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Southern Pineapple Cake

Southern Pineapple Cake

Southern Pineapple Cake is a moist, tender cake bursting with rich pineapple flavor and a touch of tangy magic. Perfect for holidays or casual gatherings, this classic Southern dessert combines fresh pineapple, a golden crumb, and creamy frosting for an irresistible treat that brings a burst of sunshine and Southern charm to any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh pineapple, peeled and diced (or crushed pineapple with juice, drained)
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • Optional: 4 oz cream cheese, softened (for cream cheese frosting)
  • Optional garnish: pineapple slices, maraschino cherries, toasted shredded coconut

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pineapple: Peel and dice fresh pineapple into small pieces. If using crushed pineapple, drain excess juice slightly. Set aside.
  2. Make the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter and sugar together until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with pineapple juice if using crushed pineapple.
  3. Fold in Pineapple: Gently fold the pineapple pieces into the batter, being careful not to overmix to keep the texture light and airy.
  4. Bake: Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting.
  5. Frost the Cake: Prepare a smooth frosting by mixing powdered sugar and softened butter, or make cream cheese frosting by adding cream cheese for a tangy richness. Spread evenly over the cooled cake and garnish with pineapple slices or toasted coconut as desired.

Notes

  • Use fresh pineapple whenever possible to enhance flavor and prevent excess moisture.
  • Do not overmix the batter to maintain a tender texture.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
  • Toast coconut for garnish to add crunchy contrast and aroma.
  • Test cake doneness early from 40 minutes onward to avoid overbaking and drying.

Nutrition

Keywords: Southern Pineapple Cake, Pineapple Cake, Moist Pineapple Cake, Southern Dessert, Tropical Cake, Pineapple Dessert