Transport yourself to the sunny shores of the South with every delectable bite of Southern Pineapple Cake. This heavenly dessert combines moist pineapple-infused layers with rich cream cheese frosting, creating a taste of tropical paradise right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a summer soirée or simply craving a slice of sweetness, this cake is sure to delight your taste buds and transport you to a state of bliss.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup canned crushed pineapple, undrained
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Pineapple Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup canned crushed pineapple, drained
Instructions:
Follow these simple steps to create your own slice of Southern paradise:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare three 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them, or lining them with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the Pineapple Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the softened butter, vegetable oil, crushed pineapple (with juice), eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and well combined.
- Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Make the Pineapple Cream Cheese Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and drained crushed pineapple, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand and spread a layer of pineapple cream cheese frosting over the top. Repeat with the remaining cake layers, stacking them on top of each other.
- Frost the Cake: Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining pineapple cream cheese frosting, smoothing it out with a spatula for an even finish.
- Garnish (Optional): For a decorative touch, garnish the top of the cake with fresh pineapple slices, maraschino cherries, and toasted coconut flakes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve your Southern Pineapple Cake to your guests, and watch as they savor the taste of Southern paradise in every delightful bite.
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serve Chilled or at Room Temperature: Southern Pineapple Cake can be served chilled straight from the refrigerator or at room temperature for a softer texture. Choose whichever option suits your preference.
- Slice with a Warm Knife: For clean and neat slices, run a knife under hot water and wipe it dry before slicing the cake. This helps prevent the frosting from sticking to the knife, resulting in beautiful slices.
- Store in the Refrigerator: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent the frosting from spoiling.
- Individual Slice Packaging: If you plan to store individual slices for later enjoyment, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating. This helps retain moisture and prevents the cake from drying out.
- Freeze for Extended Storage: Southern Pineapple Cake can be frozen for longer-term storage. Wrap the whole cake or individual slices in several layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Thaw Before Serving: When ready to enjoy frozen cake, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the cake’s texture and prevents it from becoming soggy.
- Refresh Before Serving: If the cake has been refrigerated for an extended period or frozen, you can refresh it before serving by allowing it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps restore its softness and enhances the flavors.
- Garnish Just Before Serving: If garnishing the cake with fresh pineapple slices, maraschino cherries, or toasted coconut flakes, add these decorative elements just before serving to maintain their freshness and visual appeal.
- Serve with a Beverage: Accompany Southern Pineapple Cake with a refreshing beverage such as iced tea, lemonade, or a tropical fruit punch for a complete and satisfying dessert experience.
- Share and Enjoy: Share the joy of Southern Pineapple Cake with family and friends on special occasions or simply as a delightful treat to brighten any day. Its tropical flavors and irresistible sweetness are sure to make every moment memorable.
Variations:
- Coconut Pineapple Cake: Add shredded coconut to the cake batter for a tropical twist. Sprinkle coconut flakes over each layer and incorporate coconut extract into the frosting for an extra burst of flavor.
- Pineapple Upside-Down Cake: Transform this recipe into a classic Pineapple Upside-Down Cake by arranging pineapple rings and maraschino cherries on the bottom of the cake pans before pouring in the batter. Invert the cakes after baking for a stunning presentation.
- Hawaiian Pineapple Cake: Incorporate diced tropical fruits such as mango, papaya, or banana into the cake batter for a Hawaiian-inspired version. Top the cake with whipped cream or coconut cream for a light and refreshing finish.
- Pineapple Carrot Cake: Combine the flavors of pineapple and carrot by adding grated carrots and crushed pineapple to the cake batter. Mix in cinnamon, nutmeg, and chopped walnuts for a deliciously moist and flavorful cake.
- Pineapple Sheet Cake: Bake the cake batter in a large sheet pan for a crowd-pleasing Pineapple Sheet Cake. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake and cut into squares for easy serving at parties or potlucks.
- Pineapple Cupcakes: Portion the batter into lined cupcake tins and bake for individual Pineapple Cupcakes. Top each cupcake with a swirl of pineapple cream cheese frosting and a pineapple wedge for a delightful handheld treat.
- Pineapple Layer Cake with Coconut Cream: Create a decadent layer cake by stacking pineapple cake layers with layers of whipped coconut cream frosting. Garnish the top with toasted coconut flakes and fresh pineapple slices for an elegant dessert centerpiece.
- Pineapple Bundt Cake: Bake the cake batter in a bundt pan for a beautiful Pineapple Bundt Cake. Drizzle a glaze made of powdered sugar and pineapple juice over the cooled cake for added sweetness and moisture.
- Pineapple Pound Cake: Make a dense and rich Pineapple Pound Cake by adjusting the cake batter to include sour cream or buttermilk for added moisture and richness. Serve slices of this indulgent cake with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Pineapple Layer Bars: Create a layered dessert by pressing a mixture of crushed graham crackers and butter into the bottom of a baking dish. Spread a layer of pineapple cake batter over the crust, followed by a layer of cream cheese frosting. Repeat the layers and bake until golden brown for irresistible Pineapple Layer Bars.
Experiment with these variations to customize your Pineapple Cake and discover new flavor combinations that will delight your taste buds and impress your guests. Whether you prefer a classic rendition or a creative twist, there’s a Pineapple Cake variation for every occasion.
FAQs:
- Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned in this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute fresh pineapple for canned crushed pineapple. Simply chop fresh pineapple into small pieces and use it in place of the canned variety. Keep in mind that fresh pineapple may yield slightly different moisture content and flavor.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time?
- Yes, you can bake the cake layers in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Prepare the frosting separately and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the cake before serving for the freshest results.
- How should I store leftover cake?
- Store leftover cake in the refrigerator in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Properly stored, the cake can last for up to 3-4 days. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
- Can I omit the cream cheese from the frosting?
- While cream cheese adds richness and tanginess to the frosting, you can omit it if desired. Simply replace it with an equal amount of softened butter for a classic buttercream frosting.
- Can I make this cake gluten-free?
- Yes, you can make this cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free, including baking powder and any canned pineapple additives.
Treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of Southern paradise with this heavenly Pineapple Cake recipe. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in the sweetness of life, this cake is sure to delight and impress. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and bask in the tropical flavors of the South.
