If you love soft, moist, and tropical desserts, this Pineapple Cake is for you! Bursting with sweet, juicy pineapple flavor, this cake is incredibly easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it as a simple snack cake, a party dessert, or a special treat with cream cheese frosting, this pineapple-infused delight will have everyone coming back for more!
The best part? No fancy techniques required! Just mix, bake, and enjoy a slice of sunshine. 🌞🍰
Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Cake Recipe
- Moist & flavorful – Thanks to crushed pineapple, this cake stays soft and rich.
- One-bowl recipe – Minimal effort, maximum deliciousness!
- No butter or oil needed – The pineapple keeps it naturally moist.
- Customizable – Serve it plain, add frosting, or even mix in nuts or coconut.
- Perfect for any occasion – Great as a dessert, snack, or even a breakfast treat!
What Does Pineapple Cake Taste Like?
This cake is soft, fluffy, and bursting with natural pineapple sweetness. It’s lightly spiced with vanilla and has just the right balance of sweetness and tang. The pineapple not only adds flavor but keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender. If you add frosting, it becomes even more indulgent!
Ingredients for Pineapple Cake
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- ½ cup shredded coconut (optional)
For the Frosting (Optional, but Highly Recommended!):
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon pineapple juice (from the canned pineapple)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
How to Make Pineapple Cake
1. Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Stir in the crushed pineapple (with juice) and mix well.
- Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix!
- If using, gently fold in nuts and shredded coconut.
3. Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Cool the Cake
Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before adding frosting.
5. Make the Frosting (Optional but Delicious!)
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy.
- Stir in vanilla extract and pineapple juice for extra flavor.
- Spread evenly over the cooled cake.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
Slice, serve, and enjoy every tropical bite! 🍍🍰
What to Serve with Pineapple Cake
This cake is delicious on its own, but if you want to level it up, try these:
- A scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream 🍦
- Toasted coconut flakes for an extra crunch
- A drizzle of caramel sauce for indulgence
- Fresh pineapple slices for a fancy touch
Looking for more irresistible desserts? Try these next:
- Strawberry Shortcake – A fresh, fruity classic! 🍓
- Churros Cheesecake Cookies – The best of both worlds: cinnamon-sugar churros + creamy cheesecake.
- Bananas Foster Bread Pudding – A rich and caramelized dessert you’ll love.
Tips for the Best Pineapple Cake
- Use crushed pineapple with juice! This keeps the cake moist and flavorful.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Stir until just combined for a fluffy texture.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting to avoid melting.
- Toast the nuts or coconut for extra depth of flavor.
- Store leftovers in the fridge to keep the frosting fresh.
How to Store & Freeze Pineapple Cake
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp before serving.
- Make ahead: Bake the cake a day in advance and frost it just before serving for the freshest taste!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake without eggs?
Yes! Replace eggs with ½ cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana for an egg-free version.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes! Just blend 2 cups of fresh pineapple to get a similar texture and use any excess juice in the batter.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Do I have to use frosting?
Nope! This cake is delicious on its own, but frosting makes it extra special.
Can I make cupcakes instead of a full cake?
Yes! Bake in a lined muffin tin for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Final Thoughts – A Cake That Brings Sunshine to Every Bite!
Pineapple Cake is light, moist, and packed with tropical flavor—a simple yet impressive dessert that works for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it plain or topped with creamy frosting, this cake will become a new favorite.
Tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments! Don’t forget to pin it for later and share your creations on social media.
📌 Save this recipe on Pinterest! → The Kitchen Joyy
Enjoy every bite! 🍍💛🍰
Pineapple Cake
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can 20 oz crushed pineapple, undrained
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional
- ½ cup shredded coconut optional
- For the Frosting Optional, but Highly Recommended!:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon pineapple juice from the canned pineapple
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix the Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Stir in the crushed pineapple (with juice) and mix well.
- Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix!
- If using, gently fold in nuts and shredded coconut.
- Bake to Perfection
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Make the Frosting (Optional but Delicious!)
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy.
- Stir in vanilla extract and pineapple juice for extra flavor.
- Spread evenly over the cooled cake.
- Serve & Enjoy!
- Slice, serve, and enjoy every tropical bite!
Notes
- Use crushed pineapple with juice! This keeps the cake moist and flavorful.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Stir until just combined for a fluffy texture.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting to avoid melting.
- Toast the nuts or coconut for extra depth of flavor.
- For extra tang, add a splash of lemon juice to the frosting.