Looking for a dessert that brings the sunshine of the tropics straight to your kitchen? Look no further than this Hawaiian Pineapple Cake. With its moist, flavorful crumb and a perfect blend of sweet pineapple and crunchy nuts, this cake is an easy-to-make treat that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re planning a family gathering, a birthday celebration, or just want to enjoy a little slice of paradise, this cake is the ultimate choice. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it’s also made with pantry staples, making it as convenient as it is delicious.

The beauty of this cake lies in its simplicity. The crushed pineapple adds both moisture and a natural sweetness, while the addition of nuts offers a delightful crunch. Unlike traditional cakes that often require a lot of fuss, this recipe is incredibly easy to follow and can be baked up in under an hour. The result is a moist, flavorful cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve it with a dusting of powdered sugar, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or simply enjoy it on its own.

Ready to indulge in the perfect tropical dessert? Let’s dive into why you’ll love this Hawaiian Pineapple Cake.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy to Make

This cake comes together in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers alike. You don’t need any fancy equipment or techniques—just a few bowls and a baking pan!

2. Bursting with Tropical Flavor

The combination of crushed pineapple and chopped nuts infuses the cake with a refreshing, slightly tangy sweetness. Every bite feels like a tropical getaway.

3. Moist and Delicious

The pineapple not only adds flavor but also ensures the cake remains incredibly moist. It’s the kind of cake that stays tender and soft for days.

4. Versatile for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a holiday, a birthday, or a simple weeknight treat, this cake fits right in. Its tropical twist makes it an exciting alternative to more traditional cakes.

5. Minimal Ingredients

This cake is made with common ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. No need for exotic items or a trip to the specialty store.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Sugar
Baking soda
Eggs
Crushed pineapple (undrained)
Chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)

Variations

1. Add Coconut

For an extra touch of the tropics, add shredded coconut to the batter. It pairs wonderfully with pineapple and enhances the cake’s tropical flavor.

2. Use Different Nuts

While this recipe calls for chopped nuts, feel free to experiment with different varieties like macadamia nuts or almonds for a unique twist.

3. Make it a Layer Cake

Double the recipe and bake the batter in two 8-inch cake pans to create a layered cake. Top with cream cheese frosting or whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert.

4. Gluten-Free Option

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of this delicious cake.

5. Pineapple and Mango

For an even more tropical twist, swap out some of the crushed pineapple for mashed mango, creating a delightful pineapple-mango hybrid cake.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of sugar, and 2 teaspoons of baking soda. Stir to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Add 2 eggs, 1 can (20 oz) of crushed pineapple (with its juice), and 1 cup of chopped nuts to the dry mixture. Stir until the ingredients are well combined, ensuring that the pineapple is evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 4: Pour into Baking Pan

Pour the batter into the greased 13×9-inch baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

Step 5: Bake

Place the pan in the oven and bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick near the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Drain the Pineapple: The juice from the pineapple is essential for keeping the cake moist. Be sure to use the pineapple undrained.
Use Room Temperature Eggs: For better incorporation into the batter, allow the eggs to come to room temperature before using them.
Check for Doneness Early: Oven temperatures can vary, so check your cake at the 35-minute mark to prevent overbaking.
Experiment with Frosting: While the cake is delicious on its own, consider adding a light cream cheese frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra flavor.
Nuts Optional: If you’re not a fan of nuts, you can skip them entirely or replace them with a handful of coconut flakes for an extra tropical flair.

How to Serve

Hawaiian Pineapple Cake is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:

Plain: Sometimes, the best way to enjoy a cake is just as it is, especially when it’s as delicious as this one.
With Ice Cream: Serve it with a scoop of vanilla or coconut-flavored ice cream for a refreshing contrast to the sweet and tangy cake.
Topped with Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top adds a creamy, light touch.
As a Layer Cake: Turn it into a showstopper by frosting it with your favorite frosting, such as cream cheese or buttercream, and decorating it with extra pineapple chunks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the cake has cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual slices of the cake in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a resealable freezer bag. The cake can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave individual slices for about 20-30 seconds, or warm the whole cake in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but be sure to crush it and include the juice to keep the cake moist.

2. Can I make this cake without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute the eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed mixture to make the cake egg-free.

3. What types of nuts work best?

Chopped walnuts or pecans work wonderfully, but feel free to use any type of nut you prefer, such as almonds or macadamia nuts.

4. Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour.

5. How do I know when the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s done.

6. How can I make this cake more moist?

You can add a little extra pineapple juice or use a bit of sour cream in the batter to make the cake even more moist.

7. Can I add frosting to this cake?

Yes, you can top it with cream cheese frosting, buttercream, or even a simple glaze.

8. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container and serve when ready.

9. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or refrigerate for longer storage.

10. Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze slices of the cake for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s well-wrapped.

Conclusion

This Hawaiian Pineapple Cake is a perfect balance of sweetness, moisture, and tropical flavor. It’s an easy recipe that requires minimal ingredients yet delivers maximum satisfaction. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just because, this cake is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. From its simple preparation to the rich, pineapple-infused taste, it’s a dessert that embodies the spirit of the islands. Give it a try, and you’ll quickly see why it’s a family favorite!