Irresistible Southern Pineapple Cake Recipe for Sweet Moments

Sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen come alive with this delightful southern pineapple cake that whispers nostalgia in every bite.

Baking brings comfort like nothing else can, weaving magic through simple ingredients.

Southern hospitality shines through moist layers infused with tropical brightness.

Creamy frosting adds a luxurious touch that makes hearts sing with pure delight.

Fragrant pineapple chunks promise a journey of pure happiness in each forkful.

Warm spices dance beneath golden crumbs, creating a dessert that speaks directly to your soul.

We promise this cake will become your new favorite weekend indulgence.

What Makes Southern Pineapple Cake So Loved

• Create Effortless Culinary Magic: This Southern Pineapple Cake transforms complex baking into a simple, stress-free experience perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Dessert: Bursting with tropical pineapple flavor and topped with a decadent nutty glaze, this cake guarantees smiles and second helpings at family gatherings and potlucks.
• No-Fuss Preparation: With basic pantry ingredients and straightforward mixing instructions, anyone can whip up this delightful dessert without advanced baking techniques or special equipment.
• Versatile Sweet Solution: Whether celebrating birthdays, holiday events, or craving a weekend treat, this adaptable cake works beautifully for multiple occasions and satisfies diverse taste preferences.

Southern Pineapple Cake Ingredient List

• Flour: Light and fluffy base for the cake.
• Sugar: Sweet crystal goodness.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and become light.
• Eggs: Binding and richness for the cake.
• Vanilla: Warm and aromatic flavor enhancer.
• Crushed Pineapple: Juicy tropical fruit that adds moisture.

• Butter: Rich and creamy component.
• Evaporated Milk: Smooth and dense dairy product.
• Sugar: Additional sweetness for the topping.
• Vanilla: Extra flavor boost.

• Pecans, Walnuts: Crunchy nutty texture.
• Coconut: Tropical and textural sprinkle.

How To Bake Southern Pineapple Cake

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350 degrees Fahrenheit, getting ready for some baking magic.

Step 2: Prepare The Baking Vessel

Grab a 13 x 9-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with baking spray or a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Create The Cake Base

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking soda
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Crushed pineapple (including its juice)

Stir everything together until the mixture looks smooth and well-blended.

Step 4: Bake The Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and slide it into the preheated oven.

Bake for 40-45 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 5: Craft The Decadent Topping

While the cake bakes, start on the topping.

• Butter
• Evaporated milk
• Vanilla extract
• Sugar

Heat these ingredients over medium-high heat until they start bubbling.

Step 6: Enhance The Topping

• Pecans or walnuts
• Shredded coconut

Continue cooking on medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

The mixture will slowly thicken.

Step 7: Prepare For Topping

Once the cake is out of the oven, use a wooden chopstick or fork tines to poke holes all over the top.

This helps the topping seep into the cake.

Step 8: Finish With Flair

Spread the warm topping evenly across the cake’s surface.

Let it cool and settle.

Step 9: Serve And Enjoy

Slice into this Southern treasure and savor every delicious bite!

Southern Pineapple Cake Pro Tips

• Use a wooden chopstick or fork tines to create deep holes for the topping, ensuring maximum flavor absorption throughout the cake.
• Replace pecans or walnuts with almonds or omit completely for nut-free diets, maintaining the cake's delicious texture.
• Don't overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and prevent tough, dense results – mix just until ingredients are combined.
• Pour the warm topping over the hot cake immediately after baking to help it seep into the holes and create a rich, moist dessert.
• Cover the cake loosely and store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness without losing its soft texture.

Storage And Reheating Guide For Pineapple Cake

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
• Wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing to keep moisture locked in and prevent drying out.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or place the entire cake in a preheated oven at 300 degrees for 10-15 minutes to restore its soft, delicious texture.
• Slice the cake, wrap each portion separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to preserve for up to 3 months, thawing at room temperature before serving.

