Welcome, Cake Lovers!

Are you looking for a delicious, easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this Southern Pineapple Cake! With its sweet, fruity flavor and creamy frosting, this cake is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday dinner, or simply want to enjoy a slice of homemade goodness, this Southern Pineapple Cake is a must-try.

Introduction

Southern Pineapple Cake is a beloved classic in Southern American cuisine. The combination of sweet, crushed pineapple with a light and fluffy cake base creates a mouthwatering dessert that’s both refreshing and rich. Topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, this cake is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, doesn’t require fancy equipment, and has a delightful homemade charm that makes it perfect for all occasions.

What makes this cake special? The natural sweetness and tanginess of the pineapple, combined with the creamy, slightly tangy frosting, creates a harmonious blend of flavors. This recipe is a great option when you need a simple yet impressive dessert to serve. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be adapted to your preferences, whether you want to add nuts for extra crunch or skip them for a smoother texture.

Ingredients

To prepare this comforting Southern Pineapple Cake, you’ll need:

For the cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the frosting:

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts for garnish

This list of ingredients is simple and straightforward. The crushed pineapple adds moisture and a burst of flavor to the cake, while the cream cheese frosting creates the perfect creamy balance to the sweetness of the cake.

How to Make Southern Pineapple Cake

Follow these steps to create your own delicious Southern Pineapple Cake:

Prepare the Cake Batter:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and baking soda. Stir to mix the dry ingredients evenly. Add the undrained crushed pineapple, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
Pour and Bake:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cake:
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. This step is essential to ensure the frosting doesn’t melt when applied.
Make the Frosting:
In a medium-sized bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, while continuing to beat the mixture. Add the vanilla extract and mix until the frosting is light, fluffy, and thoroughly combined.
Frost the Cake:
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. For added flavor and texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top if desired.
Serve and Enjoy:
Cut the cake into squares and serve. This cake is best enjoyed at room temperature but can be refrigerated to keep it fresh for longer.

Helpful Tips

Use undrained pineapple: The juice from the canned pineapple is what gives the cake its moist texture. Don’t drain it before adding it to the batter.
Cool the cake completely before frosting: If the cake is still warm, the frosting may melt and become runny. Patience is key!
Customize your cake: If you want to add more depth of flavor, feel free to stir in some shredded coconut or crushed nuts into the batter before baking.

Cooking Tips

To make your Southern Pineapple Cake stand out even more, consider these extra tips:

Add a tropical twist: For a more tropical flavor, you can add a tablespoon of coconut extract to the batter or sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top of the frosted cake.
Want more texture? Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the cake batter for a nutty bite, or simply sprinkle them on top of the frosting for added crunch.
Lighter frosting option: If you prefer a lighter frosting, you can reduce the powdered sugar in the cream cheese frosting to 2 or 3 cups, depending on your taste.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delicious on its own, but here are some ideas to elevate the presentation and flavors:

Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a luxurious dessert experience.
Serve with fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries to add a refreshing balance to the richness of the cake.
Top with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.

Nutritional Information

Here is a brief overview of the Nutritional Information for the Southern Pineapple Cake (per serving):

Calories: 500
Carbohydrates: 78g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 250mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 65g
Vitamin A: 10%
Vitamin C: 8%
Calcium: 6%
Iron: 4%

While this cake is a rich and indulgent dessert, it also offers a modest amount of Vitamin C from the pineapple. It’s a treat best enjoyed in moderation, but it’s well worth the indulgence for special occasions!

Storage and Leftovers

Refrigerate:
Since the frosting contains cream cheese, it’s best to store the cake in the refrigerator. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Reheat:
You can bring the cake to room temperature before serving by letting it sit out for 30 minutes to an hour. The flavors often intensify after being stored for a day, making it even more delicious.

Leftover idea:
Turn leftover slices into a delightful trifle by layering the cake with whipped cream and fresh fruit in a glass!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the cake a day in advance and store it, unfrosted, in an airtight container. On the day of serving, prepare the frosting and frost the cake for maximum freshness.

Q: What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?
If you’re out of cream cheese, you can make a buttercream frosting using butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a little milk for consistency. It won’t have the tanginess of the cream cheese frosting, but it will still taste delicious.

Q: Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and frost before serving.

Q: Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the cake gluten-free. Make sure the blend you use is a 1:1 replacement for regular flour.

Related Recipes

If you enjoyed this Southern Pineapple Cake, here are some other dessert recipes you might like:

Visit Anna’s Recipe Blog for more sweet treats and meal ideas!

Conclusion

Now that you know how to make this delicious Southern Pineapple Cake, it’s time to get baking! This cake is the perfect blend of fruity sweetness and creamy decadence, making it a favorite at any gathering. The simplicity of the ingredients and process makes it ideal for both beginner bakers and experienced chefs alike.

We’d love to hear how your cake turns out! Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your tips or variations on this recipe. Whether you enjoy it plain or with added nuts, this cake is sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire.