Ingredients
Pineapple Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple with juice (do not drain)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Creamy Topping
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
Optional Garnishes
- Toasted coconut flakes
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Maraschino cherries
- Extra pineapple chunks
Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Add the eggs, crushed pineapple with all its juice, and vanilla extract.
- Stir until the batter is fully combined and smooth; a whisk or spatula is enough and you do not need a mixer for this part.
Step 2: Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Transfer the pan to a cooling rack and let the cake cool completely in the pan so it stays moist and sets properly.
Step 3: Make the creamy topping
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and free of lumps.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla, then beat until creamy and well combined.
- In a separate chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy cream to stiff peaks; it should hold its shape when you lift the beaters.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture with a spatula until no streaks remain and the topping is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
Step 4: Frost the cake
- Make sure the cake is completely cool before frosting so the topping does not melt or slide off.
- Spread the creamy topping evenly over the surface of the cake, going all the way to the edges.
- Add optional garnishes like toasted coconut, chopped nuts, maraschino cherries, or extra pineapple chunks for texture and a bakery-style finish.
- Chill the frosted cake for at least 1 hour before serving to let the topping firm up and the flavors blend.
Serving suggestions
This cake shines as a chilled, refreshing dessert that fits almost any casual gathering. You can keep the garnish simple for weeknights or dress it up for parties.
- Serve cold straight from the fridge after grilled meats, BBQ, or summer dinners for a cool contrast.
- Pair with iced tea, lemonade, or coffee depending on the season and your menu.
- Cut into small squares for potlucks or buffets, or plate larger slices with an extra spoonful of pineapple and a cherry on top for a restaurant-style presentation.