If you dream of a dessert that bursts with juicy, tropical sweetness and melts in your mouth with every bite, you are in for a treat. The Pineapple Heaven Cake Recipe is exactly that—a heavenly combination of tender cake infused with luscious crushed pineapple and crowned with a light, tangy glaze that will brighten up any occasion. This cake’s moist crumb and delicate fruity notes make it an irresistible favorite to share with friends and family or to savor on a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Pineapple Heaven Cake Recipe is a breeze thanks to its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each component has a special role: from the fluffy texture provided by the flour and baking powder to the rich moisture of the butter and pineapple that brings the whole cake to life.
- All-purpose flour: This forms the base structure of the cake, giving it the perfect tender crumb.
- Baking powder: Your secret for making the cake rise beautifully and become light and fluffy.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance and enhance the sweetness in the cake.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture, creating that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping to create a delicate crumb texture.
- Large eggs: These bind everything together while adding moisture and structure.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of warmth and depth that complements the pineapple’s tropical flavor beautifully.
- Sour cream: It adds tanginess and makes the cake extra moist and tender.
- Crushed pineapple, drained: The star ingredient that infuses the cake with juicy sweetness and tropical vibe.
- Powdered sugar: Used for the smooth pineapple glaze on top, adding a sweet finish with a light texture.
- Pineapple juice: Mixed into the glaze for that punch of fresh, fruity flavor.
How to Make Pineapple Heaven Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan—this little step ensures the cake won’t stick and will come out beautifully after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This blends together your leavening agents and seasoning to evenly distribute throughout the cake batter.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aeration step is key to a tender, airy crumb.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition for smooth incorporation. Stir in the vanilla extract—it adds a lovely background note that enhances the pineapple’s brightness.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the sour cream. Always start and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined to keep the cake delicate.
Step 6: Fold in Crushed Pineapple
Gently fold the drained crushed pineapple into the batter without overmixing. This ensures juicy bursts of pineapple throughout the cake without deflating the batter.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, signaling perfect doneness.
Step 8: Cool and Glaze
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar with pineapple juice until smooth, then drizzle this glossy finish over the top for an extra burst of flavor.
How to Serve Pineapple Heaven Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Pineapple Heaven Cake Recipe extra special, consider garnishing with fresh pineapple chunks, a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes, or even a few mint leaves on top. These simple touches add texture, color, and a fresh tropical vibe to each slice.
Side Dishes
Serve this cake alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat. You can also pair it with a vibrant fruit salad or a refreshing cup of iced tea to balance the cake’s sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the cake into small cubes and serve it as bite-sized dessert bites on skewers with fresh fruit pieces. Alternatively, layer slices of Pineapple Heaven Cake Recipe with whipped cream and pineapple slices in individual glasses for a charming trifles-style presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is a good option to keep the cake fresh, though allow it to come back to room temperature before serving.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, then store it in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, warm slices of cake gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or pop them into a low-temperature oven for a few minutes. The glaze will soften delightfully and the pineapple’s flavor will brighten right up.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just make sure to crush and drain the fresh pineapple well before folding it into the batter to avoid excess moisture that can affect the cake’s texture.
Is sour cream necessary in this recipe?
Sour cream adds a wonderful moistness and subtle tang that enhances the cake’s flavor and texture. If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute with plain yogurt or buttermilk for a similar effect.
How long will the Pineapple Heaven Cake stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container, this cake should stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to 5 days refrigerated.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour. Just ensure your baking powder is gluten-free as well for the best results.
What’s the best way to achieve a smooth glaze?
Whisk the powdered sugar and pineapple juice slowly, adding juice gradually until the glaze reaches a nice drizzling consistency. It should be smooth and slightly thick to beautifully coat the top of the cake without running off.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend trying the Pineapple Heaven Cake Recipe enough—it’s a tropical delight that lifts moods and brings smiles every time. Easy to make yet wonderfully impressive, this cake is destined to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and share the sunshine with those you love.
Print
Pineapple Heaven Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pineapple Heaven Cake is a moist and flavorful loaf cake bursting with tropical pineapple goodness. Made with a blend of tender cake layers, crushed pineapple, and a tangy pineapple glaze, this dessert promises a perfect balance of sweetness and freshness. Easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, it’s an ideal treat for any occasion or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp pineapple juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan to prevent the cake from sticking during baking.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream the butter and sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes a few minutes.
- Add the eggs and vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure they’re fully combined. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine dry ingredients and sour cream: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix only until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in the pineapple: Gently fold the drained crushed pineapple into the batter, ensuring even distribution without overmixing the batter.
- Pour and bake: Pour the prepared batter into the greased loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring it sets properly.
- Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and pineapple juice until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake to add extra moisture and a burst of pineapple flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the pineapple is well drained to avoid making the batter too wet.
- Do not overmix once the flour is added; this keeps the cake tender.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt if preferred for a tangy twist.
- Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
