Introduction
This delightful pineapple cake is a perfect blend of sweet, tropical flavors and creamy textures, making it a great choice for celebrations or a simple family treat.
With the combination of white cake mix, crushed pineapple, and a rich cream cheese frosting, it’s a quick yet indulgent dessert that everyone will love.
The addition of crunchy pecans provides a delightful contrast to the soft and moist cake.
Ingredients
White Cake Mix
-8 oz can Crushed Pineapple (with juice)
-1 cup Granulated Sugar
-½ tsp Vanilla Extract (for pineapple mixture)
-8 oz package Cream Cheese, softened
-½ cup Butter, softened
-3 cups Powdered Sugar
-½ tsp Vanilla Extract (for frosting)
-3 cups Crushed Pecans
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing and flouring a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, crushed pineapple (with juice), granulated sugar, and ½ tsp of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and bake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into.
the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
While the cake cools, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy.
Add the powdered sugar gradually, beating until fully incorporated, followed by the remaining ½ tsp of vanilla extract. Continue to beat until the frosting is light and smooth.
Once the cake has cooled, spread a generous layer of the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cake.
To finish, sprinkle the crushed pecans over the frosting, pressing them lightly into the surface. This will give the cake a nice crunch and an extra burst of flavor.
Serve the cake chilled or at room temperature. It’s best stored in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh and to enhance the flavors.
How to Make
To make this cake, the key is in the balance of ingredients and the careful mixing of each element.
Start by ensuring that the cake mix, pineapple, and sugar are well combined for a smooth batter.
The moisture from the pineapple helps keep the cake soft and tender, making it the perfect base for the rich cream cheese frosting.
When preparing the frosting, it’s essential to beat the cream cheese and butter thoroughly to create a light, airy texture.
This ensures that the frosting will spread easily and provide that velvety finish.
Be sure to gradually add the powdered sugar to prevent clumping and achieve the perfect consistency.
The crushed pecans are optional but highly recommended, as they add both flavor and texture.
If you’re not a fan of pecans, you could substitute with walnuts or omit them entirely.
Take care not to overbake the cake. It’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Overbaking can lead to a dry texture, which would not pair well with the creamy frosting.
The frosting should be applied only when the cake has cooled completely to avoid melting. Once frosted.
it’s a good idea to refrigerate the cake for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld and the frosting to set. This enhances the taste and makes it easier to cut into neat slices.
When serving, a cold slice of this cake is refreshing, making it the perfect treat for any time of year, especially during warm months or at festive gatherings.
Enjoy this easy-to-make cake with a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Tips
Make sure to use a good-quality cake mix for the best flavor and texture. A high-quality mix can make a big difference, especially since it’s the foundation of the cake.
If you prefer a more intense pineapple flavor, feel free to add an extra ½ cup of crushed pineapple to the cake batter, adjusting the sugar slightly to account for the added sweetness.
To make the cake even fluffier, you can replace some of the water called for on the cake mix box with pineapple juice, which will complement the tropical theme.
When preparing the frosting, if it seems too thick, you can add a small amount of milk or cream to loosen it to the desired consistency. This will also make it easier to spread.
If you don’t have crushed pecans, whole pecans or chopped walnuts can work as substitutes. You can also toast the nuts for an added depth of flavor.
For a fun twist, consider adding a few coconut flakes to the frosting or mixing them into the batter for extra tropical flair.
This cake can be made a day in advance. Storing it in the refrigerator overnight helps the flavors develop, and it becomes even more moist and delicious the next day.
Conclusion
This pineapple cake is a simple yet indulgent dessert that offers a perfect balance of tropical sweetness and creamy richness.
Whether you’re hosting a special event or just want to treat yourself, it’s sure to impress with its moist texture and creamy, nutty frosting.
With just a few ingredients and easy steps, this cake can become a beloved addition to your dessert repertoire. Enjoy it with family and friends, and savor the delightful combination of flavors.