Hawaiian Pineapple Cake

by

🌺 Hawaiian Pineapple Cake 🍍
A Tropical Delight from the Islands – Moist, Lush & Incredibly Easy!

🧁 Introduction

Hawaiian Pineapple Cake is a vintage tropical dessert that brings the essence of island living to your table. With its rich history rooted in the mid-20th century surge of canned pineapple popularity in the U.S., this cake is known for being moist, fluffy, and brimming with fruity sweetness. It’s made using pantry staples and a single bowl—making it both convenient and crowd-pleasing. The crushed pineapple does the heavy lifting, providing moisture, natural sweetness, and a hint of tartness that balances beautifully.

Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or lazy Sunday afternoons, this cake captures the sunshine spirit of Hawaii with every bite.

🍍 Ingredients

For the Cake Batter:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained (in its own juice, not syrup)

Optional Cream Cheese Frosting (Highly Recommended):

  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup crushed pineapple (drained, optional)

🧑‍🍳 Instructions & Method

🔹 Step 1: Prepare the Oven & Pan

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

🔹 Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
  2. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and the entire can of crushed pineapple with juice.
  3. Stir gently until everything is well combined – no mixer needed! The batter will be thick and moist.

🔹 Step 3: Bake

  1. Pour the batter into your prepared pan.
  2. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

🔹 Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional but divine!)

  1. Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
  2. Add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla. Mix until fluffy.
  3. Fold in drained pineapple (optional) for extra island flavor.
  4. Spread over the cooled cake.

🏝️ History

The popularity of pineapple cakes rose in mid-1900s America after the Dole company made canned pineapple widely available. Recipes like this Hawaiian Pineapple Cake started appearing in community cookbooks and on the backs of canned pineapple labels. Known for its ease and tropical charm, it quickly became a staple dessert, especially in Southern and Midwestern potlucks.

🌿 Benefits

  • No oil or butter needed in the cake – Pineapple keeps it moist naturally.
  • Egg-based structure makes it fluffy but still dense enough for easy slicing.
  • Vitamin C and bromelain from pineapple support digestion and immunity.
  • One-bowl recipe – Less mess, more flavor!

🏗️ Formation Tips

  • Add-ins: Crushed nuts (like macadamia or walnuts), coconut flakes, or maraschino cherries add texture and color.
  • Serving ideas: Top with toasted coconut, pineapple chunks, or even a drizzle of caramel.
  • For layer cake: Divide batter between two 8-inch round pans and reduce baking time by 5-8 minutes.

🥰 Conclusion

Hawaiian Pineapple Cake is a taste of paradise on a plate—tangy, sweet, and indulgent with or without frosting. It’s a crowd favorite and a nostalgic dessert for many who grew up with this on the table during summer gatherings.

❤️ Lovers of This Cake Say…

“My grandma used to make this every Easter!”
“We fight over the last piece—seriously addicting.”
“It’s like sunshine in every bite. I make it every time I miss Hawaii.”

🔁 Alternate Methods

  • Cupcakes: Scoop batter into cupcake tins (¾ full), bake 18–22 minutes.
  • Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based cream cheese.
  • Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 blend.

🍽️ Nutritional Info (Per Serving – 1 slice of 12)

Without frosting:

  • Calories: ~220
  • Sugar: 26g
  • Carbs: 40g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Fat: 4g
  • Fiber: 1g

With cream cheese frosting:

  • Calories: ~320
  • Fat increases to 14g (due to butter/cream cheese)
  • Sugar: ~36g

🏝️ Conclusion (Again, with love)

Whether you’re making this for a party or just a mid-week tropical escape, Hawaiian Pineapple Cake brings joy to the kitchen. Simple to make, impossible to forget—it’s no wonder this cake has loyal fans across generations. Serve it chilled or room temperature, and enjoy it with a cold glass of milk or iced tea.

Would you like a printable version or a twist like Pineapple Coconut Cake or Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecake next? 🍍

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