A Pineapple Cake is a sweet, moist, tropical dream of a dessert — and it’s incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a Southern-style sheet cake, a fluffy layer cake, or a one-bowl stir-and-bake recipe, pineapple adds natural sweetness, flavor, and tenderness.
Here’s a classic pineapple cake recipe that’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for any occasion:
🍍 Old-Fashioned Pineapple Cake (No Mixer Needed!)
📝 Ingredients (for 1 sheet cake – 9×13”)
For the cake:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 cups granulated sugar
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2 tsp baking soda
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1/2 tsp salt
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2 large eggs
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1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple in juice (do not drain)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
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1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
For the frosting (cream cheese style):
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1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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2–3 cups powdered sugar (to taste)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Optional: more chopped nuts or toasted coconut for topping
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat oven:
Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13” baking dish.
2. Mix dry ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
3. Add wet ingredients:
Add eggs, undrained crushed pineapple, and vanilla to the dry mix. Stir until fully combined (don’t overmix).
4. Fold in extras:
Gently stir in nuts if using.
5. Bake:
Pour batter into prepared dish and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool completely before frosting.
🧁 Make the Frosting:
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Beat together butter and cream cheese until smooth.
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Add vanilla, then gradually beat in powdered sugar until fluffy and spreadable.
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Spread over cooled cake and sprinkle with nuts or toasted coconut if desired.
🍽️ Serving Tips
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Best served slightly chilled or at room temp.
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Pairs beautifully with iced tea, coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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Keeps well covered in the fridge for 4–5 days.
🔁 Variations
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Layer Cake Version: Divide into two 9-inch round pans and reduce baking time to 25–30 minutes.
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Pineapple Coconut Cake: Add 1 cup shredded coconut to the batter or frosting.
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Lighter Option: Reduce sugar to 1 1/2 cups and replace half the flour with whole wheat flour.
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Vegan Version: Sub eggs with 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce, use dairy-free cream cheese and butter.
Would you like a version with fresh pineapple, a pineapple upside-down cake, or something gluten-free?
