Hawaiian Pineapple Cake: A Tropical and Creamy Delight

If you’re looking for a sweet, fruity, and incredibly moist cake, this Hawaiian Pineapple Cake is the perfect treat! Bursting with tropical flavors, layers of juicy pineapple, creamy filling, and a buttery crust make every bite absolutely irresistible. This cake is easy to make, requires no fancy techniques, and is ideal for summer gatherings, holidays, or a refreshing dessert any time of the year.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

✔ Tropical & Refreshing – A perfect blend of sweet pineapple and creamy layers.

✔ Moist & Buttery – The soft cake and rich filling make it melt in your mouth.

✔ No Complicated Steps – Just mix, bake, and assemble!

✔ Great for Any Occasion – Serve at parties, BBQs, birthdays, or Sunday dinners.

✔ Make Ahead Friendly – Tastes even better the next day!

How to Make Hawaiian Pineapple Cake

Ingredients

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple with juice (do not drain!)
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Creamy Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup crushed pineapple (drained, for texture, optional)

For the Topping:

½ cup chopped pecans or toasted coconut (for crunch!)
Pineapple chunks (for garnish, optional)
¼ cup brown sugar (optional, adds a caramelized touch!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Sugar
- Baking soda
- Salt
Add the eggs, vanilla extract, crushed pineapple (with juice), and melted butter.
Stir until just combined—do not overmix.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely before adding the frosting.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
Fold in drained crushed pineapple (optional for added texture).

Step 4: Assemble & Decorate

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
Sprinkle with chopped pecans, toasted coconut, or brown sugar for extra flavor.
Garnish with pineapple chunks for a decorative touch.
Chill for at least 30 minutes before slicing for the best texture.

Recipe Variations & Add-Ins

🔹 Coconut Pineapple Cake: Add ½ cup shredded coconut to the batter.

🔹 Nutty Crunch: Swap pecans for toasted almonds or macadamia nuts.

🔹 Lighter Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of butter in the frosting.

🔹 Pineapple Upside-Down Style: Arrange pineapple rings and cherries on the bottom before baking.

🔹 Extra Moist Cake: Brush the baked cake with a little pineapple juice before frosting.

Best Ways to Serve Hawaiian Pineapple Cake

✔ With a Cup of Coffee or Tea – The perfect tropical-inspired treat.

✔ Chilled for a Refreshing Dessert – Tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge!

✔ Topped with Whipped Cream – Adds a light and airy finish.

✔ Served with Vanilla Ice Cream – A cool and creamy contrast.

✔ Drizzled with Caramel Sauce – For an extra indulgent touch.

Storage & Freezing Tips

✔ Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

✔ Freeze for Later: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

✔ Make Ahead: Bake the cake a day in advance, then frost just before serving.

✔ Reheat for Freshness: Let refrigerated cake sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before eating.

Why Everyone Loves This Cake

✨ Tropical, Sweet & Creamy – A perfect blend of pineapple and cream cheese.

✨ Super Easy to Make – No complicated techniques needed!

✨ Moist & Buttery – A melt-in-your-mouth texture.

✨ Great for Any Occasion – From summer BBQs to holiday desserts!

✨ A Crowd-Pleasing Classic – Always a hit at family gatherings.

Final Thoughts

This Hawaiian Pineapple Cake is rich, moist, and bursting with tropical flavors! Whether you serve it at a special occasion, a casual get-together, or just as a weekend treat, it’s sure to be a favorite!

So grab your pineapple, cream cheese, and pecans, and bake this delicious tropical cake today!