Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! When I’m dreaming of sunny beaches and warm breezes, my mind often wanders to the sweet, tangy flavors of the tropics. And nothing captures that vacation vibe quite like my Hawaiian Pineapple Cake. This isn’t just any cake; it’s a moist, tender, pineapple-infused delight, often topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, making it the perfect dessert to bring a ray of sunshine to any occasion.

Why I Love This Recipe

What’s not to love about a cake that feels like a mini-vacation with every bite? I am absolutely smitten with Hawaiian Pineapple Cake because it’s incredibly easy to make, yet it delivers such a vibrant and satisfying flavor. The crushed pineapple in the batter ensures an unbelievably moist crumb, while its natural sweetness and tang shine through. It’s a fantastic cake for potlucks, barbecues, summer parties, or just when you need a little taste of paradise. Plus, the combination of pineapple with a tangy cream cheese frosting is simply irresistible – it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

The Island Influence in American Baking

Pineapple, a fruit synonymous with the tropics and often a symbol of hospitality, has found its way into numerous American dessert traditions, particularly in what are often termed “Hawaiian” or “tropical” themed baked goods. While true Hawaiian baking has its own distinct traditions, many American recipes incorporate ingredients like pineapple, coconut, and macadamia nuts to evoke a sense of the islands.

Pineapple’s acidity and high moisture content make it an excellent ingredient for keeping cakes tender and flavorful. Dishes like “pineapple upside-down cake” and this “Hawaiian pineapple cake” became popular, especially during eras when canned fruits made exotic flavors more accessible. This particular cake celebrates the bright, tangy sweetness of pineapple, creating a dessert that is both comforting and refreshingly tropical, reminding us of sunshine and leisurely days.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this moist and tropical Hawaiian Pineapple Cake:

For the Cake:

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

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream (if needed for consistency)
• Optional: Toasted shredded coconut or chopped pecans for garnish

Swaps and Notes

• Crushed Pineapple: Do not drain the crushed pineapple! The juice is crucial for the cake’s moisture and flavor. Use a standard 20-ounce can.
• Eggs: Room temperature eggs incorporate better into the batter, leading to a more uniform crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Use a good quality vanilla extract for the best flavor.
• Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is completely softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free frosting. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best texture.
• Butter (for frosting): Softened butter is key for creaming with the cream cheese and powdered sugar.
• Powdered Sugar (for frosting): Sifting the powdered sugar is highly recommended to avoid lumps in your frosting.
• Toppings: Toasted shredded coconut or chopped pecans are classic garnishes that add extra flavor and texture.

Steps for the Recipe

Let’s bake this slice of tropical paradise!

1. Prepare Oven & Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the undrained crushed pineapple, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
4. Mix Batter: Using an electric mixer on low speed, beat the ingredients until just combined. Increase speed to medium and beat for 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until the batter is smooth. Do not overmix after the initial combining.
5. Pour and Bake: Pour the cake batter evenly into your prepared 9×13 inch baking pan.
6. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
7. Cool Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting. This is crucial!
8. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: While the cake cools, in a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter with an electric mixer until very smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating on low speed until fully incorporated. Beat in the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add milk or cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
9. Frost & Serve: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. If desired, sprinkle with toasted shredded coconut or chopped pecans for garnish. Slice and serve!

Tips for Success

• Do NOT Drain Pineapple: This is the most important tip! The juice from the crushed pineapple is vital for the cake’s incredible moisture.
• Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix only until the ingredients are just combined and smooth. Overmixing can lead to a tougher cake.
• Cool Cake Completely: Frosting a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt. Be patient and allow the cake to cool down entirely.
• Softened Ingredients for Frosting: Ensure your cream cheese and butter are at proper room temperature for a smooth, lump-free frosting.
• Sift Powdered Sugar: This prevents lumps in your frosting, ensuring a silky-smooth texture.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Hawaiian Pineapple Cake is a fantastic stand-alone dessert, but here are some ideas to make it even more special:

• Simple Slice: Enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee or tea.
• Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or coconut ice cream alongside a slice is pure heaven.
• Fresh Fruit: Garnish with fresh pineapple chunks, mango slices, or berries for an extra tropical touch.
• Potluck Favorite: It’s an ideal dessert to bring to any gathering, as it’s easy to transport and universally loved.
• Beverage Pairings: A refreshing iced tea, coconut water, or even a light sparkling wine would complement the tropical flavors beautifully.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Hawaiian Pineapple Cake stores well, especially due to its moist nature:

• Refrigerate: Store frosted Hawaiian Pineapple Cake, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight cake carrier, in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
• Freezing (Cake Only): The unfrosted cake freezes beautifully. Once completely cool, wrap the entire cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed this sweet and tropical treat, you might also like these other delightful desserts:

• For another fantastic way to use up ripe bananas and make a comforting quick bread, check out my This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Is My Favorite Way to Use Up Overripe Bananas.
• If you love rich, indulgent chocolate, you have to try These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs Are My Favorite Sweet Obsession.
• For the ultimate classic brownie, my recipe for The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made (and I’ve Made a Lot) is a definite winner.
• Looking for an incredibly easy no-bake dessert that’s perfect for summer? Don’t miss This Easy Ice Cream Sandwich Cake Is My Favorite No-Bake Summer Dessert.
• And for a fun and whimsical dessert that’s always a hit, check out How This Unicorn Poke Cake Became My Favorite Party Trick.

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Final Thoughts

Hawaiian Pineapple Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of tropical flavors and effortless baking. Its incredible moistness, delightful tang, and creamy frosting make it an irresistible treat that will transport your taste buds straight to paradise.

I hope you give this amazing recipe a try and enjoy every sunny bite! Let me know in the comments below if this becomes your new favorite tropical dessert, or what other island-inspired treats you love to bake. I always love hearing from you! Happy baking!