If you have a soft spot for tropical flavors and luscious desserts, you are absolutely going to adore this Hawaiian Pineapple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. This cake brings together the sweet tang of crushed pineapple with a moist, tender crumb, all beautifully balanced by a rich and creamy frosting that’s tangy yet smooth. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just craving something special, this recipe feels like a warm hug with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this cake just right is all about simple, wholesome ingredients that work in perfect harmony. Each one adds something essential — from the moistness coming from the pineapple to the velvety finish of the cream cheese frosting.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, providing structure and a soft crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetness that balances the tart pineapple and brings flavor depth.
- Large eggs: They help bind everything together and create a light texture.
- Baking soda: The leavening agent that ensures the cake rises beautifully.
- Vanilla extract: Adds aromatic warmth and rounds out the flavors.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the other ingredients’ flavors for balance.
- Crushed pineapple (undrained): Infuses moisture and tropical sweetness throughout the cake.
- Chopped nuts (optional): Adds delightful crunch and nutty depth.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Integral for rich, creamy frosting texture.
- Cream cheese (softened): The star of the frosting, lending tanginess and smoothness.
- Confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfect spreadability.
- Coconut for garnish (optional): Provides a lovely tropical, chewy contrast on top.
How to Make Hawaiian Pineapple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan so the cake doesn’t stick. Starting with the right temperature and prepping your pan ensures a perfectly baked cake ready for that dreamy frosting.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, eggs, baking soda, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until combined. Then, add in the crushed pineapple — juice and all — because that juice is the secret to keeping the cake moist and flavorful. Fold in the chopped nuts if you want a bit of a crunch at every bite.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Pour the pineapple-filled batter into your prepared pan and slide it into the oven. Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean. This step sets the stage for a soft yet sturdy cake base.
Step 4: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting
While your cake bakes, mix softened butter and cream cheese in a medium bowl until creamy and smooth. Slowly add confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract until your frosting achieves that perfect spreadable consistency. This frosting is the luscious finishing touch that transforms the cake into a tropical delight.
Step 5: Frost the Warm Cake
Once the cake is just slightly warm — not hot — spread the frosting evenly all over the top. This slightly warm surface helps the frosting soften a little too, making it irresistibly smooth. Sprinkle with shredded coconut or extra nuts if you want that extra island vibe and texture.
Step 6: Let it Set and Serve
Allow the frosting to set for a bit before slicing into squares. This Hawaiian Pineapple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is divine when eaten warm, but it also tastes wonderful at room temperature, making it perfect for any occasion.
How to Serve Hawaiian Pineapple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of shredded coconut adds a chewy, tropical flair, while chopped toasted nuts give the cake an inviting crunch. You can also add a few thin pineapple slices or a dusting of cinnamon for additional warmth and presentation.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to amplify the creaminess. For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside fresh tropical fruits like mango or papaya, making your dessert plate a vibrant celebration of flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the cake in individual glass cups layered with pineapple chunks and frosting for a fun, portable treat. Another idea is cutting the cake into bite-sized squares and offering them as finger food at parties. No matter how you present it, this Hawaiian Pineapple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe turns into a crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The frosting stays fresh for up to 4 days, and the cake actually benefits from resting as flavors meld nicely overnight.
Freezing
If you want to keep this deliciousness longer, slice the cake into portions, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste anytime.
Reheating
Warm leftover cake slices gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to bring back that just-baked softness. This little trick revives the cream cheese frosting’s luscious texture — just be careful not to overheat and melt it completely.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned crushed pineapple?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple finely chopped and drained can work well, but be mindful of extra moisture. You may want to squeeze out some juice so the cake batter isn’t too wet, maintaining the right texture for baking.
Is it necessary to include nuts in the recipe?
Not at all. Nuts add a lovely crunch and flavor, but you can omit them if you prefer a nut-free cake or want a smoother texture. The cake and frosting remain delicious either way.
Can I make this recipe into cupcakes instead of a sheet cake?
Yes! Just divide the batter evenly between cupcake liners and bake at the same temperature for about 20-25 minutes. Cupcakes let you enjoy individual servings covered with cream cheese frosting — perfect for parties.
How long does the cream cheese frosting take to set properly?
It usually sets comfortably within 30 minutes at room temperature, but placing the cake in the refrigerator after frosting helps the frosting firm up quicker and keeps it fresh.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the frosting?
You can, but keep in mind that full-fat cream cheese provides a creamier, richer frosting that complements the cake best. Low-fat versions might result in a thinner or less flavorful frosting.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Pineapple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a celebration of tropical flavors and comforting textures you just can’t resist. It’s approachable enough for a casual weekend bake, yet special enough to impress guests. I promise, once you try it, this cake will become your go-to for all things sweet and island-inspired. Happy baking!
Print
Hawaiian Pineapple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Hawaiian Pineapple Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that combines sweet crushed pineapple and a tender cake base with a rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for gatherings, the cake features optional chopped nuts and a coconut garnish, offering a tropical twist that’s both comforting and delicious.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple (undrained, in its own juice, not syrup)
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Frosting Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- Coconut for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, eggs, baking soda, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Add the undrained crushed pineapple directly to the bowl and stir until all ingredients are incorporated evenly. If you prefer a nutty texture, gently fold in the chopped nuts now.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top turns a golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting by beating together the softened butter and cream cheese in a medium bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting has a spreadable consistency.
- Frost the Cake: After removing the cake from the oven, allow it to cool slightly but remain warm. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cake. For extra flavor and texture, garnish with shredded coconut and additional chopped nuts if desired.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the frosting to set for a little while before cutting the cake into squares. This cake is delightful served warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- The chopped nuts are optional; you can omit them for a nut-free version or substitute with your favorite nuts like macadamia or walnuts.
- Use crushed pineapple packed in its own juice for best results; avoid pineapple in syrup to reduce extra sweetness.
- Ensure the cake is slightly warm when frosting to help the frosting spread easily without melting.
- Storing the cake in the refrigerator will help the cream cheese frosting keep its texture longer.
- For a vegan or dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives.
