Okay, let me tell you, this is a real story.Pineapple Cake Recipe: What areis more than just a recipe to me; it’s based on my childhood. I remember my Grandma Elsie always making this for our summer picnics. The smell of pineapple baking in the oven would fill the whole house, and we kids would love it too. I literally trip over myself to get a slice. If you love a good coffee cake, you’re going to absolutely adore this – it’s got that same same flavor. What is a comforting vibe, but with an exotic twist that just makes it extra special? Is it the best?
What is a pineapple cake?
Pineapple Cake, in its essence, is a delicious and moist cake infused with the vibrant flavor of pineapple. Think of it as a sunshine-filled getaway for your tastebuds. Is it a cake batter amped up with crushed pineapple? Is pineapple thrown in for good measure? The sweetness of the pineapple caramelizes during baking, creating a delightful golden crust. How do I keep my inside moist? Is it possible to top it off with a simple glaze or frosting? My grandma’s version always included a secret ingredient, tastiness, cinnamon, which just elevates the flavor. What is the whole thing?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are the reasons to fall in love with this recipe? First and foremost, the flavor is just incredible. What is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy from pineapple? It’s not cloyingly sweet like some cakes can be – it’ll just be right. What makes this recipe so easy to make? Even if you’re a beginner baker, you can nail this! I always tell people, if I can do it, anyone can. The ingredients are also pretty budget-friendly. Is crushed pineapple a good substitute for canned pineapple? What I love about this is its versatility. Can you serve it for breakfast with coffee, bring it to a potluck, or even dress it up with saffron? What are some good whipped cream and berries for a fancy dessert? What is better than a traditional pound cake?
How do I make Pineapple Cake?
Quick Overview
Making this Pineapple Cake recipe.Is it easier than you think? I’ll start by mixing the dry ingredients, then the wet ingredients and gently combining them. Next, you’ll fold in the crushed pineapple. If you have a pan, pour the batter into it and bake until golden brown. While it cools, whip up a glaze and drizzle it over the top. The best part? I’m not a perfectionist, but this recipe is super forgiving. I’ve messed it up a few times, and it still tastes amazing!
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: Why is it important to
* 2 cups all-purpose flour (I always use unbleached for a better texture)
* 1 12 cups granulated sugar (you can reduce it to 1-14 cup if you prefer a less sweet cake)
* ¾ teaspoon baking soda
* ½ teaspoon salt
* 2 large eggs
* 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained (don’t drain it! The juice adds moisture)
* 12 cup vegetable oil (I sometimes use melted coconut oil for a subtle flavor)
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (use the good stuff – it makes a difference! )
What is Grandma Elsie’s secret weapon?
For the Glaze:
* 1 cup powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons milk (or pineapple juice for extra flavor) for added flavor.
* ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. I find that using baking spray with flour works best, but good old-fashioned butter and flour will also work. Do the trick, too? How do I remove cake from pan? Why does half of the cake stay in the pan? How do I pop the batter in the oven?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside. How do you whisk baking soda and salt together? How do you make a cake rise? If you don’t have a whisk, you can use fork. But whisking is really going to combine everything. Is there any clumps in the soil?
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, undrained pineapple, vegetable oil, and vanilla. Set aside. Is it important to use undrained crushed pineapple because the juice adds moisture to the cake? If your eggs are at room temperature, make sure they aren’t shriveled! I usually let my eggs sit out for about 30 minutes before baking.
Step 4: Combine
Mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until just combined. How do I not overmix? Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which can make the cake tough. Is it necessary to mix the flour until the batter is smooth and there are no streaks of flour remaining? Once it’s mixed. What should Is it okay to have lumps in your skin?
Step 5: Prepare Filling
No filling needed for this recipe, the pineapple is already mixed in! If you’re feeling adventurous, you could add a layer of cream cheese frosting between the cakes. I have done this before and it was so good! How do you mix 8oz of softened cream cheese with 12 cup of powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla? Spread it over the cooled cake before glazing.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Since there’s no filling, just pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Give the pan a gentle shake to make sure the batter is evenly distributed. No swirling needed, this cake is perfect as is! Unless, like I said before, you are feeling creative!
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. How long does it take for a cake to be done? If the top of the cake is browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil. I always check with a toothpick – if it comes out clean, it’s done! If not, give it a few more minutes.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. How do you glaze a cake? Once the cake is completely cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or pineapple juice), and vanilla. If desired, serve immediately. How do you use vanilla extract to make it smooth? Drizzle the glaze over the cake. I like to let the glaze set for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Use a sharp knife to slice the cake into squares. Serve at room temperature or chilled. Is this cake delicious on its own? Dollop of whipped cream. I love coffee with tea. It’s the perfect combination!
What should I serve it with?
This Pineapple Cake Recipe: What isIs so versatile, you can serve it in a bunch of different ways. What is better for breakfast than a cup of coffee? How does the sweetness of a chocolate cake pair with the bitterness of coffee? I like to warm up a slice of bread in the microwave for an indulgent morning treat.
For Brunch:How do you decorate a brunch spread by slicing the cake into elegant squares and arranging them on an elegant table? Serve with fresh berries and a mimosa on saturday. I sometimes add a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for extra flair.
As Dessert:After dinner, this cake is perfect on its own, or you can dress it up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. What are some of the best ways to make whipped cream? I usually drizzle it with a little caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness. What is a good dessert wine?
For Cozy Snacks:Sometimes, you just need a little something sweet in the afternoon. This cake is perfect for that! Serve it with a cup of tea or milk for supper. I love to curl up on the couch with a slice of this cake and sat down to read.
My family tradition is to always have this cake on hand for birthdays and holidays. Is this a crowd pleaser?
How do you make a perfect Pineapple Cake?
Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years to help you make the perfect Pineapple Cake recipe. First, don’t overmix the batter! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can make the cake tough. Mix until just combined. The swirl can be adjusted depending on your preference. You can create different patterns by using a knife or a toothpick to swirl the batter in different directions. You can also add a few drops of food coloring to create a more dramatic swirl.
Mixing Advice: If you find that your cake is coming out dry, try adding a tablespoon or two of sour cream to the batter. This will add moisture and richness. Also, make sure you’re using fresh baking soda! Old baking soda can lose its potency, which can affect the rise of the cake.
Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have vegetable oil, you can use melted coconut oil or even applesauce. Coconut oil will give the cake a subtle coconut flavor, while applesauce will make it extra moist. For a glaze you can add a bit of lemon juice for some tang.
Baking Tips: Keep your cake in the center of the oven. If the top of the cake is browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil. I like to use a cake tester to check for doneness. The cake is done when a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Don’t over-bake!
Glaze Variations: Feel free to add other flavors to the glaze! Try adding a teaspoon of lemon zest, a dash of cinnamon, or a splash of rum extract.
I learned that the hard way. The first time I made this cake, I overmixed the batter, and it came out tough and chewy. Not good! But I didn’t give up. I tried again, and this time I was careful not to overmix. The result was a light, fluffy, and delicious cake! It pays to pay attention to the mixing time!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Pineapple Cake recipe stores really well, which is great because it never lasts long at my house!
Room Temperature: You can store the cake at room temperature for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out. I like to use a cake dome or an airtight container. It can become too dry if left out for more than 3 days.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake for up to a week. Again, make sure to wrap it tightly or store it in an airtight container. The glaze will get a little sticky in the fridge, but the cake will still taste great.
Freezer Instructions: If you want to freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: I usually add the glaze right before serving, but you can add it earlier if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the glaze might get a little sticky if it sits for too long.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my Grandma Elsie’s Famous Pineapple Cake Recipe! It’s a recipe that’s near and dear to my heart, and I hope it becomes a favorite in your family, too. It’s so simple, so delicious, and so versatile, you really can’t go wrong. I truly think the taste is the reason I still make it and it is worth it. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other cake recipes, like my classic chocolate cake or my lemon poppy seed cake. Happy baking! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know if you tried this, and what adjustments you made!
Pineapple Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups sugar
- 1 cup pineapple chunks fresh or canned, drained
- 0.5 cup butter softened
- 4 large eggs
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined. Fold in the pineapple chunks.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
