Description
A moist, tropical cake infused with crushed pineapple and crowned with tangy cream cheese frosting—perfect for any summer occasion or when you crave a sunny bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, crushed and drained
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (for garnish)
- ¼ cup toasted coconut flakes
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla.
- Fold in crushed pineapple. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting and ending with dry.
- Divide batter into pans. Tap to release air bubbles. Bake 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then pineapple juice and vanilla. Beat until fluffy.
- Frost one cake layer, top with second layer, and frost entire cake. Decorate with pineapple chunks, coconut flakes, and mint if desired.
- Chill for 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Ensure pineapple is well-drained to avoid excess moisture. For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut oil and vegan cream cheese.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: pineapple, tropical cake, pineapple heaven cake, cream cheese frosting