Two-Ingredient Pineapple Angel Food Cake: The Easiest Dessert Ever!

Looking for a ridiculously easy dessert that tastes amazing? This two-ingredient pineapple angel food cake is your answer! It’s light, fluffy, and bursting with pineapple flavor. This recipe is perfect for those times when you need a quick and delicious treat without spending hours in the kitchen.

## Why This Recipe Works

* **Simplicity:** As the name suggests, it only requires two ingredients. No complicated steps or hard-to-find items.
* **Light and Airy:** Angel food cake is naturally low in fat, and the pineapple adds moisture without adding extra calories.
* **Delicious Flavor:** The combination of angel food cake mix and crushed pineapple creates a sweet and tangy flavor that’s incredibly satisfying.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this cake with different toppings, sauces, or even mix-ins.
* **Beginner-Friendly:** Even if you’re new to baking, you can easily master this recipe.

## What You’ll Need

* **1 (15.25 ounce) box angel food cake mix:** Make sure it’s just the mix, not a cake that’s already prepared.
* **1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained:** Don’t drain the pineapple! The juice is essential for adding moisture and flavor.

## Equipment

* **9×13 inch baking pan:** A 9×13 inch pan works best for this recipe. You can also use a round or square pan, but the baking time may vary slightly.
* **Mixing bowl:** A large mixing bowl to combine the ingredients.
* **Spatula:** To gently fold the pineapple into the cake mix.
* **Measuring cup:** To measure the pineapple (though not strictly necessary since you’re using the whole can).

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your own two-ingredient pineapple angel food cake:

**Step 1: Preheat the Oven**

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for even baking. Make sure your oven is properly calibrated for the best results. If you know your oven runs hot or cold, adjust the temperature accordingly.

**Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan**

Lightly grease your 9×13 inch baking pan. You can use cooking spray or a small amount of oil. Alternatively, you can line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper for easy removal, leaving the sides ungreased to allow the cake to climb.

**Step 3: Combine the Ingredients**

In a large mixing bowl, pour the entire box of angel food cake mix. Then, add the entire can of crushed pineapple (undrained) to the bowl. Make sure you include all the juice from the can, as this is what provides the necessary moisture.

**Step 4: Gently Fold**

Gently fold the pineapple into the angel food cake mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the cake and make it tough. The batter will be quite thick, and that’s perfectly normal. Use a light hand and incorporate the ingredients until there are no more dry streaks of cake mix.

**Step 5: Pour into the Pan**

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Use a spatula to smooth the top of the batter.

**Step 6: Bake**

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven. Start checking for doneness around 30 minutes. The cake should spring back lightly when touched.

**Step 7: Cool**

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan before serving. Cooling completely is important to prevent the cake from falling apart. If you lined the pan with parchment paper, you can lift the cake out of the pan once it’s cooled.

**Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!**

Once cooled, cut the cake into squares and serve. This cake is delicious on its own, but you can also add toppings or sauces for extra flavor. See suggestions below!

## Tips for Success

* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Gently fold the ingredients until just combined.
* **Use Undrained Pineapple:** The juice from the crushed pineapple is essential for moisture and flavor. Don’t drain it!
* **Check for Doneness:** Use a toothpick to check for doneness. Insert it into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
* **Cool Completely:** Let the cake cool completely in the pan before serving to prevent it from falling apart.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** For the best flavor, use fresh angel food cake mix and high-quality crushed pineapple.
* **Pan Preparation Matters:** Ensuring the pan is properly greased (or lined with parchment paper) is crucial for easy release after baking.
* **Oven Temperature:** Calibrate your oven regularly. An inaccurate oven temperature can significantly impact the outcome of your cake.
* **Gentle Handling:** Angel food cake is delicate. Handle it with care when transferring it to and from the pan.

## Variations and Add-Ins

This two-ingredient pineapple angel food cake is delicious as is, but you can easily customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas:

* **Toppings:**
* Whipped cream
* Fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
* Powdered sugar
* Chocolate shavings
* Toasted coconut flakes
* Maraschino cherries
* A drizzle of honey or maple syrup
* **Sauces:**
* Caramel sauce
* Chocolate sauce
* Raspberry sauce
* Pineapple sauce
* Strawberry sauce
* **Mix-ins:**
* Shredded coconut (add 1/2 cup to the batter)
* Chopped nuts (add 1/2 cup to the batter)
* Chocolate chips (add 1/2 cup to the batter)
* Dried cranberries (add 1/2 cup to the batter)
* A teaspoon of vanilla extract
* A pinch of cinnamon
* **Flavor Variations:**
* **Strawberry:** Use strawberry angel food cake mix and strawberry pie filling.
* **Lemon:** Add lemon zest and a tablespoon of lemon juice to the batter.
* **Orange:** Add orange zest and a tablespoon of orange juice to the batter.
* **Cherry:** Use cherry pie filling instead of pineapple.

## Serving Suggestions

This cake is perfect for a variety of occasions:

* **Dessert:** Serve it as a simple and satisfying dessert after dinner.
* **Potlucks:** It’s a great dish to bring to potlucks or parties.
* **Brunch:** Serve it as part of a brunch spread.
* **Snack:** Enjoy a slice as a light and refreshing snack.
* **Special Occasions:** Dress it up with toppings and sauces for a special occasion.

## How to Store

* **Room Temperature:** Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
* **Refrigerator:** For longer storage, store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cake may become slightly denser in the refrigerator.
* **Freezer:** You can also freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.*

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)

* Calories: Approximately 150-200
* Fat: Less than 1 gram
* Saturated Fat: 0 grams
* Cholesterol: 0 mg
* Sodium: Approximately 150-200 mg
* Carbohydrates: Approximately 35-45 grams
* Sugar: Approximately 25-35 grams
* Protein: Approximately 3-5 grams

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

* **Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?**
* While canned pineapple is recommended for its consistency and moisture content, you can use fresh pineapple. Just make sure it’s finely crushed and that you include the juice.
* **Can I use a different size can of pineapple?**
* A 20-ounce can is ideal, but you can use a slightly larger or smaller can. Just adjust the amount of cake mix accordingly.
* **Can I use a different type of cake mix?**
* Angel food cake mix is essential for the light and airy texture of this cake. Other types of cake mixes will not work as well.
* **My cake is too dry. What did I do wrong?**
* Make sure you didn’t overbake the cake. Also, ensure you used undrained pineapple.
* **My cake is too dense. What did I do wrong?**
* You may have overmixed the batter. Gently fold the ingredients until just combined.
* **Can I add other fruits to the cake?**
* Yes, you can add other fruits, such as berries or bananas. Just add them in moderation to avoid making the cake too heavy.
* **Can I make this cake in a bundt pan?**
* While a 9×13 inch pan is recommended, you can try using a bundt pan. Be sure to grease the pan thoroughly and adjust the baking time accordingly.
* **Is this recipe gluten-free?**
* No, angel food cake mix typically contains wheat flour. To make a gluten-free version, you’ll need to find a gluten-free angel food cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

## Conclusion

This two-ingredient pineapple angel food cake is a game-changer for anyone looking for a quick, easy, and delicious dessert. With just two ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a light, fluffy cake that’s perfect for any occasion. So, give it a try and enjoy the delightful flavors of pineapple and angel food cake! It’s sure to become a family favorite.

Enjoy!