Pineapple Heaven Cake: An Incredibly Moist, Sweet, and Utterly Divine Tropical Delight!
Hey there, Jason Griffith here! There are some recipes that, once you try them, you know they’re instant classics – the kind you bookmark, print, and tell all your friends about. And if you’re looking for a dessert that’s unbelievably moist, bursting with sweet tropical flavor, and truly lives up to its name, then this Pineapple Heaven Cake is that recipe – DON’T LOSE THIS RECIPE! It’s a tender, sweet cake packed with juicy crushed pineapple, topped with a luscious glaze, making it perfect for any celebration or a sweet escape here in Marion, South Carolina.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a huge advocate for baking recipes that combine incredible flavor with a simple, satisfying process. What I particularly love about this Pineapple Heaven Cake is its unparalleled moistness. The undrained crushed pineapple not only infuses every bite with vibrant tropical flavor but also contributes significantly to the cake’s tender crumb. It’s perfectly sweet, balanced, and the optional glaze adds another layer of delightful moisture and sweetness that truly makes it heavenly. It’s incredibly easy to make, using straightforward techniques, and always a crowd-pleaser that evokes sunshine and joy. Plus, the aroma of it baking is simply divine!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this incredibly moist and delicious Pineapple Heaven Cake:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained (the juice is crucial!)
- ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
For the Glaze/Topping (Optional but Recommended):
- 1 cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (or pineapple juice from the can, for extra flavor!)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: Toasted coconut flakes or chopped pecans for garnish
Swaps and Notes
- Crushed Pineapple (Undrained!): This is the star and the secret to the cake’s heavenly moisture. Do NOT drain the pineapple; the juice is essential for the batter.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temperature is crucial for proper creaming with the sugar. If using salted butter, omit the ½ tsp of salt in the cake batter.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides the main sweetness and contributes to the cake’s texture.
- Eggs: Large eggs, at room temperature, incorporate best into the batter.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract will give the best flavor.
- Milk: Whole or 2% milk works well. Buttermilk could also be used for a slightly tangier flavor and even more moisture.
- Glaze Liquid: Using a little pineapple juice from the can (after measuring out the crushed pineapple) in the glaze will intensify the pineapple flavor.
- Garnish: Toasted coconut flakes add a tropical flair and lovely crunch. Chopped pecans also pair well.
- Don’t Overmix: As with most cakes, mix the dry ingredients into the wet just until combined to ensure a tender crumb.
Directions
Making this Pineapple Heaven Cake is a straightforward baking process that promises a wonderfully moist and flavorful result!
- Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. (Alternatively, you can use a 9-inch bundt pan – just grease and flour very well, or use a baking spray with flour).
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large mixing bowl (using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a handheld electric mixer), cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet with Dry: Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed (or by hand with a spatula) until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are fine, but overmixing can lead to a tougher cake.
- Fold in Pineapple: Gently fold in the undrained crushed pineapple (including all its juice!) until it is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour & Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes for a 9×13 inch pan, or 45-55 minutes for a bundt pan (time will vary based on pan size and oven), or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. This helps it set before transferring. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely. It’s crucial for the cake to be completely cool before glazing.
Prepare the Glaze (Optional but Recommended):
- Whisk Glaze Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons milk (or pineapple juice), and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and a drizzling consistency is reached. Adjust the amount of liquid for your desired thickness.
Glaze & Garnish:
- Glaze Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the prepared glaze generously over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Garnish: Garnish with optional toasted coconut flakes or chopped pecans if desired for extra flavor and visual appeal. Slice and serve!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-55 minutes (depending on pan size)
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes (including cooling)
Servings: 12-16 servings
Tips for Success
- Do NOT Drain Pineapple: This is the #1 secret! The juice from the crushed pineapple is vital for the cake’s incredible moisture.
- Room Temperature Butter: Ensures proper creaming with sugar, leading to a tender cake.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix only until the dry ingredients are just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make the cake tough.
- Cool Completely Before Glazing: Glazing a warm cake will cause the glaze to melt and run off, making a mess and not setting properly.
- Grease & Flour Well: Especially important for a Bundt pan, to ensure easy release.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Pineapple Heaven Cake is a wonderfully moist and flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion!
- Dessert: Serve plain, or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Potlucks & Picnics: A fantastic make-ahead dessert that travels well.
- Brunch: A sweet addition to a morning spread.
- Gifting: Makes a beautiful and delicious homemade gift.
For other fantastic tropical-inspired or fruit-filled treats, consider my Strawberry Pineapple Pound Cake or a refreshing drink like my Pina Colada Smoothie.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Store any leftover Pineapple Heaven Cake, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight cake carrier, at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Due to its high moisture content, it stays fresh well. You can also refrigerate it for up to 1 week. This cake also freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the entire cooled cake (unglazed, if possible) tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the moist texture and tropical flavors of this cake, here are a few more delightful dessert recipes that I think you’ll absolutely love:
- For another classic, crowd-pleasing banana dessert that uses a whole fruit, check out my This Big Family Banana Pudding Is My Favorite Classic Dessert to Feed a Crowd.
- If you’re a fan of unique banana-infused treats, you’ll love my Banana Bread Brownies.
- For a sweet and savory chicken dish with pineapple, try my Pineapple Chicken and Rice.
- For other incredibly indulgent chocolate treats, my These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs Are My Favorite Sweet Obsession are a must-try.
Final Thoughts
This Pineapple Heaven Cake is truly a gem – incredibly moist, bursting with sweet tropical flavor, and perfectly easy to make. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that lives up to its name, bringing a taste of paradise to your home. Give it a bake, and prepare to fall in love with this heavenly recipe!
What’s your favorite fruit to bake into a super moist cake? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delightful and inspiring recipes!
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