Easy Pineapple Cake: A Simple Recipe for a Tropical Delight

Pineapple cake is a classic dessert that’s loved for its moist texture, sweet and tangy flavor, and cheerful presentation. While some pineapple cake recipes can seem intimidating, this recipe is designed to be incredibly easy, even for beginner bakers. It’s perfect for potlucks, birthday parties, or simply a sweet treat on a weeknight. We’ll walk you through each step with clear instructions and helpful tips to ensure your pineapple cake turns out perfectly every time.

## Why This Recipe Works

* **Simple Ingredients:** This recipe uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand, making it a convenient choice when you need a dessert in a pinch.
* **Easy Preparation:** We’ve streamlined the process to minimize the steps and cleanup, making it a truly effortless baking experience.
* **Incredibly Moist:** The combination of pineapple juice and crushed pineapple guarantees a cake that’s exceptionally moist and stays fresh for days.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe with different toppings, frostings, or additions to suit your taste preferences.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** The bright flavor and tender crumb make this cake a surefire hit with everyone.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather all your ingredients. This will make the baking process smoother and prevent you from scrambling for items mid-recipe.

* **All-Purpose Flour:** 2 1/2 cups (300g). Use a kitchen scale for the most accurate measurement. If using measuring cups, spoon the flour into the cup and level it off with a knife.
* **Granulated Sugar:** 1 3/4 cups (350g). This provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
* **Baking Powder:** 2 teaspoons. This is the leavening agent that helps the cake rise.
* **Baking Soda:** 1/2 teaspoon. Baking soda reacts with the acidity in the pineapple, contributing to the cake’s rise and texture.
* **Salt:** 1/4 teaspoon. Salt enhances the other flavors in the cake.
* **Eggs:** 2 large. Eggs provide structure, richness, and moisture.
* **Vegetable Oil:** 1/2 cup (120ml). Oil keeps the cake moist and tender.
* **Crushed Pineapple:** 1 (20 ounce) can, undrained. Do not drain the pineapple! The juice is essential for the cake’s moisture.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1 teaspoon. Vanilla extract adds a subtle but important layer of flavor.

**Optional Toppings/Frosting**

* **Whipped Cream:** For a light and refreshing topping.
* **Cream Cheese Frosting:** For a richer and tangier flavor.
* **Maraschino Cherries:** For a classic pineapple cake garnish.
* **Toasted Coconut:** For added texture and flavor.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **9×13 inch Baking Pan:** This is the standard size for this cake. You can also use two 9-inch round cake pans, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time accordingly.
* **Mixing Bowls:** You’ll need at least two mixing bowls, one for the dry ingredients and one for the wet ingredients.
* **Electric Mixer:** A stand mixer or hand mixer will make creaming the butter and sugar much easier, but you can also use a whisk.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Rubber Spatula:** For folding ingredients together.
* **Parchment Paper (optional):** Lining the baking pan with parchment paper makes it easier to remove the cake.
* **Wire Rack:** For cooling the cake.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create a delicious and easy pineapple cake.

**1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oven rack is in the center position.
* Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. Alternatively, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This makes it incredibly easy to lift the cake out after baking.

**2. Combine Dry Ingredients:**

* In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is crucial for a consistent rise.

**3. Combine Wet Ingredients:**

* In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, undrained crushed pineapple, and vanilla extract. Make sure the eggs are well beaten to incorporate air, which will contribute to a lighter texture.

**4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:**

* Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using an electric mixer (or a sturdy whisk), mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. A few streaks of flour are okay at this stage.

**5. Pour Batter into Pan:**

* Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread the batter evenly with a spatula.

**6. Bake:**

* Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Start checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark. Baking times can vary depending on your oven.

**7. Cool:**

* Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. If you used parchment paper, simply lift the cake out of the pan using the overhang.

**8. Frost (Optional):**

* Once the cake is completely cool, frost it with your favorite frosting, such as whipped cream or cream cheese frosting. Decorate with maraschino cherries or toasted coconut, if desired.

## Variations and Customizations

This easy pineapple cake recipe is a great base for experimentation. Here are some ideas to customize it to your liking:

* **Spice it Up:** Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, comforting flavor.
* **Add Nuts:** Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for added texture and flavor.
* **Coconut Cake:** Substitute 1/2 cup of the flour with shredded coconut for a coconut-infused cake.
* **Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Variation:** Pour melted butter and brown sugar into the bottom of the pan before adding the batter, then arrange pineapple rings on top for a pineapple upside-down cake-inspired flavor.
* **Cream Cheese Frosting:** For a tangy and rich frosting, beat together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of softened butter, 3 cups of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
* **Whipped Cream Topping:** For a light and refreshing topping, whip heavy cream with a little sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
* **Orange Zest:** Add the zest of one orange to the wet ingredients for a brighter, citrusy flavor.

## Tips for Success

* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the batter can result in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
* **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** Using room temperature eggs and oil will help them emulsify properly, resulting in a smoother batter.
* **Accurate Measurements:** Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success. Use measuring cups and spoons or, even better, a kitchen scale.
* **Check for Doneness:** Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time. A wooden skewer inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
* **Cool Completely Before Frosting:** Frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt and slide off.

## Serving Suggestions

* Serve the pineapple cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
* Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
* Bring it to a potluck or party to share with friends and family.
* Cut it into squares and pack it in lunchboxes for a sweet surprise.

## Storage Instructions

* Store leftover pineapple cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
* To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

## Troubleshooting

* **Cake is Dry:** Make sure you are using the correct measurements and not overbaking the cake. The undrained crushed pineapple is essential for moisture.
* **Cake is Soggy:** Ensure the oven is preheated to the correct temperature and that you are not opening the oven door frequently during baking.
* **Cake Didn’t Rise:** Check that your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Also, avoid overmixing the batter.
* **Cake is Too Dense:** Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined.
* **Cake Sticks to the Pan:** Make sure you grease and flour the pan thoroughly, or use parchment paper.

## Recipe Summary

**Yields:** 12-16 servings
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30-35 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
* 1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 2 large eggs
* 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
* 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, undrained crushed pineapple, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool in pan for 10-15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Frost with your favorite frosting, if desired.

## Enjoy Your Easy Pineapple Cake!

This recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious desserts don’t have to be complicated. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a moist, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing pineapple cake that everyone will love. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a taste of the tropics! Enjoy!

**Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):**

*Calories:* Varies depending on frosting and toppings, but approximately 300-400
*Fat:* Varies depending on frosting and toppings, but approximately 15-20g
*Carbohydrates:* Varies depending on frosting and toppings, but approximately 40-50g
*Protein:* Approximately 3-4g

**Disclaimer:** Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.