Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake

Step-by-step instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
Mix in the drained crushed pineapple until combined.
Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
If using, fold in the shredded coconut for an extra tropical touch.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans, smoothing the tops.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract and crushed pineapple.
Spread the frosting between the cake layers, and on the top and sides of the cake.
Chill for 30 minutes before serving to set the frosting.

Best ways to enjoy it

Serve this cake chilled or at room temperature, and consider garnishing with additional crushed pineapple or toasted coconut for added flair. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side can elevate the experience, making each bite a heavenly treat.

How to store

To keep your Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay good for up to five days. For long-term storage, freeze the cake (without frosting) by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. Always ensure safe food handling practices when dealing with leftovers.

Helpful cooking tips

Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
If the batter appears too thick, you can add a splash more buttermilk to loosen it.
Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting.

Creative twists

Much like a blank canvas, the Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake allows for a variety of creative adaptations! Try using different fruits like mango or passionfruit in place of pineapple or incorporate different spices such as coconut or almond extract. For a lower-sugar version, substitute some granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup.

FAQs

How long does it take to prep and bake the cake?

Prep time is roughly 20-25 minutes, and baking takes about 30-35 minutes. Overall, you can have this cake ready to serve in about two hours, including cooling time.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes! If using fresh pineapple, be sure to finely crush and drain it well to remove excess moisture.

Is there a gluten-free version of this cake?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Check that your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.