Ideal Matches For Southern Pineapple Cake

• Pair Sweet Southern Comfort: Creamy vanilla ice cream complements the cake's rich, tropical flavors and provides a cool contrast to the warm, nutty topping.
• Sip Southern Sunshine: Chilled peach iced tea balances the cake's sweetness with its refreshing, slightly tangy profile and echoes the Southern culinary tradition.
• Elevate Flavor Harmony: Serve alongside a dollop of whipped cream with a sprinkle of toasted coconut to enhance the cake's tropical and nutty undertones.
• Toast Celebration: A small glass of bourbon or Southern-style dessert wine adds a sophisticated warmth that perfectly matches the cake's caramel-like topping and deep flavors.

Southern Pineapple Cake Twists

• Gluten-Free Pineapple Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the cake's rich tropical flavor.
• Vegan Tropical Paradise: Substitute eggs with mashed bananas or flax eggs, use coconut cream instead of evaporated milk, and swap butter with coconut oil for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Southern Comfort: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener in place of regular sugar, and reduce the overall sugar content while keeping the cake's classic taste profile.
• Nut-Free Pineapple Sensation: Omit pecans and walnuts, and replace with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a crunchy topping that's safe for nut-allergy individuals.

FAQs

• What makes the Southern Pineapple Cake unique?

This cake combines tropical flavors with traditional Southern baking, featuring crushed pineapple in the batter and a rich pecan-coconut topping that gets poured over the warm cake, creating a moist and decadent dessert.

• Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?

Yes, you can replace pecans with walnuts, and if you don’t have evaporated milk, you can use heavy cream or half-and-half as an alternative. The key is maintaining similar moisture and richness.

• How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

The cake is done when it turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This typically takes 40-45 minutes in a 350-degree oven.

• Is this cake good for special occasions?

Absolutely! This Southern Pineapple Cake is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, summer parties, and any celebration where you want to serve a delicious, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s easy to make.

Sun-Kissed Southern Pineapple Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet Southern pineapple cake brings sunshine to dessert tables with its moist layers and creamy frosting. Warm hospitality and classic Southern charm shine through each delightful slice you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base Ingredients:

• 2 cups (473 ml) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (400 g) sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 20-ounce (567 g) can Dole crushed pineapple (with juice)

Wet and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113 g) butter
• 2/3 cup (158 ml) evaporated milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping Ingredients:

• 1 cup (100 g) chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1 cup (85 g) coconut flakes
• 1 cup (200 g) sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by setting the temperature to 350 degrees for optimal baking conditions.
2. Generously coat a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with baking spray to prevent cake adherence.
3. Create the cake base by thoroughly blending flour, sugar, baking soda, eggs, vanilla extract, and crushed pineapple (including its natural juice) in a spacious mixing bowl until a uniform consistency develops.
4. Transfer the smooth batter into the prepared baking dish, ensuring even distribution.
5. Bake the cake for approximately 40-45 minutes, monitoring until the surface achieves a rich golden-brown coloration.
6. Simultaneously, craft the decadent topping by combining butter, evaporated milk, vanilla, and sugar in a medium saucepan.
7. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring continuously until it reaches a robust boiling point.
8. Incorporate pecans or walnuts and shredded coconut into the simmering liquid, maintaining constant movement for roughly 5 minutes until the mixture slightly thickens.
9. Remove the freshly baked cake from the oven and perforate the entire surface using a wooden chopstick or large serving fork tines.
10. Gently cascade the warm topping across the cake’s surface, ensuring complete and even coverage.
11. Allow the cake to cool completely, enabling the topping to set and flavors to meld harmoniously.
12. Slice into generous portions and serve this delectable Southern classic.

Notes

• Check cake doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center, which should come out clean when fully baked.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a reliable gluten-free flour blend to maintain cake’s texture.
• Drain pineapple slightly before mixing to prevent excess moisture making the cake too wet.
• Use room temperature eggs and butter for smoother batter and more even cake texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern (American)

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 130 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg