Hawaiian Pineapple Cake

Moist, tropical, and beautifully simple, Hawaiian Pineapple Cake is your shortcut to island vibes in a single bite. Made with crushed pineapple and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, this cake bursts with sweet flavor and comes together with minimal effort. Whether you’re prepping for a potluck, celebrating a special moment, or just need a dessert to brighten your day, this cake delivers sunshine in every slice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love easy recipes that pack big flavor, this one is for you. Hawaiian Pineapple Cake comes together in one bowl with pantry staples, no fuss, no fancy equipment. It’s loaded with juicy pineapple, making it naturally moist and flavorful without needing butter or oil. The luscious cream cheese frosting adds just the right tangy balance to the sweetness.

Pure Comfort

This is the kind of dessert that tastes like a hug. It’s nostalgic, timeless, and effortlessly comforting. One slice brings you back to family gatherings, bake sales, and those tropical-themed parties where this cake is always the first to disappear.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple in juice, undrained

For the Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: chopped pecans or shredded coconut for topping

What You Need

Just the basics! You’ll need a mixing bowl, whisk, 9×13 inch baking dish, and a spatula. No electric mixer required for the cake itself—just some elbow grease. For the frosting, a hand mixer or stand mixer makes it super creamy.

Time to Cook

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Bake Time: 35 minutes
• Cool Time: 30 minutes
• Frosting Time: 10 minutes
• Total: About 1 hour 25 minutes

Steps to Make It

1. Preheat and Prep
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Batter
   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, eggs, baking soda, salt, and vanilla. Add the entire can of crushed pineapple with its juice. Stir until everything is well combined.
3. Bake the Cake
   Pour the batter into your prepared dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan.
4. Make the Frosting
   In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat until fluffy.
5. Frost the Cake
   Spread the frosting over the cooled cake. Top with chopped pecans or shredded coconut if desired.
6. Serve and Enjoy
   Slice and serve at room temperature, or chill slightly for a firmer frosting.

Make It Perfect

Don’t drain the pineapple—its juice is what keeps the cake so moist. Be sure the cake is fully cooled before frosting, or the cream cheese topping might melt and slide. Want a bakery-style finish? Sprinkle toasted coconut or roasted pecans on top for an extra layer of flavor.

Mix It Up

Swap the pecans for macadamia nuts for more island flavor. You can even mix shredded coconut right into the batter for texture. Feeling fruity? A handful of chopped maraschino cherries folded in will turn this into a true tiki treat.

Perfect Partners

Pair this cake with a scoop of coconut ice cream, a tall glass of pineapple juice, or a fresh tropical fruit salad. It also makes a delightful finale after a grilled chicken or pulled pork meal.

Busy Day Hero

Hawaiian Pineapple Cake is your go-to when you need something fast. Since it’s mixed all in one bowl and uses canned pineapple, it’s ideal for last-minute gatherings or surprise guests. Keep the ingredients on hand and you’re always just an hour away from dessert bliss.

Work Ahead

You can bake the cake a day in advance and keep it covered at room temperature. Frost it the next day or refrigerate it fully frosted. It holds up wonderfully and even tastes better after a night of resting.

Save Some For Later

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This cake also freezes well—just slice, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Everyone’s Happy

Kids love the sweetness, adults love the tangy frosting, and everyone appreciates the soft, juicy texture. It’s a universal crowd-pleaser that fits just about every occasion, from birthdays to brunches.

Good For You Too

While it’s a dessert, the use of fruit adds natural sweetness and moisture, which means no need for added fats like oil or butter in the cake itself. You’re still indulging—but with a little fruit bonus.

Easy Clean Up

One bowl for the batter, one bowl for the frosting. No mixer needed for the cake. Minimal dishes, maximum reward.

Switch It Up

Turn this into cupcakes by baking in muffin tins (about 20–22 minutes). Or bake in two round pans and layer it for a more formal presentation. For a tropical twist, try a layer of pineapple jam between the cake and frosting.

Simply Perfect

Simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and satisfying results. Hawaiian Pineapple Cake is proof that the best things in life really are the easiest.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, but you’ll need to crush it and include the juice. Aim for about 2 1/2 cups of crushed fresh pineapple with juice.

2. Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Just substitute a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

3. Do I need to refrigerate the cake?
Yes, because of the cream cheese frosting. Store it in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving.

4. Can I freeze the cake?
Yes. You can freeze it frosted or unfrosted. Wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months.

5. What can I use instead of cream cheese frosting?
Try whipped cream, a light vanilla glaze, or even a dusting of powdered sugar if you prefer a lighter option.

6. How long does it stay fresh?
It’s best within 3 days but can last up to 5 in the fridge. The flavors deepen over time!

7. Can I reduce the sugar?
You can cut the sugar by 1/2 cup in the cake without sacrificing texture. Keep in mind, it will be less sweet.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Pineapple Cake is a sunshine-filled dessert that brings big flavor with minimal effort. It’s the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your baking rotation—easy enough for weekdays, special enough for celebrations, and always a hit. One bite and you’re transported straight to the islands, no passport required.

Keep the Island Vibes Going

Looking to keep the tropical flavor party alive after making Hawaiian Pineapple Cake? Try out a few other delightful recipes that play well with pineapple and other sweet or savory treats. For instance, the creamy and savory goodness of Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a perfect dinner pairing before your dessert. You’ll also love the sweet nostalgia of Orange Creamsicle Cake, which mirrors the same fruity charm. For those into indulgent sweets, the Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake or the show-stopping Strawberry Chocolate Layer Cake offer rich alternatives. And if you’re hunting for another pineapple-forward dish, don’t skip the quirky-sweet Pineapple Casserole—a Southern twist worth tasting! These recipes not only complement the Hawaiian Pineapple Cake but also round out any tropical-themed gathering beautifully.

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