Hawaiian Pineapple Cake: A Tropical Dessert That Brings Sunshine to Your Table

Few desserts capture the spirit of the tropics quite like Hawaiian Pineapple Cake. Sweet, moist, and bursting with tropical flavor, this cake has been a beloved treat for generations. Whether served at summer picnics, potlucks, luaus, or family dinners, pineapple cake brings a touch of sunshine to every occasion.

This article will walk you through everything you need to know about Hawaiian Pineapple Cake, including:

• Why pineapple makes this cake so special
• Key ingredients that create the tropical flavor
• A step-by-step Hawaiian Pineapple Cake recipe
• Variations and serving ideas
• Nutritional highlights
• Storage and make-ahead tips
• FAQs to help you perfect this dessert

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Why Hawaiian Pineapple Cake Is So Popular

The magic of Hawaiian Pineapple Cake lies in its simplicity. Unlike fussy layered cakes that require hours of decorating, this dessert is usually made in a single pan and topped with a luscious cream cheese or whipped frosting. It’s:

• Moist and flavorful thanks to crushed pineapple baked right into the batter.
• Easy to make with pantry-friendly ingredients.
• Versatile — it works as a casual family dessert or a festive potluck treat.
• Nostalgic — many families have their own variations passed down through generations.

This cake celebrates the tropical sweetness of pineapple, which is Hawaii’s iconic fruit, and pairs beautifully with coconut, nuts, and cream cheese frosting.

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Key Ingredients in Hawaiian Pineapple Cake

Here’s what makes this dessert irresistible:

1. Crushed Pineapple – The star ingredient, adding sweetness, moisture, and tropical flair.
2. Flour & Sugar – The classic cake base that holds everything together.
3. Eggs – For structure and richness.
4. Baking Soda – Helps the cake rise while keeping it fluffy.
5. Vanilla Extract – Adds depth of flavor.
6. Cream Cheese Frosting – A tangy, creamy topping that balances the sweetness.
7. Optional Add-ins – Shredded coconut, pecans, or macadamia nuts enhance the Hawaiian vibes.

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Classic Hawaiian Pineapple Cake Recipe

This easy one-pan recipe serves about 12 people and takes less than an hour from start to finish.

Ingredients:

For the cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple with juice (do not drain)

For the frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup chopped pecans or shredded coconut (optional topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Mix the batter: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, eggs, baking soda, vanilla, and crushed pineapple with juice. Stir until just combined.
3. Bake: Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Cool completely before frosting.
5. Make the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; mix until creamy.
6. Frost the cake: Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Sprinkle with pecans or coconut if desired.
7. Serve & enjoy: Slice into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.

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Variations of Hawaiian Pineapple Cake

This recipe is versatile. Here are some fun twists:

• Pineapple Coconut Cake – Add 1 cup shredded coconut to the batter and sprinkle toasted coconut on top.
• Pineapple Upside-Down Cake – Swap the format: layer pineapple slices and cherries at the bottom of the pan, then pour the batter over before baking.
• Carrot Pineapple Cake – Mix in 1 cup grated carrots for extra flavor and texture.
• Macadamia Nut Version – Fold in ½ cup chopped macadamia nuts for an authentic Hawaiian touch.
• Pineapple Sheet Cake with Whipped Topping – Replace cream cheese frosting with Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream for a lighter option.

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Why Pineapple Works So Well in Cake

Pineapple is naturally sweet and juicy, which keeps the cake moist even days after baking. The acidity in pineapple also enhances flavor, preventing the cake from tasting overly sugary. It’s the perfect fruit to use in baking because it adds:

• Natural sweetness (less refined sugar needed)
• Tropical aroma and freshness
• Moisture, preventing dryness
• A soft, tender crumb

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Nutritional Benefits

While this cake is indulgent, pineapple offers some natural health perks:

• Vitamin C – Supports immunity and skin health.
• Manganese – Aids bone health and metabolism.
• Bromelain – An enzyme in pineapple that helps digestion.
• Fiber – Supports healthy digestion.

Tip: To make the cake a little healthier, reduce sugar to 1½ cups, swap half the flour for whole wheat flour, or use Greek yogurt in the frosting.

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Tips for Perfect Hawaiian Pineapple Cake

1. Don’t drain the pineapple – The juice keeps the cake moist.
2. Cool before frosting – Otherwise, the cream cheese frosting will melt.
3. Use room-temperature ingredients – Ensures smooth batter and frosting.
4. Don’t overmix – Stir until just combined for the best texture.
5. Chill before serving – Enhances flavor and makes slicing easier.

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Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigeration: Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cake for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost before serving.
• Make-Ahead: Bake the cake a day ahead, frost the next day for the freshest flavor.

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Serving Ideas

Hawaiian Pineapple Cake is a showstopper dessert on its own, but you can also:

• Top with toasted coconut flakes for crunch.
• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Garnish with fresh pineapple slices or maraschino cherries.
• Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
• Pair with tropical drinks like piña coladas or iced tea for a luau vibe.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, but canned crushed pineapple with juice works best for texture and sweetness. If using fresh, finely chop and add extra juice.

2. Can I make this cake without frosting?
Absolutely. The cake is moist and sweet enough on its own, but frosting makes it more indulgent.

3. Is Hawaiian Pineapple Cake the same as Hummingbird Cake?
They’re similar, but Hummingbird Cake usually includes bananas, pineapple, and pecans with cream cheese frosting. Pineapple cake focuses solely on pineapple flavor.

4. Can I make this recipe into cupcakes?
Yes! Bake in cupcake liners at 350°F for 18–22 minutes. Frost once cooled.

5. How do I prevent the cake from being soggy?
Make sure to measure ingredients correctly and don’t add extra liquid. The cake should be moist, not wet.

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Final Thoughts

Hawaiian Pineapple Cake is a tropical dessert that’s simple, delicious, and guaranteed to impress. With its moist crumb, sweet pineapple flavor, and creamy frosting, it’s the perfect cake for both everyday indulgence and special celebrations.

Whether you serve it at a backyard barbecue, a luau-themed party, or just as a family treat, this cake captures the taste of sunshine in every bite.

So grab a can of pineapple, whip up the batter, and bring a taste of Hawaii right to your kitchen! 🌺🍍

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