Description
This tropical cake is a sweet, fluffy, and irresistible treat with a moist pineapple base, topped with a creamy pineapple frosting and garnished with fresh pineapple, toasted coconut, and maraschino cherries. It’s the perfect cake for summer gatherings or whenever you crave a slice of paradise.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake Base:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup crushed pineapple with juice
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple (well-drained)
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract (optional)
- A splash of heavy cream (for consistency)
For Garnishing:
- Fresh pineapple slices
- Toasted coconut flakes
- Maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
- Mix in the crushed pineapple with juice.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until combined.
Baking the Cake:
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center.
- Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Pineapple Frosting:
- Beat the butter in a large bowl until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
- Fold in the drained crushed pineapple and coconut extract (if using).
- Adjust the consistency with a splash of heavy cream.
Assembling the Pineapple Heaven Cake:
- Level the cake layers if necessary.
- Spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
- Garnish with pineapple slices, toasted coconut flakes, and maraschino cherrie
Notes
- Drain the pineapple thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the cake and frosting.
- Use room temperature ingredients for the best texture in both the cake and frosting.
- Toast the coconut flakes for extra flavor and crunch.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Cake, Dessert
- Method: Baking, Mixing, Frosting
- Cuisine: American, Tropical