This Moist Pineapple Cake is a deliciously simple dessert packed with tropical flavor and topped with a rich, creamy icing. It’s one of the easiest homemade cakes you’ll ever bake—no mixers or complicated steps required. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a birthday, or just satisfying a sweet tooth, this pineapple cake is the perfect solution.
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Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Cake
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Made with just a handful of pantry ingredients
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No oil or butter needed in the batter
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Moist and tender thanks to crushed pineapple
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Perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy
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Great for potlucks, holidays, or casual weeknight treats
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Cake:
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1 can pineapple (undrained) – Adds natural sweetness, moisture, and tropical flavor.
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1 cup all-purpose flour – The structure-building base of the cake.
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1½ cups granulated sugar – Provides just the right amount of sweetness.
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2 large eggs – Adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients.
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2 tsp baking soda – Leavens the cake for a soft, fluffy texture.
For the Icing:
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8 oz cream cheese, softened – Creates a creamy, tangy frosting.
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1 stick butter, softened (½ cup) – Adds richness and smoothness.
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2 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the icing.
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2 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances flavor with warm undertones.
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2 tbsp milk – Thins the icing slightly for easy spreading.
Tips and Tricks
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Use the full can of pineapple with juice — it provides the moisture and flavor.
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Frost while warm for an ultra-moist cake that soaks in the icing.
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Store leftovers covered in the fridge to keep the frosting fresh.
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Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the frosting for a crunchy twist.
Variations and Customizations
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Add shredded coconut for a tropical spin
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Swap cream cheese frosting with whipped topping for a lighter dessert
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Fold in raisins or crushed nuts into the batter for extra texture
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Make Pineapple Cupcakes by dividing batter into muffin tins and adjusting bake time to 20–22 minutes
Pairing Suggestions
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Serve with coffee or chai tea for a cozy dessert moment
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Pair with grilled pineapple slices for extra fruit-forward flavor
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A glass of sparkling white wine or moscato complements the sweetness beautifully
Storage Instructions
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Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days
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Freeze: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months
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To Serve from Frozen: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bring to room temperature before enjoying
Popular Questions
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, but it must be very finely chopped and juicy. Add extra liquid if needed to match the canned pineapple’s moisture.
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Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors deepen and the frosting melds into the cake.
Can I use a hand mixer for the batter?
It’s not necessary—this cake mixes easily by hand. Just don’t overmix to avoid a dense texture.
Print
Moist Pineapple Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Moist Pineapple Cake is ultra-soft, loaded with crushed pineapple, and topped with a rich cream cheese icing that melts into every bite. It’s a one-bowl wonder that’s easy to make and always a hit at potlucks, parties, or just a weekday dessert craving!
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Ingredients
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1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1½ cups granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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2 teaspoons baking soda
Cream Cheese Icing:
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
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2 cups powdered sugar
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Mix the Cake Batter
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In a large bowl, combine crushed pineapple (with juice), flour, sugar, eggs, and baking soda.
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Stir until fully incorporated. The batter will be thick and slightly lumpy.
3. Bake the Cake
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Pour the batter into the greased baking dish.
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Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Let the cake cool for 15 minutes before frosting.
4. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
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In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until creamy.
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Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix until smooth and fluffy.
5. Frost and Serve
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Spread the frosting over the warm (not hot) cake.
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Allow to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
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For best results, use full-fat cream cheese and real butter in the frosting.
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You can double the frosting for an extra-thick layer if you love that rich cream cheese flavor.
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This is a no-fail recipe, ideal for beginner bakers or last-minute dessert needs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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