Pineapple Heaven Cake Recipe – My Grandma’s Pie

The Pineapple Heaven Cake is a tropical delight that brings a burst of flavor and a touch of nostalgia with every bite. Passed down from generation to generation, this cake combines the sweetness of pineapple with a soft, moist base and a decadent frosting that is impossible to resist. The layers of cake are complemented by a creamy pineapple frosting and garnished with toasted coconut and fresh pineapple slices, making it not only delicious but visually stunning. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion, a summer gathering, or a family dinner, this cake will undoubtedly become a favorite. It’s a perfect balance of sweetness, tropical flavors, and richness, making every slice feel like a little taste of paradise.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Tropical Flavors

The combination of pineapple and coconut brings a tropical flair to this cake, making it a refreshing treat for any occasion.

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2. Moist and Fluffy

The cake base is light and moist thanks to the addition of crushed pineapple, which keeps it wonderfully tender and flavorful.

3. Easy to Make

Despite its rich taste and impressive presentation, this cake is relatively simple to make with common ingredients, making it a great option for bakers of all skill levels.

4. Beautiful Presentation

The fresh pineapple slices, toasted coconut flakes, and maraschino cherries create a beautiful, eye-catching garnish, making this cake a showstopper.

5. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or casual family gathering, the Pineapple Heaven Cake is versatile and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the Cake Base

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Granulated sugar
• Light brown sugar (packed)
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Eggs
• Crushed pineapple (with juice)
• Whole milk
• Pure vanilla extract

For the Frosting

• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Powdered sugar
• Crushed pineapple (well-drained)
• Coconut extract (optional)
• Heavy cream (for consistency)

For Garnishing

• Fresh pineapple slices
• Toasted coconut flakes
• Maraschino cherries

Variations

• Add Coconut: For an extra tropical touch, mix shredded coconut into the cake batter or frosting.
• Flavored Frosting: If you don’t want coconut, you can opt for a vanilla or cream cheese frosting instead.
• Add Nuts: Toasted chopped pecans or walnuts can be added to the cake batter for extra texture and flavor.
• Change the Fruit: While pineapple is the star of this recipe, you could swap in other tropical fruits like mango or papaya for a different twist.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a separate bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This will help create a smooth texture for the cake.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix to combine.

Step 4: Mix in the Pineapple

Add the crushed pineapple with juice into the batter and stir until combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Pineapple Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Fold in the drained crushed pineapple and coconut extract (if using). Adjust the consistency by adding a splash of heavy cream if needed.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

Once the cake layers are completely cooled, level them if necessary. Spread a layer of frosting on top of the first cake layer. Place the second layer of cake on top, then frost the entire cake.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Garnish the cake with fresh pineapple slices, toasted coconut flakes, and maraschino cherries for a beautiful finish. Slice and serve.

Tips for the Perfect Pineapple Heaven Cake

• Drain Pineapple Well: Be sure to drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly before adding it to the frosting. Excess moisture can affect the frosting’s texture.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps achieve a smooth, even batter.
• Toast the Coconut: Toasting the coconut flakes brings out a nutty flavor that adds depth to the cake’s garnish.
• Check Cake Doneness: The cake is done when it springs back to the touch and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Overbaking can dry it out.
• Frost After Cooling: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

Serving Suggestions for Pineapple Heaven Cake

This Pineapple Heaven Cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of coconut ice cream or a refreshing piña colada on the side. It’s a perfect dessert to serve at tropical-themed parties, summer barbecues, or casual get-togethers. For extra indulgence, you can even drizzle a little extra pineapple syrup over the top before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the cake is assembled, cover it loosely with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for 2-3 days. If you live in a hot climate, refrigerating it may be necessary to preserve the frosting’s consistency.

Freezing

If you want to make this cake ahead of time, you can freeze the individual cake layers before frosting. Wrap the layers tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to assemble, allow the layers to thaw, then frost as usual.

Reheating

While this cake is best served fresh, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds to make it warm and comforting again.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but make sure to finely chop and drain it thoroughly before using it in the recipe.

2. Can I substitute the butter with oil?

While butter gives the cake a rich flavor, you could substitute it with vegetable or coconut oil if needed, but the texture may be slightly different.

3. Can I use a different type of frosting?

Yes, you can opt for a cream cheese frosting, vanilla buttercream, or even a whipped cream topping if you prefer.

4. How do I keep the frosting from being too runny?

Make sure to drain the pineapple well before adding it to the frosting. If the frosting is too thin, add a little more powdered sugar to thicken it.

5. Can I make this cake without coconut?

Yes, simply omit the coconut extract from the frosting, and you can skip the toasted coconut garnish.

6. Can I make this cake in advance?

You can bake the cake layers a day ahead and store them at room temperature. Frost and garnish the cake on the day you plan to serve it.

7. How can I make this cake more moist?

Ensure you don’t overbake the cake. The addition of crushed pineapple helps keep it moist, so be sure to mix it in thoroughly.

8. Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake layers before frosting. Once frosted, it’s best to serve the cake fresh.

9. What’s the best way to frost the cake?

Use a spatula or offset knife to apply frosting in an even layer, then smooth it out. You can also use a piping bag for decorative frosting.

10. Can I add more fruit to this cake?

Yes, you can add other tropical fruits like mango or banana to the cake batter for extra flavor.

Conclusion

The Pineapple Heaven Cake is a tropical treat that combines the sweetness of pineapple, the richness of butter, and the indulgence of a creamy frosting. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is sure to impress with its soft, moist layers and stunning garnish. Whether served at a party or as a sweet end to a meal, it’s a dessert everyone will love. With easy-to-follow steps and the ability to customize, this recipe is destined to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

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