Pineapple Cake with Pecan and Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re looking for an easy dessert that always impresses, this Pineapple-Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect choice. Made with simple pantry ingredients, crushed pineapple, and crunchy pecans, this moist cake is topped with a rich cream cheese frosting for an irresistible homemade treat that’s perfect for potlucks, holidays, birthdays, or family gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2 whole eggs
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• ½ cup chopped pecans, divided

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1¾ cups powdered sugar
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Remaining ½ cup chopped pecans

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or spray with baking spray.
• Beat the eggs and sugar until well combined.
• Add the crushed pineapple with its juice and mix thoroughly.
• Gradually stir in the flour and baking soda until just combined.
• Fold in half of the chopped pecans.
• Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
• Bake for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
• Let the cake cool completely.
• Beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
• Stir in the remaining chopped pecans.
• Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
• Slice and serve.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve chilled or at room temperature.
• Garnish with extra chopped pecans or pineapple pieces.
• Pair with coffee, tea, or vanilla ice cream.
• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Cover tightly to prevent the frosting from drying out.
• Freeze unfrosted cake for up to 3 months.
• Freeze frosted slices individually for quick desserts.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Avoid leaving the frosted cake at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Variations

1. Toasted Pecan Cake

Toast the pecans before adding them for a deeper, nuttier flavor.

2. Coconut Pineapple Cake

Mix 1 cup shredded coconut into the batter for tropical flavor.

3. Pineapple Walnut Cake

Replace pecans with chopped walnuts.

4. Cherry Pineapple Cake

Fold in chopped maraschino cherries for extra sweetness and color.

5. Orange Pineapple Cake

Add orange zest to both the batter and frosting.

6. Cinnamon Spice Cake

Mix 1 teaspoon cinnamon into the dry ingredients.

7. Brown Sugar Version

Replace half the white sugar with brown sugar for richer flavor.

8. Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Add fresh lemon juice and zest to the frosting.

9. Almond Pineapple Cake

Use almond extract instead of vanilla.

10. Caramel Pecan Cake

Drizzle caramel sauce over the frosted cake before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh pineapple?

Yes, finely crush fresh pineapple and include its natural juice.

2. Do I drain the pineapple?

No. Use the pineapple with all its juice.

3. Can I make this cake ahead?

Yes. It tastes even better after chilling overnight.

4. Can I freeze the cake?

Yes. Freeze frosted or unfrosted for up to 3 months.

5. Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely. Walnuts work very well.

6. Why is my cake so moist?

The crushed pineapple keeps the cake incredibly moist.

7. Can I make it in round cake pans?

Yes. Divide the batter evenly between two 8-inch round pans.

8. Should the cake be refrigerated?

Yes. The cream cheese frosting requires refrigeration.

9. Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes. You can slightly reduce the sugar without greatly affecting the texture.

10. What goes well with this cake?

Coffee, hot tea, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream pair perfectly.

This Pineapple-Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a classic homemade dessert that’s incredibly moist, easy to prepare, and packed with tropical pineapple flavor and crunchy pecans. Whether you’re baking for holidays, family dinners, or potlucks, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite everyone will request again.

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