The Ultimate Pineapple Cake Recipe: A Deliciously Sweet Treat
Are you ready to bake the most amazing pineapple cake? This recipe will guide you through creating a moist, flavorful, and utterly irresistible pineapple cake that will impress your friends and family. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields one 9x13 inch cake.
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
For the Pineapple Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons pineapple juice (from the crushed pineapple)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preparing the Cake Batter:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your cake releases easily.
- Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer for best results. This incorporates air for a lighter cake.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Don't overmix!
- Fold in Pineapple: Gently fold in the drained crushed pineapple.
Baking the Cake:
- Pour & Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Baking Time: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Oven temperatures vary, so keep an eye on your cake.
- Cool Completely: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from crumbling.
Making the Pineapple Glaze:
- Whisk Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and pineapple juice until smooth. Add more juice if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Glaze the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, pour the glaze over the top, letting it drizzle down the sides.
Tips for the Perfect Pineapple Cake:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter and eggs will create a smoother, more evenly textured cake.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check if the cake is fully baked.
- Cool Completely: Allowing the cake to cool completely before glazing prevents the glaze from melting.
- Get Creative: Add toasted coconut flakes, chopped macadamia nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor and texture.
This pineapple cake recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy baking and sharing this delicious treat! Remember to share your baking creations and tag us! Happy baking!
