Yummy Pineapple Cake: A Tropical Treasure for Every Occasion

There are certain scents that instantly transport me back to cherished moments, and the sweet, caramelized aroma of this Yummy Pineapple Cake baking in the oven is one of them. I remember the first time I made it, a spontaneous decision on a sweltering summer afternoon. The simplicity of the ingredients belied the incredible flavor that emerged, a delightful balance of moist cake and rich, buttery frosting. It quickly became a staple, a go-to for impromptu gatherings and comforting desserts alike, always met with delighted murmurs and requests for the recipe.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 20
• Yield: 1 (9×13 inch) cake
• Dietary Type: Classic Dessert

Ingredients

This cake is wonderfully straightforward, relying on pantry staples to create something truly special. The pineapple provides a subtle sweetness and moisture, while the brown sugar topping adds a delightful caramel note.

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 large eggs
• 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple with juice
• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
• ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans are excellent choices)

For the Frosting:

• ¾ cup butter or margarine
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup evaporated milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment Needed

You won’t need any fancy gadgets for this delightful cake. Most of these are standard kitchen essentials:

• A large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• A whisk or electric mixer
• A 9×13 inch baking pan
• A medium-sized saucepan
• A spatula or spoon for spreading frosting

Instructions

The beauty of this cake lies in its ease of preparation. You can have it ready to bake in mere minutes, making it perfect for those moments when a sweet craving strikes.

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even cooking temperature for your cake.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Make sure these are well combined to ensure the baking soda is evenly distributed.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: To the dry ingredients, add the 2 large eggs. Pour in the entire contents of the 1 (20 ounce) can of crushed pineapple with its juice.
4. Mix the Batter: Stir or mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined and you have a smooth, consistent batter. Don’t overmix; just ensure there are no dry pockets of flour.
5. Prepare the Pan: Pour the cake batter into an ungreased 9×13 inch baking pan. The pineapple juice in the batter will help keep it from sticking.
6. Add the Topping: Evenly sprinkle the ½ cup of brown sugar over the surface of the cake batter. Then, scatter the ½ cup of chopped nuts over the brown sugar. This creates a wonderfully sweet and crunchy layer as it bakes.
7. Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Prepare the Frosting (While Baking): About ten minutes before the cake is expected to be done, begin preparing the frosting. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the ¾ cup of butter or margarine, ¾ cup of granulated sugar, and ¾ cup of evaporated milk.
9. Boil the Frosting: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Once it begins to boil, reduce the heat slightly and let it boil for 5 minutes, continuing to stir. This process will thicken the frosting and develop its rich flavor.
10. Frost the Hot Cake: As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, pour the hot frosting directly onto the hot cake. The heat from the cake will help the frosting to spread and absorb beautifully.
11. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly. You can serve the cake cool or warm, whichever you prefer. For an extra touch of indulgence, top with whipped cream if desired.

Expert Tips & Tricks

This cake is wonderfully forgiving, but a few simple techniques can elevate it even further. The key is to work quickly with the frosting to ensure it melts into the warm cake beautifully.

• Pineapple Choice: While canned crushed pineapple is convenient and yields consistent results, you can also use fresh pineapple. Ensure it’s finely chopped or pureed to maintain the cake’s texture. If using fresh, you might need to add a tablespoon or two of water to the batter if it seems too dry, as canned pineapple’s juice can vary.
• Nutty Variations: Pecans offer a slightly sweeter, buttery note, while walnuts provide a more robust, earthy flavor. Feel free to experiment with other nuts like almonds or even a mix. Toasting your nuts lightly before chopping can also enhance their flavor.
• Frosting Consistency: The frosting is designed to be poured while hot. If it cools too much, it can become too thick to spread. If you find it has cooled too much, gently warm it again over low heat for a minute or two.
• Pan Preparation: While the recipe calls for an ungreased pan, some bakers prefer to lightly grease their 9×13 inch pan, especially if they are concerned about sticking. This is optional but can offer extra peace of mind.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Yummy Pineapple Cake is a versatile treat that shines at any temperature.

• Serving: Enjoy it as a simple dessert after a meal, or as a delightful accompaniment to coffee or tea. The optional whipped cream adds a luxurious touch that’s always a crowd-pleaser. For a more formal presentation, slice it neatly and serve on individual dessert plates.
• Storage: The cake can be stored at room temperature, loosely covered, for up to 2 days. If you plan to keep it longer, it’s best to refrigerate it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. To reheat, you can gently warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of this delicious pineapple cake. Please note that these are approximate values and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (approx.)	% Daily Value
Calories	272.3 kcal	14%
Calories from Fat	–	–
Total Fat	10 g	15%
Saturated Fat	5.2 g	26%
Cholesterol	39.6 mg	13%
Sodium	166.1 mg	6%
Total Carbohydrate	43.8 g	14%
Dietary Fiber	0.9 g	3%
Sugars	32.1 g	128%
Protein	3.4 g	6%

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is wonderfully balanced as is, there’s always room for a little culinary creativity!

• Coconut Twist: For a tropical flavor profile, consider substituting half of the evaporated milk with full-fat coconut milk for the frosting. You could also add a teaspoon of shredded coconut to the cake batter.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg added to the dry ingredients can impart a warm, comforting spice to the cake.
• Citrus Zest: Grated zest from half an orange or lemon, added to the cake batter, can offer a bright, refreshing counterpoint to the sweetness.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the cake and store it at room temperature for a day or two before frosting. However, the frosting is best when applied shortly after the cake comes out of the oven for optimal absorption.

Q: My frosting seems too thin. What can I do?
A: Ensure you are boiling the frosting for the full 5 minutes. If it’s still too thin after boiling, you can try simmering it for another minute or two, but be careful not to scorch it.

Q: Can I use a different sized pan?
A: While a 9×13 inch pan is recommended, you could potentially use two 8-inch round pans or a 9-inch square pan. You would need to adjust the baking time accordingly, likely reducing it.

Q: Is this cake dairy-free?
A: No, this recipe contains butter, evaporated milk, and eggs. Modifications would be needed to make it dairy-free.

Q: What is the best way to store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

Final Thoughts

This Yummy Pineapple Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an invitation to slow down, gather loved ones, and savor a moment of simple, unadulterated joy. Its ease of preparation makes it accessible to bakers of all levels, and its irresistible flavor profile ensures it will become a cherished recipe in your own home. Don’t hesitate to try it – you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again, just like I do. Serve it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat. Happy baking!