairs well with a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade, especially on a warm day.
• Toppings: Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and a maraschino cherry for a retro presentation.
• Occasions: Perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or as a tropical-themed birthday cake.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 4g
• Sugar: 30g
• Fiber: 1g

Storage and Leftovers

• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cream cheese frosting should be kept refrigerated to maintain its freshness.
• Freezing: This cake freezes well. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Reheating: If you prefer to enjoy the cake warm, you can microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds, but be aware that the frosting may melt slightly.

Similar Recipes to Try

If you love Hawaiian Pineapple Cake, you might enjoy these other tropical and fruit-inspired desserts:

1. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake:

A classic dessert featuring caramelized pineapple rings and maraschino cherries atop a buttery cake.

2. Coconut Cream Pie:

A rich and creamy pie with a coconut-flavored filling, topped with whipped cream and toasted coconut.

3. Mango Coconut Cake:

A moist and flavorful cake made with fresh mango and coconut, topped with a light coconut frosting.

4. Banana Pineapple Cake (Hummingbird Cake):

A Southern classic that combines bananas, pineapple, and pecans in a moist cake, topped with cream cheese frosting.

5. Tropical Fruit Tart:

A buttery tart shell filled with a creamy custard and topped with an array of fresh tropical fruits like mango, kiwi, and pineapple.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but make sure to finely chop it and drain any excess juice to avoid adding too much moisture to the batter.

2. What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?

You can substitute the cream cheese with mascarpone cheese or even Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.

3. How can I make this cake gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free. Ensure all other ingredients, like baking soda and baking powder, are also gluten-free.

4. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Frost it on the day you plan to serve it for the best texture and flavor.

5. How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?

Grease the baking pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray, and dust it with flour. Lining the bottom with parchment paper also helps.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Pineapple Cake is a delightful dessert that brings a taste of the tropics to your table. With its moist, pineapple-infused cake and creamy frosting, it’s a treat that’s sure to please everyone. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re serving it at a summer gathering or enjoying a slice with your afternoon coffee, this cake is a guaranteed hit. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, and enjoy every bite of this tropical delight!

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