Name: Pineapple Heaven Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 cup crushed pineapple, well drained; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons pineapple juice

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I make Pineapple Heaven Cake when I want a quick sweet bread that feels a bit fancy. I bake it for a small visit or a family snack. The cake is easy. It uses simple pantry things and a can of pineapple. I like that it is soft and not too sweet. I found this cake useful when I needed a dessert fast. It makes the house smell good. It slices well for plates or small paper napkins.

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This recipe for Pineapple Heaven Cake came to help on busy days. I needed a cake that did not need fancy tools. I also wanted a cake that stays moist for days. This cake fits that need. It is a loaf cake that uses crushed pineapple and a light glaze. You can eat it for breakfast with coffee. You can also pack it for work or school. The bake time is about one hour. It is a good pick when you want a fresh homemade cake with little fuss.

Pineapple Heaven Cake is a simple loaf cake. It has soft crumbs and a small sweet glaze. You taste light butter, vanilla, and a bit of pineapple in each bite. The cake is moist from the pineapple and sour cream. People make it for small meals, for tea, or as a treat after dinner. It works well for a picnic or a snack box. You can make it a day ahead. Warm it a little before you eat if you like it warm. If you like other fruit loaf cakes, see this pineapple juice cake recipe for more ideas.

why make this recipe

This cake is quick to make. You need about 15 minutes to mix the batter. Then you bake it for about 50 to 60 minutes. The steps are easy and clear. You do not need any hard skills. The flavor is mild and homey. The cake is not too sweet. The pineapple gives it light fruit notes and a bit of juice. The glaze makes a thin sweet top that is not sticky. You can serve it with coffee or milk. It fits a daily treat or a small party. You do not need special tools. A loaf pan and a mixer are enough. It saves time and keeps well for a few days.

how to make Pineapple Heaven Cake

You start by mixing dry ingredients. This gives a good base for the cake. Then you beat butter and sugar until light. This step adds air and makes the cake soft. You add eggs one by one to keep the mix even. Then you add vanilla for taste. You add the dry mix and the sour cream in turns. This keeps the batter smooth and not too thick. After the batter is ready, gently fold in the drained crushed pineapple. Do not over mix. Over mixing makes the cake dense. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool fully before you add the glaze. If you like other simple cakes, compare notes with a classic strawberry shortcake guide to learn how small changes can change the cake feel.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup crushed pineapple, well drained
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons pineapple juice

This list uses simple items you may have at home. The flour, baking powder, and salt make the cake rise and hold its shape. The butter and sugar give flavor and light crumbs. Eggs bind the mix and add lift. Vanilla adds small sweet flavor notes. Sour cream adds moisture and a soft crumb. The crushed pineapple brings texture and real fruit flavor. Powdered sugar and pineapple juice make a thin glaze that goes on top once the cake cools. Be sure to drain the pineapple well. Extra juice can make the batter too wet and change the bake time. These parts work together to make a soft loaf.

Directions

Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan and dust it with a little flour. This keeps the cake from sticking. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. This spreads the raising agent so the cake rises evenly. Beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step traps air for a tender cake. Add eggs one at a time and beat in the vanilla. Stir in dry mix and sour cream in parts. Start and end with the dry mix to keep texture right. Fold in the drained crushed pineapple by hand. This keeps the fruit pieces whole and spread. Pour the batter into the pan. Bake 50 to 60 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan a bit. Then cool fully on a rack. Mix powdered sugar and pineapple juice to make a thin glaze. Drizzle the glaze when the cake is fully cool so it does not melt into the cake. This glaze adds a light sweet top and a small shine. Each step helps the cake bake well and stay moist.

how to serve Pineapple Heaven Cake

Slice the cake with a sharp knife. A serrated knife works well. Serve it plain or with a small dusting of extra powdered sugar. You can add a spoon of whipped cream on the side for a richer bite. A thin slice goes well with coffee or tea. You can warm a slice for 10 seconds in the microwave for a fresh feel. For a small party, set the cake on a plate with paper napkins. For kids, cut into small squares for lunch boxes. The cake also pairs with a scoop of plain ice cream if you want a dessert. Keep serving simple so the pineapple flavor stays clear and pleasant. For other serving ideas that match casual snacks, you can see some ideas from a blueberry coffee cake ideas post.

how to store Pineapple Heaven Cake

Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for two days. Keep it in the fridge if you want it to last longer. In the fridge it stays fresh for up to five days. Wrap slices in plastic wrap or place them in a sealed box. For the freezer, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Put it in a freezer bag and label the date. The cake will keep in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw the wrapped cake in the fridge overnight. Warm a slice in the microwave for a few seconds before serving. The glaze can soften in the fridge, so let the cake sit a bit at room temp before you eat if you want the glaze to be less firm.

tips to make Pineapple Heaven Cake

Use room temperature butter and eggs. They mix easier and make a smoother batter. Do not skip draining the crushed pineapple. Too much juice makes the batter thin and it will bake poorly. Mix the batter just until it comes together. Over mixing can make the cake heavy. Check the cake at 50 minutes. If a toothpick has batter, bake ten more minutes and check again. Let the cake cool fully before glazing. If you glaze a hot cake, the glaze will melt away. If your butter is not soft, cut it into small bits and let sit five to ten minutes. Use fresh baking powder if the cake does not rise well. These small steps help the cake turn out light and moist.

variation

You can swap some ingredients to change the cake a little. Try using crushed mandarin oranges instead of pineapple for a milder fruit taste. Add 1/4 cup chopped nuts for a nutty bite. Replace the sour cream with plain yogurt for a small tang and a lighter feel. Fold in a half cup of shredded coconut for a tropical note. For a lower sugar cake, cut the granulated sugar to 3/4 cup and add a touch more vanilla. If you like a thicker glaze, add less pineapple juice to the powdered sugar. You can also turn this into muffins. Bake in a muffin tin for 18 to 22 minutes at the same oven temp. Each change will change the texture or taste a bit, but the base mix stays simple and true.

FAQs

Q: Can I use fresh pineapple? A: Yes. Chop it small and drain excess juice. Fresh pineapple may add more texture and a bit more juice.

Q: Can I make this cake in a round pan? A: Yes. Use a 9-inch round pan. Bake time may change. Check with a toothpick at 40 minutes.

Q: Can I skip the glaze? A: Yes. The cake still tastes good without the glaze. The glaze adds light sweet top and shine.

Q: How do I know the cake is done? A: Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few dry crumbs, it is done. If it has raw batter, bake more.

Q: Can I use low-fat sour cream? A: Yes. It will make the cake slightly less rich but still moist.

Q: Can I make this cake dairy-free? A: You can try a dairy-free butter and a dairy-free yogurt in place of sour cream. Texture may change.

Conclusion

For a similar sweet loaf with a rich sauce feel, see the Almost Heaven Cake recipe for another home-style idea. For a bright, fruity cake that uses fresh citrus notes, check the Pineapple Sunshine Cake recipe for more tips and a lovely variation.

Pineapple Heaven Cake That Melts in Every Bite