Pineapple Cake

Forking into a piece of cake loaded with pineapple.

Moist, tender crumb, and chunks of pineapple juice with a kiss of lemon. Mix and bake for a tropical-flavored sheet cake. Perfect with or without frosting.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Servings

Calories 615kcal

Author Imma

Ingredients

The Cake

4 ounces (113g) unsalted butter
2 cups (400g) granulated sugar (see notes)
2 large eggs
2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon (6g) baking soda
½ teaspoon (2-3g) nutmeg
1 tablespoon (6-7g) lemon zest
1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
1 20-ounce can crushed pineapple, drained and juice reserved for the batter

Optional Frosting

4 ounces (113g) unsalted butter, softened
8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, softened
4-6 cups (480-720g) powdered sugar
1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract

Instructions

The Cake

Preheat the oven to 325℉ (160°C). Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking oil and set aside.
Drain the crushed pineapple, reserving the juice (you should have about ½-¾ cup).
Using a hand mixer, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy and starting to look white, 3-5 minutes.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, beating well between each one. Add a tablespoon of the flour with the last egg to prevent the batter from curdling.
Add the remaining flour, baking soda, nutmeg, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the batter and mix until fully combined. You can add some pineapple juice to get the right texture.
Next, stir in the crushed pineapple until thoroughly combined. Add more pineapple juice (I usually use ½ cup or less), and scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl while mixing.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out into an even layer. Bake at 325℉ (160°C) until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean, 30-35 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting

Whisk the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until creamy. A hand mixer works wonderfully.
Gradually sift in the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. How much is customizable.
Spread the frosting on the cake, and top with fresh pineapple if desired.

Notes

Feel free to reduce the sugar. I love the sweetness, but some find it overwhelming and like it better with half the sugar.
Warm the eggs and soften the butter and cream cheese at room temperature for easier whipping.
Please keep in mind that the nutritional data is a rough estimate and varies significantly depending on the ingredients used.

Nutrition