Description
Sweet Southern charm shines through this pineapple cake, blending tropical flavors with classic Southern hospitality. Moist layers of golden cake promise a delightful dessert that will transport you straight to a charming Southern kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients:
- 1 cup canned crushed pineapple, undrained
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup canned crushed pineapple, drained
Garnish Ingredients:
- Fresh pineapple slices
- Maraschino cherries
- Toasted coconut flakes
Instructions
- Prepare cake pans by greasing and flouring three 9-inch round pans or lining with parchment paper. Set oven temperature to 350F (175C).
- Combine dry ingredients including flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- Incorporate softened butter, vegetable oil, crushed pineapple with juice, eggs, and vanilla extract into dry mixture.
- Mix ingredients using medium speed until batter becomes smooth and uniformly blended, scraping bowl sides periodically.
- Evenly distribute cake batter across prepared pans, ensuring equal volume in each pan.
- Bake cake layers for 25-30 minutes at 350F, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into cake center – it should emerge clean.
- Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes after removing from oven, then transfer to wire cooling racks.
- Cream butter and cream cheese together until achieving a smooth, consistent texture.
- Gradually fold powdered sugar into butter-cream cheese mixture, beating until light and fluffy.
- Gently fold vanilla extract and drained crushed pineapple into frosting, mixing thoroughly.
- Position first cake layer on serving plate, spreading a generous layer of pineapple cream cheese frosting.
- Stack remaining cake layers, applying frosting between each layer.
- Cover entire cake with remaining frosting, using spatula to create an even, smooth finish.
- Optional: Decorate cake top with fresh pineapple slices, maraschino cherries, and toasted coconut flakes.
- Slice and serve, celebrating the delightful Southern tropical flavors.
Notes
- Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth, lump-free frosting that spreads easily.
- Drain crushed pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the cake soggy or causing structural issues.
- Consider using fresh pineapple instead of canned for a more vibrant, natural tropical flavor profile if seasonal availability permits.
- Experiment with adding toasted coconut directly into the cake batter for extra texture and enhanced tropical essence.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 438 kcal
- Sugar: 44 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 4.5 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg