There’s something truly special about baking a cake that fills the kitchen with the sweet, tropical aroma of pineapple. The first time I made this Juicy Pineapple Cake, it was a quiet afternoon when I wanted to surprise my family with a light yet flavor-packed dessert. What began as an experiment quickly became one of my most cherished recipes. The moistness of the cake, paired with the fresh burst of pineapple in every bite, reminded me of sunshine and summer no matter the season. It’s now one of those desserts I reach for when I want to bring a touch of brightness to the table.
You’re going to love this Juicy Pineapple Cake for so many reasons. It’s incredibly soft, deliciously sweet without being overpowering, and the pineapple gives it a naturally juicy texture that you simply can’t resist. The beauty of this cake is how it stays moist for days, making it perfect for baking ahead for gatherings or celebrations. And because it doesn’t require complicated techniques or fancy ingredients, it’s suitable for both beginner and experienced bakers alike.
This cake is also wonderfully versatile. You can enjoy it as an afternoon snack with a cup of tea, serve it as a casual dessert after dinner, or even dress it up with whipped cream or a light glaze for more formal occasions. Some enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, while others prefer it chilled from the fridge. However you choose to enjoy it, this recipe will always deliver comforting, crowd-pleasing results.
Not only is it a treat to the taste buds, but it’s also an affordable recipe. Pineapple—especially canned or crushed varieties—is budget-friendly and easy to find year-round. The rest of the ingredients are likely already in your pantry. No need for expensive specialty items or trips to gourmet shops. Simple, honest ingredients come together in a way that feels luxurious and indulgent.
Ingredients for the Juicy Pineapple Cake:
-
2 cups all-purpose flour
-
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
-
1 tsp baking soda
-
½ tsp salt
-
2 large eggs
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple in juice (do not drain)
-
½ cup vegetable oil
-
½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
-
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for added texture)
How to Prepare Juicy Pineapple Cake
How to prepare this recipe – Step-by-step instructions for preparation – Quick and easy – Customizable – Popular with many people
This Juicy Pineapple Cake is one of the easiest cakes you’ll ever make. The preparation is straightforward and requires just one bowl, which means less mess and fewer dishes. Even if you’re baking on a busy day, this cake comes together quickly and effortlessly.
How to Prepare This Recipe:
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Start by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This step ensures your cake bakes evenly and releases easily once done.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using). This creates a uniform base and allows the leavening agents to distribute evenly throughout the batter.
Step 3: Add the wet ingredients
Next, add the eggs, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and the entire can of crushed pineapple (including the juice) to the dry ingredients. Stir everything together using a wooden spoon or a spatula until just combined. The batter will be thick and moist.
Step 4: Add optional ingredients
If you like texture in your cake, gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans at this stage. This addition gives the cake a subtle crunch and a slightly nutty flavor that complements the pineapple beautifully. However, it’s entirely optional and can be omitted for a smoother bite.
Step 5: Pour into the baking dish
Once the batter is ready, pour it into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and smooth out the top. This ensures consistent baking and an even surface.
Step 6: Bake the cake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be lightly golden, and the edges may pull slightly away from the pan when done.
Step 7: Cool before serving
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 15–20 minutes. This step lets the moisture settle and makes slicing easier. You can serve the cake warm or at room temperature. It also tastes fantastic after chilling in the refrigerator for a few hours.
Quick and Easy:
This cake is an excellent choice when you’re short on time. It doesn’t require a mixer, multiple bowls, or lengthy chilling. The steps are simple and easy to follow, making it perfect for beginner bakers or anyone needing a quick dessert solution. From mixing to baking, the entire process takes under an hour.
Customizable:
You can tailor this recipe to your taste. If you’re not a fan of nuts, skip them. Want a bit more spice? Add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of lemon juice for added zing. If you love creamy toppings, you can add a light whipped cream or cream cheese frosting once the cake has cooled.
Some even like to drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and pineapple juice over the top while the cake is still warm. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a shiny, appealing finish.
Popular with Many People:
This Juicy Pineapple Cake has been a hit at potlucks, family dinners, birthday parties, and casual coffee dates. People love it for its texture, its natural sweetness, and how well it pairs with different sides and toppings. It appeals to all age groups and is always a crowd-pleaser wherever it goes.
Whether you serve it plain, frosted, or with a dollop of whipped cream, this cake will disappear quickly—and you’ll find people asking for the recipe again and again.
Juicy Pineapple Cake
This Juicy Pineapple Cake is a soft, moist, and flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Bursting with the sweetness of pineapple and simple pantry ingredients, it’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you serve it plain, frosted, or with a light glaze, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple in juice (do not drain)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
- Add eggs, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and crushed pineapple with juice. Mix gently until fully combined.
- Fold in chopped nuts if desired.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15–20 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled. You may top with whipped cream, cream cheese frosting, or a pineapple glaze if preferred.
Notes
Do not drain the pineapple; the juice keeps the cake moist.
For added spice, a pinch of nutmeg or ginger can be used.
This cake stores well at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for 4–5 days.
Optional glaze: Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2–3 tbsp pineapple juice and drizzle over the cooled cake.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 35
FAQs – Juicy Pineapple Cake
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but be sure to crush it finely and include its natural juice. The texture and moisture of the cake depend on the juice content, so avoid draining it completely. Using canned pineapple is more convenient and ensures consistency.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Absolutely. This cake stays moist for several days when stored in an airtight container. You can bake it the day before serving, and in fact, the flavor intensifies after resting overnight.
Is it possible to freeze the cake?
Yes, this cake freezes beautifully. Once completely cooled, wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm slightly before serving.
Can I add frosting to this cake?
Definitely. A light cream cheese frosting or a simple pineapple glaze works well. However, the cake is flavorful and moist enough to be enjoyed on its own.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute for best results. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.