Hawaiian pineapple cake

Indulge in a slice of paradise with our Hawaiian Pineapple Cake. This moist and flavorful cake is bursting with the sweet, tropical flavor of pineapple and is perfectly complemented by a rich cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re hosting a summer party or simply craving a delicious dessert, this cake is sure to impress. It’s easy to make and provides a delightful escape to the tropics with every bite.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

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

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• Coconut for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, eggs, baking soda, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Add the undrained crushed pineapple to the mixture. Stir until all ingredients are well combined. If desired, fold in the chopped nuts.
3. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: While the cake is baking, make the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until creamy. Gradually mix in the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
5. Frost the Cake: Once the cake has cooled slightly but is still warm, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Garnish with shredded coconut and additional chopped nuts if desired.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow the frosting to set before cutting the cake into squares. Enjoy while still warm or at room temperature.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

1. Serve at Room Temperature: For the best flavor and texture, serve the cake at room temperature. This allows the cream cheese frosting to remain creamy and the cake to be at its most flavorful.
2. Garnishing: If you haven’t already, sprinkle additional shredded coconut on top of the frosting for a decorative touch. Chopped nuts also add a nice texture and flavor contrast.
3. Cutting the Cake: Use a sharp knife to cut the cake into even squares or rectangles. Clean the knife between cuts for cleaner slices.
4. Pairing: This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a more indulgent treat, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
5. Presentation: For a special touch, serve the cake on a cake stand or decorative platter. Adding a few fresh pineapple slices around the base can enhance the tropical theme.

Storage Tips:

1. Room Temperature Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps to keep the cake moist and fresh.
2. Refrigeration: If you plan to keep the cake for more than 3 days, store it in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting needs to be kept chilled. Place the cake in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap.
3. Freezing: To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze the cake without the frosting and add it after thawing.
4. Thawing: To thaw, transfer the cake from the freezer to the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. If the cake was frozen with the frosting, allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
5. Avoiding Dryness: To prevent the cake from drying out, ensure it is properly wrapped before storing. Additionally, placing a slice of bread in the container can help retain moisture.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Hawaiian Pineapple Cake remains as delicious and enjoyable as the day it was baked.

Variations:

1. Tropical Fruit Cake:
   • Ingredients: Add 1 cup of chopped tropical fruits like mango, papaya, or kiwi to the batter along with the crushed pineapple.
   • Flavor: This adds a variety of tropical flavors and makes the cake even more exotic.
2. Coconut Pineapple Cake:
   • Ingredients: Mix 1 cup of shredded coconut into the cake batter and top the frosting with additional coconut flakes.
   • Flavor: The coconut adds a chewy texture and intensifies the tropical feel of the cake.
3. Lemon Pineapple Cake:
   • Ingredients: Incorporate 1 tablespoon of lemon zest into the cake batter and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice into the frosting.
   • Flavor: The lemon adds a zesty brightness that complements the sweetness of the pineapple.
4. Spiced Pineapple Cake:
   • Ingredients: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
   • Flavor: The spices add warmth and depth to the cake, giving it a cozy, comforting flavor.
5. Cherry Pineapple Cake:
   • Ingredients: Fold in 1 cup of chopped maraschino cherries or fresh cherries into the batter along with the pineapple.
   • Flavor: Cherries add a tart contrast and a splash of color to the cake.
6. Caramel Pineapple Cake:
   • Ingredients: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cream cheese frosting or mix caramel bits into the batter.
   • Flavor: The caramel adds a rich, buttery sweetness that pairs beautifully with pineapple.
7. Chocolate Pineapple Cake:
   • Ingredients: Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate to the batter.
   • Flavor: The chocolate adds a decadent touch and pairs surprisingly well with the pineapple.
8. Almond Pineapple Cake:
   • Ingredients: Substitute almond extract for the vanilla extract and add 1/2 cup of sliced almonds to the batter or as a topping.
   • Flavor: Almonds add a nutty flavor that complements the pineapple nicely.
9. Peach Pineapple Cake:
   • Ingredients: Replace the crushed pineapple with crushed peaches or a mixture of peaches and pineapple.
   • Flavor: Peaches add a different fruity flavor and pair well with the pineapple.
10. Maple Pineapple Cake:
    • Ingredients: Replace the granulated sugar with 1 1/2 cups of maple sugar or maple syrup. If using syrup, reduce the buttermilk slightly to adjust for the extra liquid.
    • Flavor: The maple syrup adds a rich, earthy sweetness that enhances the tropical pineapple flavor.

FAQs:

1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned pineapple?
   • Yes, you can use fresh pineapple. Make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the cake batter.
2. Can I substitute the cream cheese with another type of frosting?
   • Yes, you can use buttercream, whipped cream, or even a glaze as an alternative to cream cheese frosting. Adjust the sweetness and flavor accordingly.
3. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
   • Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend includes xanthan gum or guar gum for proper texture.
4. How do I make this cake dairy-free?
   • Use dairy-free butter substitutes and non-dairy cream cheese for the frosting. For the cake, substitute buttermilk with a dairy-free milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
5. Can I add additional fruits to this cake?
   • Absolutely! Consider adding chopped mango, cherries, or peaches to the batter for extra flavor and texture. Just make sure to adjust the liquid content if necessary.
6. Can I freeze Hawaiian Pineapple Cake?
   • Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
7. How should I store leftover cake?
   • Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh.
8. What can I use instead of confectioners’ sugar in the frosting?
   • If you don’t have confectioners’ sugar, you can use granulated sugar, though the texture of the frosting may be less smooth. You can also blend granulated sugar to make your own powdered sugar.
9. Can I make this cake in a different pan size?
   • Yes, you can use different pan sizes, but you may need to adjust the baking time. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean when the cake is done.
10. How can I make this cake more festive for a party?
    • Garnish the frosted cake with additional shredded coconut, pineapple chunks, or edible flowers. You can also use colored frosting or piping techniques for a more decorative look.