There’s something about the combination of pineapple and cake that just feels like a tropical escape. Whether you’re craving something sweet and fruity for a summer gathering or looking to add a little sunshine to a cozy afternoon, this Heavenly Pineapple Cake is the perfect choice. With its light, tender crumb and refreshing pineapple glaze, it’s a dessert that transports you to a warm beachside getaway with every bite. This cake is wonderfully easy to make and boasts the perfect balance of sweetness and moisture thanks to the pineapple and sour cream. It’s a versatile recipe that’s perfect for any occasion—be it a birthday, a casual get-together, or simply an afternoon treat. The pineapple glaze soaks right into the cake, infusing it with flavor and creating a beautifully moist texture. As a tropical delight, this cake combines a handful of pantry ingredients with the natural sweetness of pineapple, and I promise it will become a go-to recipe for you and your family. It’s time to take a journey to the tropics—let’s get started!

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained (reserve juice)
• ½ cup sour cream

For the Pineapple Glaze:

• 1 cup pineapple juice (from the canned pineapple)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

For the Topping:

• Whipped cream (optional)
• Pineapple chunks for garnish

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

STEP 1: PREHEAT THE OVEN

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your cake bakes evenly from the moment it’s ready to go in. Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan to prepare for the batter.

STEP 2: MIX DRY INGREDIENTS

In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together until the dry ingredients are evenly distributed. This step ensures that the cake rises properly and has a light, fluffy texture.

STEP 3: CREAM BUTTER, EGGS, AND ADD WET INGREDIENTS

In another bowl, cream the butter and eggs together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will help incorporate air into the batter, making the cake soft and tender. Then add the vanilla extract, crushed pineapple (drained), and sour cream. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined. The sour cream gives the cake a rich, moist texture while the pineapple adds a refreshing burst of flavor.

BAKING THE CAKE AND PREPARING THE PINEAPPLE GLAZE

With the cake batter ready to go, it’s time to assemble and bake. This part of the process is simple and quick, and it will fill your kitchen with the wonderful aroma of tropical sweetness. The pineapple glaze, which soaks into the cake after baking, elevates the flavor to another level. Let’s get to it!

STEP 4: COMBINE WET AND DRY INGREDIENTS

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense. Once combined, the batter should be smooth and slightly thick.

STEP 5: POUR AND SMOOTH THE BATTER

Pour the prepared batter into the greased and floured 8-inch round cake pan, spreading it evenly. Use a spatula to smooth the top so it bakes uniformly. This step is important to get that perfect, even rise during baking.

STEP 6: BAKE THE CAKE

Bake the cake in your preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The top should be golden and slightly firm to the touch. While the cake is baking, it’s a good time to prepare the pineapple glaze.

STEP 7: MAKE THE PINEAPPLE GLAZE

In a small saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, granulated sugar, and cornstarch. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly to avoid lumps, until it thickens and becomes a syrup. Once it reaches the desired consistency, remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

STEP 8: ADD THE PINEAPPLE GLAZE

Once the cake has cooled for about 10 minutes in the pan, poke small holes in the top of the cake using a fork or skewer. This allows the pineapple glaze to soak in, making the cake even more moist and flavorful. Pour the pineapple glaze evenly over the cake, letting it sink into the holes.

STEP 9: TOP WITH WHIPPED CREAM AND PINEAPPLE CHUNKS

For an extra creamy touch, add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each slice before serving. Garnish with pineapple chunks for added texture and flavor. The combination of whipped cream, pineapple, and the soft cake is simply heavenly.

STEP 10: SERVE AND ENJOY

Slice the cake into generous portions and serve immediately. This cake is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

FINISHING THE CAKE, SERVING, AND FINAL THOUGHTS

With the cake baked and the glaze prepared, it’s time to finish assembling this Heavenly Pineapple Cake and enjoy the tropical goodness you’ve worked so hard to create. The glaze will soak into the cake, infusing it with sweet, pineapple flavor and making every bite irresistibly moist. The final touches of whipped creaam and pineapple chunks add a decorative and flavorful element that makes this dessert extra special.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes! If you prefer fresh pineapple, just chop it into small pieces and drain the juice thoroughly before adding it to the cake. Make sure to reserve the juice for the glaze.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Definitely. You can bake the cake a day in advance, allow it to cool completely, and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. When you’re ready to serve, make the glaze and top with whipped cream and pineapple chunks.

Can I use a different type of fruit?

While this recipe is specifically designed for pineapple, you can experiment with other fruits like mango, peach, or apricot for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to adjust the glaze accordingly to match the fruit you choose.

Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake before adding the glaze. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to a month. When ready to serve, thaw the cake and prepare the glaze fresh.

Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Heavenly Pineapple Cake

This Heavenly Pineapple Cake is the perfect balance of light, fluffy cake with the tropical sweetness of pineapple. The addition of sour cream keeps the cake incredibly moist, while the pineapple glaze ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor. It’s a great dessert for almost any occasion—whether it’s a family gathering, a summer party, or just when you need a little tropical indulgence. With a simple set of ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, this cake brings a piece of paradise to your table. The whipped cream and fresh pineapple chunks on top give it that extra touch of decadence, making it both beautiful and delicious. Give this recipe a try the next time you’re craving something sweet and tropical—you won’t be disappointed! Print