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Juicy Southern Pineapple Cake Recipe

Juicy Southern Pineapple Cake Recipe


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4.9 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Sweet Southern hospitality shines through this mouthwatering pineapple cake, blending tropical flavors with classic southern charm. Creamy frosting and juicy pineapple layers promise a delightful dessert that transports you straight to a warm kitchen filled with love and tradition.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Fruit and Wet Ingredients:

  • 2 cups fresh pineapple, crushed
  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk

Topping and Garnish:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/4 cup shredded coconut

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, and baking soda until uniformly combined.
  3. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until a smooth batter forms.
  4. Fold in the crushed pineapple and pineapple juice, stirring gently to distribute the fruit evenly throughout the mixture.
  5. Incorporate buttermilk into the batter, stirring until just combined to maintain a light, tender texture.
  6. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform thickness.
  7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
  8. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack for approximately 1 hour.
  9. For the cream cheese frosting, beat softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy.
  10. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
  11. Once the cake is fully cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting across the entire surface.
  12. Sprinkle chopped pecans and shredded coconut over the frosted cake for added texture and visual appeal.
  13. Slice and serve at room temperature, enjoying the rich, tropical flavors of this Southern-style dessert.

Notes

  • Swap out all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals, ensuring the cake remains tender and delicious.
  • Reduce sugar content by using a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit for a lower-calorie version that maintains the cake’s signature sweetness.
  • Toast pecans before sprinkling to enhance their nutty flavor and create a more complex taste profile, adding depth to the cake’s overall texture.
  • Consider adding a splash of rum or coconut extract to the batter for an extra tropical twist that amplifies the pineapple’s natural sweetness.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 385
  • Sugar: 34 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg