Sweet Pineapple Heaven Cake Recipe: A Tropical Dream Dessert

My mom’s secret pineapple heaven cake brings tropical sunshine right into our kitchen.

Sweet memories flood back with each slice of this delectable dessert.

Soft, moist layers promise a delightful culinary adventure waiting to unfold.

Creamy frosting and juicy fruit chunks create an irresistible combination that makes everyone smile.

Tropical ingredients dance together, promising pure comfort in every single bite.

Weekend baking just got an exciting upgrade with this simple yet spectacular treat.

Come discover how magic happens when classic ingredients meet unexpected creativity.

FAQs

• How do I know if my cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean without any wet batter, the cake is done. The cake should also have a golden brown color and slightly pull away from the pan edges.

• Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple. Just ensure it’s finely crushed and well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the cake batter. Canned crushed pineapple works best for consistent texture.

• Why is sour cream important in this recipe?

Sour cream adds moisture, tenderness, and a subtle tangy flavor to the cake. It helps create a soft, rich texture and prevents the cake from becoming dry or dense.

Pineapple Heaven Cake’s Best Features

• Savor Tropical Simplicity: This pineapple cake brings sunshine to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Transform Ordinary Baking: Create a stunning dessert that looks professionally made while being incredibly straightforward for home bakers of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and casual celebrations where you want to impress without complicated techniques.
• Versatile Dessert Experience: Enjoy as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert that suits multiple occasions and satisfies sweet cravings with its moist, fruity profile.

Ingredients Required in Pineapple Heaven Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Butter: Delivers rich flavor and contributes to the cake's moistness.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide essential structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake.

• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.

• Sour Cream, Crushed Pineapple: Adds moisture, tanginess, and tropical fruit flavor to the cake.

• Powdered Sugar, Pineapple Juice: Creates a sweet and tangy glaze that complements the cake's flavor.

Stepwise Guide to Pineapple Heaven Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn the oven to 350°F. Grab a loaf pan and coat it with butter and flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Set this mixture aside for later.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat softened butter and granulated sugar.

Whip until the mixture looks fluffy and light, which takes about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs

Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition.

Stir in vanilla extract for extra flavor.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add flour mixture to butter mixture in three parts, alternating with sour cream.

Always start and end with flour mixture. Mix gently to keep the batter smooth.

Step 6: Fold in Pineapple

Carefully fold crushed pineapple into the batter, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Rest

Remove cake from oven and let it sit in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely.

Step 9: Drizzle with Glaze

Whisk powdered sugar and pineapple juice in a small bowl until smooth. Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top, letting it cascade down the sides.

Tips to Perfect Pineapple Heaven Cake

• Grease and flour the loaf pan thoroughly to ensure the cake releases easily without breaking when removing.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake tender and prevent a tough texture. Stir just until ingredients are combined.
• Use the toothpick test to ensure the cake is fully baked. Insert a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean with no wet batter.
• Drain crushed pineapple well before adding to prevent excess liquid from making the cake soggy or dense.
• Drizzle the pineapple glaze when the cake is completely cool to achieve a smooth, even coating that sets beautifully.

Flavor Variations That Elevate Pineapple Heaven Cake

• Tropical Coconut Pineapple Cake: Replace sour cream with coconut cream and sprinkle shredded coconut on top for a tropical flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Pineapple Delight: Swap all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend to accommodate gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Low-Sugar Pineapple Cake: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar, and reduce the amount of glaze for a diabetes-friendly version.
• Vegan Pineapple Cake: Substitute eggs with mashed banana or applesauce, use plant-based butter, and replace sour cream with coconut yogurt for a completely plant-based option.

What Goes Well with Pineapple Heaven Cake

• Mix a pineapple-infused rum cocktail with light, golden rum, fresh pineapple juice, and a hint of coconut liqueur to complement the cake's sweet and tangy flavor profile.
• Serve a chilled coconut cream dollop alongside the cake, offering a smooth, rich contrast that enhances the pineapple's tropical essence and provides a luxurious texture.
• Plate a small scoop of zesty lemon or lime sorbet next to the cake slice, cutting through the sweetness with its refreshing, palate-cleansing acidity and creating a balanced dessert experience.

Storage Recommendations for Pineapple Heaven Cake

• Store the cake in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain moisture and freshness.
• Wrap the cake completely in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• If serving within 1-2 days, keep the cake covered at room temperature in a cake dome or container with a tight-fitting lid. Ensure the area is cool and dry.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. For a crisp exterior, briefly toast in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes before serving.

Pineapple Heaven Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Pineapple heaven cake brings tropical sunshine to classic dessert lovers with its luscious layers of sweet island goodness. Rich cream cheese frosting and caramelized pineapple create a mouthwatering symphony that will transport you to a blissful culinary paradise.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Secondary Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Glaze Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons pineapple juice

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F and coating a loaf pan with grease and flour to prevent sticking during the baking process.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light, airy, and fluffy, which typically takes approximately 2-3 minutes.
4. Incorporate eggs individually, beating thoroughly after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile.
5. Gradually introduce the flour mixture into the butter base, alternating with sour cream in three separate additions, maintaining a careful mixing technique to preserve the batter’s delicate texture.
6. Gently fold crushed pineapple into the batter, ensuring even distribution without excessive stirring that might compromise the cake’s structure.
7. Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula for an even bake, then place in the preheated oven.
8. Bake for 50-60 minutes, monitoring doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean when the cake is fully cooked.
9. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
10. Prepare a delicate glaze by whisking powdered sugar with pineapple juice until achieving a smooth, pourable consistency.
11. Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the pineapple glaze over the top, creating an enticing finishing touch.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients like butter, eggs, and sour cream to ensure smooth and even mixing for a tender cake texture.
• Drain crushed pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the cake soggy, gently pressing out liquid with a paper towel.
• Experiment with gluten-free flour blends for a celiac-friendly version, which work well with the cake’s moist pineapple profile.
• Toast chopped nuts like pecans or macadamias and sprinkle on top for added crunch and nutty depth to complement the sweet pineapple flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 291 kcal
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 125 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg