Name: Hawaiian Pineapple Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained; ½ cup shredded coconut (optional); ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional); 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1-2 tablespoons pineapple juice

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If you love tropical flavors, this Hawaiian Pineapple Cake is a must-try! It’s moist, rich, and bursting with the natural sweetness of pineapple, paired with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, celebrating a special occasion, or just craving something sweet, this cake will transport you to paradise with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Easy to Make – No fancy baking techniques needed!
✔ Super Moist & Flavorful – Thanks to crushed pineapple, this cake stays incredibly moist.
✔ No Butter or Oil Needed – The pineapple juice provides natural moisture.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Ideal for birthdays, potlucks, or just a weekend treat.
✔ Tropical Taste in Every Bite – The combination of pineapple and coconut gives a true island flavor.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
½ cup shredded coconut (optional)
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons pineapple juice (for extra flavor)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and crushed pineapple (with juice). Stir until combined. If using, fold in shredded coconut and chopped nuts.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely before frosting.

Step 4: Prepare the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. For extra pineapple flavor, mix in 1-2 tablespoons of pineapple juice.

Step 5: Frost & Serve

Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Sprinkle with extra coconut flakes or chopped nuts for garnish. Slice and enjoy!

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Tips for the Best Hawaiian Pineapple Cake

🔹 Use Crushed Pineapple with Juice – The juice adds extra moisture, making the cake soft and tender.
🔹 No Need for Butter or Oil – This cake stays naturally moist from the pineapple juice.
🔹 Enhance the Tropical Flavor – Add shredded coconut or a hint of lime zest.
🔹 Chill Before Serving – Refrigerating the cake for an hour before serving enhances the flavors.

Variations & Substitutions

🍍 Gluten-Free Option – Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
🍍 Vegan Version – Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use dairy-free frosting.
🍍 Nut-Free Version – Simply omit the nuts for a nut-free cake.
🍍 Sheet Cake or Cupcakes – You can bake this as cupcakes (adjusting the bake time to 18-20 minutes) or as a layered cake.

FAQs About Hawaiian Pineapple Cake

1. Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?

Yes! This cake tastes even better the next day. Store it covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.

2. Can I Use Fresh Pineapple Instead of Canned?

Yes! Just puree 1 ½ cups of fresh pineapple to get a similar texture and moisture.

3. Can I Freeze This Cake?

Absolutely! Freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and frost before serving.

4. Can I Use a Different Frosting?

Definitely! While cream cheese frosting pairs perfectly, you can use whipped cream or a simple powdered sugar glaze.

5. How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Hawaiian Pineapple Cake is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves tropical flavors. It’s easy to make, incredibly moist, and bursting with sweet pineapple goodness. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, summer party, or just because, it’s guaranteed to be a hit!

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Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Cake Recipe