Introduction
Hawaiian Pineapple Cake is a sweet and fruity dessert that brings a taste of the tropics right into your kitchen. It’s soft, moist, and filled with the delicious flavor of pineapple. This cake is perfect for parties, family get-togethers, or just a weekend treat.
What makes it special? It’s easy to make, doesn’t need any fancy tools, and uses simple ingredients you probably already have at home. Plus, it tastes like sunshine in every bite! In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from ingredients to baking steps, and even a helpful FAQ section.
Ingredients – Hawaiian Pineapple Cake
Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make a basic Hawaiian Pineapple Cake:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple (with juice)
Optional Toppings:
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ cup shredded coconut (optional)
For the Frosting (Optional but Delicious!):
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step by Step Process – Hawaiian Pineapple Cake
Let’s break it down into simple steps so even beginners can follow along easily.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Turn your oven on and set it to 350°F (175°C). This gives it time to heat up while you prepare the batter.
Step 2: Prepare Your Pan
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray. You can also line it with parchment paper.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir with a spoon or whisk until everything is combined.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and the full can of crushed pineapple (including the juice) into the bowl. Mix everything together using a spoon or hand mixer until smooth. The batter will be a little thick and chunky—that’s okay!
Step 5: Add Optional Ingredients
If you want to add chopped nuts or shredded coconut, stir them in now.
Step 6: Pour and Bake
- Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool the Cake
Take the cake out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. If you’re planning to frost it, make sure the cake is completely cool.
Step 8: Prepare the Frosting (Optional)
While the cake is cooling, mix cream cheese and butter in a bowl until smooth. Slowly add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is fluffy.
Step 9: Frost and Decorate
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. You can sprinkle more coconut or chopped nuts on top for decoration.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Slice |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 |
| Total Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Cholesterol | 35mg |
| Sodium | 200mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Sugars | 30g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Vitamin C | 6% Daily Value |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, but make sure it’s finely crushed and juicy. You’ll need about 1½ cups with juice.
Q2: Can I make this cake without eggs?
Yes! You can use ½ cup of applesauce or 2 mashed bananas instead of the eggs for an egg-free version.
Q3: Do I have to use frosting?
No, the cake is moist and sweet on its own. Frosting is optional but adds a creamy texture and flavor.
Q4: Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, just use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour mix in place of all-purpose flour.
Q5: How do I store leftover cake?
Keep it in the fridge in a covered container. It stays good for 3–4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.
Q6: Can I make cupcakes with this recipe?
Absolutely! Just divide the batter into cupcake liners and bake at 350°F for 18–20 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Hawaiian Pineapple Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a little tropical escape in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a special celebration or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, this cake never disappoints. It’s easy to bake, uses everyday ingredients, and can be customized with your favorite toppings like coconut or nuts.
So why not bring a taste of the islands into your kitchen today? Bake it once, and you’ll likely come back to this recipe again and again. Happy baking!
