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Southern Pineapple Cake

Southern Pineapple Cake
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Southern Pineapple Cake is a classic Southern dessert featuring moist layers infused with fresh pineapple and juice, balanced by a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. This cake offers a perfect harmony of sweet and tangy tropical flavors with a tender crumb, making it a popular choice for family gatherings and celebrations. Easy to customize and always a crowd-pleaser, it embodies Southern hospitality and charm in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (or oil)
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup reserved pineapple juice
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh pineapple chunks (or drained canned pineapple)

Frosting Ingredients

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 to 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pineapple: Drain canned pineapple or freshly chop your pineapple into small pieces and reserve the juice to add moisture and flavor to the batter.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute leavening agents and ensure a balanced rise.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, beat butter (or oil) and sugar until light and fluffy. This step aerates the batter, leading to a tender cake texture.
  4. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, followed by vanilla extract and the reserved pineapple juice, mixing well after each addition before folding in the dry ingredients.
  5. Fold in Pineapple: Gently fold the pineapple chunks into the batter to evenly distribute them without breaking up the pieces.
  6. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into greased cake pans and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Prepare the Frosting: While the cake cools, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
  8. Assemble and Frost: Once cakes are completely cooled, layer them and spread frosting between each layer and on top to create a creamy, luscious finish.

Notes

  • Use fresh pineapple when possible for brighter flavor and natural moisture.
  • Do not overmix batter to avoid dense cake; mix until just combined.
  • Allow cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and runny frosting.
  • Reserve pineapple juice to incorporate into the batter for enhanced moistness.
  • Chill the frosting for at least 30 minutes before spreading for firmer consistency.
  • Customize by adding shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or swapping cream cheese for Greek yogurt to lighten frosting.

Nutrition

Keywords: Southern Pineapple Cake, pineapple cake, cream cheese frosting, moist cake, tropical cake, Southern dessert, homemade pineapple cake

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/southern-pineapple-cake/