Dreamy Hawaiian Pineapple Cake Recipe for Sweet Island Escape

Sweet memories of tropical vacations dance through this delightful Hawaiian pineapple cake recipe that captures island sunshine on a plate.

Sunshine-soaked flavors burst from every delectable slice, promising a culinary escape.

Fragrant pineapple whispers tales of warm breezes and relaxed afternoons.

Soft, moist layers promise pure comfort with each delicate bite.

Baking this treat connects you to pacific island traditions and gentle hospitality.

Incredibly simple ingredients transform into something magical when mixed with love and care.

Each forkful promises a mini-vacation that will transport you straight to paradise.

Why Hawaiian Pineapple Cake Is A Tropical Treat

• Savor Tropical Flavors: Dive into a delightful cake bursting with Hawaiian-inspired pineapple and coconut, transporting your taste buds to a sunny paradise.
• Master Beginner-Friendly Baking: Enjoy a straightforward recipe that requires minimal baking skills, perfect for novice bakers looking to create a impressive dessert.
• Celebrate Versatile Occasions: Whether it's a summer potluck, family gathering, or casual dessert, this cake adapts beautifully to any celebration or simple sweet craving.
• Customize with Ease: Personalize the recipe by adding or removing nuts, adjusting sweetness, or experimenting with different toppings to match your preferences.

Key Ingredients for Hawaiian Pineapple Cake Success

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation that provides structure to the Hawaiian pineapple cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
• Ground Cinnamon: Provides a warm, aromatic spice to complement the tropical flavors.

• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's rich texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cake's flavor profile.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake remains moist and tender.
• Crushed Pineapple: Brings a signature tropical flavor and moisture to the cake.

• Shredded Coconut, Chopped Nuts: Add texture and extra flavor to the Hawaiian pineapple cake.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a rich and tangy base for the frosting.
• Butter: Provides smoothness and richness to the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the frosting's flavor with a sweet aroma.

How to Bake Hawaiian Pineapple Cake Well

Step 1: Prepping the Oven and Pan

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a quick spray with cooking oil, then dust it lightly with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mixing Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon

Blend these ingredients until they’re perfectly combined and lump-free.

Step 3: Bringing Wet Ingredients to Life

• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil
• Entire can of crushed pineapple (juice and all)

Stir gently until the ingredients just come together – don’t overmix!

Step 4: Adding Tropical Extras

• Shredded coconut
• Chopped nuts (optional)

Blend these goodies throughout the batter with a light touch.

Step 5: Baking to Golden Perfection

Transfer the batter to your prepared pan, spreading it evenly.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Creating Creamy Frosting

• Cream cheese
• Butter

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Mix until the frosting reaches a silky consistency.

Step 7: Frosting and Finishing Touches

Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting generously across the top. Sprinkle with additional chopped nuts or shredded coconut if desired.

Step 8: Serving Your Tropical Delight

Slice into generous pieces and serve either chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy a taste of Hawaiian sunshine!

Tips for Perfect Hawaiian Pineapple Cake

• Pat crushed pineapple with paper towels to remove excess moisture and prevent a soggy cake texture.
• Use fresh, ripe pineapple or high-quality canned crushed pineapple for the best flavor profile.
• Insert toothpick at multiple points to ensure even baking and prevent undercooked sections.
• Soften cream cheese and butter at room temperature for smoother, lump-free frosting.
• Refrigerate cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.

Creative Twists on Hawaiian Pineapple Cake

• Gluten-Free Hawaiian Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Tropical Cake: Swap eggs with applesauce, use coconut cream instead of cream cheese, and choose plant-based butter for dairy-free frosting.
• Low-Sugar Pineapple Delight: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reduce overall sugar content while maintaining sweet flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Tropical Treat: Use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives like cashew-based spreads and margarine for frosting, keeping cake's original essence intact.

Best Pairings for Hawaiian Pineapple Cake

Craft a smooth, pineapple-infused rum cocktail that echoes the cake’s tropical flavors, creating a perfect Hawaiian-inspired dessert experience.

Select a slightly sweet Riesling or Moscato with coconut undertones to complement the cake’s rich, creamy texture and tropical ingredients.

Brew a rich, smooth espresso with a splash of vanilla cream, offering a bold contrast to the cake’s sweet and fruity profile.

Serve a light, refreshing pineapple or mango sorbet alongside the cake, enhancing the dessert’s tropical essence and providing a cool palate cleanser.

How to Keep Hawaiian Pineapple Cake Fresh

• Store cake covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping the cream cheese frosting fresh and preventing drying.
• Wrap completely cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months, preserving its delicious texture and flavor.
• Cut cake into individual portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in freezer-safe container for convenient single-serving defrosting.
• Thaw frozen cake slices in refrigerator overnight, then warm briefly in microwave for 15-20 seconds at medium power to restore softness and enhance taste.

FAQs

• Can I make this cake without nuts?

Yes, you can easily omit nuts from the recipe. The cake will still taste delicious and have a great texture without them.

• Is this cake considered a healthy dessert?

While it contains fruit, this cake is still a dessert with sugar and cream cheese frosting. It’s best enjoyed in moderation as a special treat.

• Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Canned crushed pineapple works best because it provides the right moisture and consistency. Fresh pineapple might make the cake too wet and change the texture.

• How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The top should also be golden brown and slightly springy to touch.

Hawaiian Pineapple Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet Hawaiian Pineapple Cake brings tropical paradise to dessert lovers with its luscious layers of fruity delight. Moist crumb and tangy pineapple create a perfect island-inspired treat you’ll crave after one delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 can (20 ounces / 567 grams) crushed pineapple, undrained
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Optional Mix-in Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (50 grams) shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) chopped walnuts or pecans

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing and dusting with flour.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon using a whisk.
3. Introduce eggs, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and the entire contents of crushed pineapple (juice included) into the dry ingredients, stirring until just incorporated.
4. Gently fold shredded coconut and chopped nuts into the cake batter.
5. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan, ensuring an even distribution.
6. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should emerge clean.
7. Allow the cake to cool completely within the baking pan.
8. For the frosting, cream together cream cheese and butter until smooth and uniform.
9. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla extract, whipping until the mixture achieves a creamy consistency.
10. Once the cake has cooled, generously spread the prepared frosting across the surface.
11. Optional: Garnish with additional chopped nuts or shredded coconut.
12. Slice and serve the cake chilled or at room temperature for optimal enjoyment.

Notes

• Choose ripe, sweet pineapple for maximum flavor intensity in the cake, enhancing the tropical taste profile.
• Replace vegetable oil with coconut oil to amplify the Hawaiian-inspired essence and add subtle tropical undertones.
• For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour, ensuring a moist and tender texture.
• Toast coconut and nuts before adding to batter to elevate their nutty depth and provide a delightful crunch in every bite.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg