- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add eggs, vanilla extract, and crushed pineapple (with juice). Stir until combined—no mixer needed!
- Fold in nuts and coconut (if using).
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and pineapple juice, then mix until fluffy.
Step 4: Frost & Garnish
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
- Sprinkle with toasted coconut, chopped nuts, or pineapple chunks for decoration.
- Slice and enjoy your moist, tropical Hawaiian Pineapple Cake!
Serving and Storage Tips
🍍 Best served chilled or at room temperature.
🍍 Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
🍍 Freeze unfrosted cake for up to 3 months—thaw before adding frosting.
Variants
- Hawaiian Pineapple Cupcakes – Bake in a muffin tin for 18–20 minutes.
- Pineapple Sheet Cake – Skip the frosting and dust with powdered sugar for a lighter version.
- Coconut Pineapple Cake – Replace ½ cup of flour with shredded coconut for extra flavor.
- Pineapple Upside-Down Cake – Layer pineapple rings and brown sugar at the bottom before pouring in the batter.
- Gluten-Free Version – Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a celiac-friendly treat.
FAQ
1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes! Just blend fresh pineapple and use ¾ cup juice plus 1 cup crushed pineapple.
2. Can I make this cake without eggs?
Yes! Substitute each egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana.
3. Why is my cake dense?
Overmixing can make the cake dense. Stir gently just until combined.
4. Can I use a different frosting?
Absolutely! Try whipped cream frosting, buttercream, or a light pineapple glaze.
5. What’s the best way to toast coconut for topping?
Spread shredded coconut on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, stirring halfway.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Pineapple Cake is a moist, fruity, and easy-to-make dessert that brings a taste of the tropics to your kitchen! Whether for a special occasion or just because, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.