Sunny Southern Pineapple Cake Recipe That Brings Joy To Any Table

Nestled in the heart of southern cuisine, this pineapple cake whispers sweet memories of summer gatherings and warm hospitality.

Sunshine-soaked fruits dance through layers of tender crumb, creating a dessert that feels like a cherished family secret.

Moist and vibrant, each slice tells a story of culinary tradition passed down through generations.

Delicate pineapple chunks infuse every bite with tropical brightness and unexpected depth.

Bakers who love simple yet remarkable treats will find this recipe irresistibly charming.

Soft, fragrant, and beautifully balanced, the cake promises to become your new favorite celebration centerpiece.

FAQs About Southern Pineapple Cake

• Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but ensure you measure the equivalent amount of juice and crushed pineapple as the canned version to maintain the recipe’s moisture and texture.

• Is this cake considered a Southern dessert?

Absolutely! This pineapple cake is a classic Southern recipe, known for its rich, sweet topping and use of local ingredients like pecans and coconut.

• How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?

The cake is done when it turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, typically after 40-45 minutes of baking.

Southern Pineapple Cake Charm

• Celebrate Southern Comfort: Dive into a classic Southern dessert that brings warmth and nostalgia to your table, packed with tropical pineapple flavor and rich, nutty toppings.
• Stress-Free Baking Adventure: Mix ingredients in one bowl, pour into a pan, and create a delectable cake with minimal prep and straightforward steps that even novice bakers can master.
• Party-Perfect Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations, this cake serves a generous group and offers a delightful blend of sweet, tropical, and nutty tastes that everyone will love.
• Simple Ingredient Magic: Transform basic pantry staples into an impressive dessert that requires no complicated techniques, making it a go-to recipe for spontaneous baking moments.

Ingredients For Southern Pineapple Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the Southern Pineapple Cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden brown color during baking.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's rich consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake.
• Crushed Pineapple: Provides moisture and a tropical fruity taste to the cake.

• Butter: Creates a rich and creamy base for the topping.
• Evaporated Milk: Adds a smooth and luxurious texture to the topping.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the topping and helps create a caramel-like consistency.
• Pecans, Walnuts: Add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the cake.
• Coconut Flakes: Provide a tropical and textural element to the topping.

• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the topping.

Southern Pineapple Cake Preparation

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Grab a 13 x 9-inch baking dish and give it a generous coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Cake Base

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking soda
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Crushed pineapple (with juice)

In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and stir until the batter looks smooth and well-blended. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 4: Craft the Decadent Topping

• Butter
• Evaporated milk
• Vanilla extract
• Sugar
• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• Coconut flakes

Heat the mixture until it starts bubbling. Stir constantly for about 5 minutes until the topping slightly thickens and becomes glossy.

Step 5: Dress the Cake

Use a fork or skewer to poke holes across the warm cake’s surface. Pour the hot topping over the cake, ensuring it seeps into every delicious crack.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Let the cake cool completely before slicing. This allows the topping to set and flavors to meld beautifully.

Tips For Southern Pineapple Cake

• Prevent Dry Cake: Use room temperature eggs and pineapple to ensure even mixing and moist texture.
• Create Perfect Holes: Use a wooden skewer or fork to poke deep, evenly spaced holes for better topping absorption.
• Enhance Nutty Flavor: Lightly toast pecans or walnuts before adding to the topping for a richer, more intense taste.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Insert a toothpick at a 45-degree angle near the cake's center to verify complete baking without disturbing the entire cake.
• Store Smartly: Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain moisture and freshness.

Variations For Southern Pineapple Cake

• Gluten-Free Southern Pineapple Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the cake's rich texture and tropical flavor.
• Vegan Tropical Delight: Substitute eggs with mashed bananas or applesauce, use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk, and swap butter with coconut oil for a plant-based alternative.
• Reduced Sugar Southern Cake: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener in place of sugar, and opt for sugar-free crushed pineapple to create a lower-calorie dessert that's diabetes-friendly.
• No-Nut Pineapple Cake: Eliminate pecans and walnuts, replacing them with toasted sunflower seeds or shredded coconut for those with nut allergies while preserving the cake's crunchy topping.

Pairing Ideas For Southern Pineapple Cake

• Sip Smooth Bourbon: Complement the cake's rich sweetness with a classic Kentucky bourbon, its caramel notes harmonizing beautifully with the pineapple and pecan topping.
• Brew Creamy Coffee: Serve a velvety vanilla latte or smooth cappuccino alongside the cake, its warm espresso tones balancing the dessert's tropical sweetness.
• Match with Tropical Cocktail: Create a pineapple mojito or rum punch that echoes the cake's fruity essence, enhancing the Southern dessert experience with a refreshing twist.
• Enjoy Vanilla Ice Cream: Top the warm cake with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, letting the cold, smooth texture contrast delightfully with the cake's warm, nutty topping.

Storage Tips For Southern Pineapple Cake

• Store covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cake stays moist and delicious when chilled properly.
• Wrap the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Cut cake into portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for convenient single-serving treats up to 2 months.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or place in a preheated 350F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Avoid overheating to maintain moisture and texture.

Southern Pineapple Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet Southern charm shines through this pineapple cake, blending tropical flavors with classic Southern hospitality. Moist layers kissed with pineapple and crowned with creamy frosting promise a delightful dessert you won’t soon forget.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 20 ounces (567 grams) can crushed pineapple (with juice)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup coconut flakes
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Leavening and Flavoring Agents:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 2/3 cup evaporated milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and coat a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Combine flour, sugar, baking soda, eggs, vanilla, and crushed pineapple (including juice) in a large mixing bowl until ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
3. Transfer the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, ensuring even distribution.
4. Bake for 40-45 minutes, monitoring until the surface turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
5. While cake bakes, craft the topping by simmering butter, evaporated milk, vanilla, and sugar in a saucepan until it reaches a rolling boil.
6. Incorporate pecans and coconut flakes into the boiling mixture, continuously stirring for approximately 5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
7. Remove cake from oven and puncture multiple holes across the surface using a fork or skewer.
8. Generously drizzle the warm, nutty topping over the freshly baked cake, ensuring complete and even coverage.
9. Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature before slicing and serving.
10. Anticipate a delectable dessert that serves 12 and delivers approximately 494 calories per portion.

Notes

• Check pineapple quality by ensuring it’s ripe and sweet, enhancing the cake’s natural tropical flavor.
• Adjust sugar levels based on pineapple’s sweetness to maintain perfect balance in the cake.
• Toast pecans or walnuts beforehand to intensify their nutty flavor and add extra crunch to the topping.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with almond or coconut flour for dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern United States

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 493
• Sugar: 44 g
• Sodium: 170 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 64 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg