Southern Pineapple Cake is a classic Southern dessert that has been passed down through generations for good reason. It’s rich, moist, sweet, and bursting with the tropical flavor of pineapple. Topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of chopped nuts, this cake has the perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s an ideal dessert for family gatherings, holidays, or simply as a treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee. This cake is easy to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and the results are simply divine. The inclusion of pineapple gives the cake a natural sweetness and moisture that makes it almost foolproof, and the cream cheese frosting provides a tangy contrast that takes the cake to the next level.
Ingredients
For this Southern Pineapple Cake, you’ll need a handful of pantry staples along with some fresh ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (20 oz) can of crushed pineapple, including the juice
For the Frosting:
- 1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). You’ll want your oven nice and hot when you place the cake inside so it bakes evenly. Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by greasing it with butter or non-stick spray and lightly dusting it with flour. This step is essential to prevent the cake from sticking to the pan and ensures it will come out cleanly when it’s done.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla extract. Stir the ingredients together until they’re well combined. The eggs provide structure to the cake, while the sugar sweetens it and balances the acidity of the pineapple. The flour and baking soda are what give the cake its light and fluffy texture.
Next, add the entire can of crushed pineapple, including the juice, to the mixture. The juice from the pineapple is what keeps the cake moist and ensures it doesn’t dry out during baking. Stir everything together gently until the pineapple is evenly distributed throughout the batter. You don’t need a mixer for this cake; just a sturdy wooden spoon or spatula will do the trick. The simplicity of this cake batter is one of its charms—it’s quick and easy to make, yet yields a beautiful and flavorful cake.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Once the batter is ready, pour it into your prepared 9×13 inch baking pan and spread it out evenly. Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes. You’ll know the cake is done when the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
As the cake bakes, your kitchen will be filled with the sweet and tropical aroma of pineapple, which is sure to draw everyone in for a taste. The pineapple not only adds flavor but also helps keep the cake light and fluffy. Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool completely in the pan. Cooling the cake thoroughly is important, as it ensures that the cream cheese frosting won’t melt when you spread it on top.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake cools, you can prepare the frosting. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. The key here is to make sure both the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature, which makes them easier to blend together without any lumps. Once the mixture is smooth, add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
This cream cheese frosting is what really elevates the Southern Pineapple Cake. The tanginess of the cream cheese pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the pineapple, and the creamy texture of the frosting contrasts beautifully with the light, fluffy cake.
Step 5: Frost the Cake
Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cake. Be generous with the frosting—it’s a key part of what makes this cake so irresistible. For an extra touch of Southern flair, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the top of the frosting. The nuts add a bit of crunch and extra flavor, making each bite of the cake even more delightful.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Now that your Southern Pineapple Cake is frosted and ready to go, it’s time to serve it up! Cut the cake into squares or slices and enjoy the sweet, tangy, and rich flavors. This cake is perfect for serving at room temperature, but it can also be stored in the refrigerator if you prefer a chilled dessert.
This cake is incredibly versatile and can be served on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The moistness of the pineapple cake combined with the creaminess of the frosting is a match made in dessert heaven. The cake also keeps well in the refrigerator for several days, making it a great option for make-ahead desserts or leftovers.
Southern Pineapple Cake is a true classic, combining the best of traditional Southern baking with a tropical twist. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a potluck, or just treating yourself at home, this cake is sure to be a hit. Its simplicity, ease of preparation, and delicious flavors make it a go-to recipe for any occasio
