Introduction
There’s something truly magical about Pineapple Heaven Cake. The first time I made this cake, I had no idea how big of a hit it would be with my family. The moment the cake came out of the oven, it filled the kitchen with a sweet, tropical aroma that made everyone’s mouths water. The combination of buttery richness with a hint of pineapple tang made it hard to resist. The cake is light yet moist, and the pineapple glaze on top adds a beautiful finishing touch that perfectly complements the cake’s texture. My family couldn’t stop talking about it, and they asked if I could make it again every week! If you’re looking for a delicious dessert that is simple to make and sure to impress, this Pineapple Heaven Cake is the answer.
Ingredients
For the cake:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
For the glaze:
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp pineapple juice
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick during baking.
Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process will take about 2-3 minutes.
Add eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Alternate dry ingredients and sour cream: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the sour cream. Start and finish with the flour mixture. Be careful not to overmix the batter. Stir just until combined.
Add crushed pineapple: Gently fold in the crushed pineapple, making sure it is evenly distributed in the batter without overmixing.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the cake: Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. After that, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and pineapple juice until smooth. Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top of the cake.
Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories per Serving)
Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 33g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
How to Serve
This Pineapple Heaven Cake can be served in a variety of ways to suit any occasion. Here are some ideas:
- As a Dessert: Serve the cake as is, topped with the pineapple glaze, for a simple yet delicious dessert.
- With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top for an extra layer of richness.
- With Fresh Fruit: Garnish with extra crushed pineapple or other tropical fruits like coconut flakes or banana slices.
- For Afternoon Tea: Slice the cake into smaller portions and serve with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
- As a Gift: Wrap the cake in parchment paper and gift it to a friend or neighbor. The tropical flavor makes it a perfect summer or holiday treat.
Additional Tips
- Drain the Pineapple Well: Be sure to drain the crushed pineapple properly to prevent excess moisture in the cake batter. Too much liquid can result in a soggy cake.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, let your butter, eggs, and sour cream come to room temperature before mixing them. This helps them blend together smoothly and creates a lighter, fluffier cake.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once the flour mixture is added, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so be gentle.
- Substitute Sour Cream: If you don’t have sour cream, you can use plain yogurt as a substitute. It will give a similar tang and help keep the cake moist.
- Test for Doneness: Make sure to test the cake with a toothpick before removing it from the oven. It should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
Recipe Variations
This Pineapple Heaven Cake can be easily modified to suit different tastes. Here are a few variations to try:
- Coconut Pineapple Cake: Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the batter to give the cake an extra tropical flavor.
- Pineapple Banana Cake: Mix in 1 ripe mashed banana along with the crushed pineapple for a sweet, fruity twist.
- Lemon Pineapple Cake: Add the zest of one lemon and a few teaspoons of fresh lemon juice to the batter for a citrusy kick that complements the pineapple.
- Pineapple Upside-Down Cake: Pour the batter over a layer of caramelized pineapple slices in the bottom of the loaf pan for a fun take on the classic upside-down cake.
Serving Suggestions
- With Ice Cream: Pineapple Heaven Cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or coconut ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Pairing with Drinks: This cake is perfect with tropical beverages such as piña coladas or fresh fruit juices.
- For a Brunch Spread: Serve slices alongside other fruity pastries, muffins, or scones for a delightful brunch treat.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Store the Pineapple Heaven Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cake either whole or in slices. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
FAQ Section
- Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes! If you prefer fresh pineapple, make sure to crush it finely and drain the excess juice. - Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check for the right proportions based on the flour you use. - How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. - Can I make this cake in a bundt pan?
Absolutely! If using a bundt pan, adjust the baking time and check for doneness a little earlier. - Can I add nuts to this cake?
Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a delightful crunch to this cake. - Can I skip the glaze?
While the glaze adds a sweet finish, you can skip it if you prefer a less sweet cake. - Can I use low-fat sour cream?
Yes, low-fat sour cream can be substituted without affecting the cake’s texture too much. - Is it necessary to cool the cake before glazing?
Yes, it’s important to let the cake cool completely before glazing to ensure the glaze doesn’t melt off. - Can I add other fruits?
Yes, other fruits like bananas or berries can complement the pineapple flavor. - How do I make the glaze thicker?
If you prefer a thicker glaze, simply add a bit more powdered sugar until it reaches your desired consistency.
Conclusion
Pineapple Heaven Cake is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves tropical flavors. It’s easy to make, incredibly moist, and deliciously sweet with a hint of pineapple tang. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just because, this cake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make it accessible for bakers of all levels, and the final result is simply divine. Try this cake today, and you’ll quickly understand why it’s called “Heaven” – it’s truly a slice of paradise in every bite!