Best Pineapple Cake Recipe – Moist, Easy & How To make 2025

Pineapple cake recipe is the perfect tropical dessert—moist, flavorful, and effortlessly delightful for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a party or just craving a sweet treat, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about creating the perfect pineapple cake from scratch.

A Sweet Slice of History

The use of pineapple in baking dates back decades, especially in American and Asian cuisines where it adds moisture and tang. Taiwanese pineapple cakes, for instance, are a cultural symbol, often given as gifts during festivals. Meanwhile, the classic American pineapple upside-down cake gained fame in the mid-20th century.

For a deeper dive into pineapple’s culinary role, check out this comprehensive guide to pineapple nutrition and usage and its role in digestive health via Cleveland Clinic’s article on bromelain benefits.

Must-Have Ingredients for a Moist Pineapple Cake

Here’s what you’ll need:

Crushed pineapple (canned or fresh)
All-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
Baking soda & baking powder
Granulated sugar or brown sugar
Eggs (or plant-based egg replacer)
Butter or vegetable oil
Vanilla extract
Salt

Optional Add-ins:

Chopped walnuts or pecans
Shredded coconut
Cinnamon or nutmeg

Tip: Use the pineapple juice from the can to boost flavor and moisture.

Essential Baking Equipment

Mixing bowls
Hand or stand mixer
9×13 baking pan or round cake tins
Rubber spatula
Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Oven and Pan

Preheat to 350°F (175°C)
Grease and line your baking tin

2. Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices

3. Mix Wet Ingredients

Beat eggs with sugar until fluffy
Add vanilla and butter/oil
Fold in crushed pineapple with juice

4. Combine & Bake

Gently mix dry and wet ingredients
Pour into pan and bake for 30–35 minutes
Test with a toothpick—it should come out clean

5. Cool Completely

Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes
Transfer to wire rack

Frosting & Toppings

Elevate your cake with the perfect finish:

Cream cheese frosting:
- Butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla
Whipped cream (stabilized with gelatin if storing long)
Toasted coconut, chopped nuts, or pineapple rings for garnish

Delicious Variations

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake: Caramelized brown sugar base with pineapple rings
Pineapple Sheet Cake: Perfect for potlucks or birthdays
Coconut-Pineapple Cake: Add shredded coconut for tropical flavor
Vegan Version: Replace eggs with applesauce or flaxseed

Pro Tips for Perfect Texture and Taste

Use room-temperature ingredients
Don’t overmix—the batter should be slightly lumpy
Add extra pineapple juice if your batter looks dry
Let the cake sit overnight for better flavor melding

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using unsweetened fresh pineapple without adjusting sugar
Overbaking, which dries the cake
Skipping the resting period after baking
Not properly draining excess juice when needed

Serving Suggestions

Serve your pineapple cake:

With vanilla ice cream or whipped topping
As a breakfast cake with coffee
Drizzled with caramel sauce for an indulgent touch

FAQs

Can I add crushed pineapple to a box cake mix?
Yes. Fold in 1 cup of crushed pineapple (drained or with juice depending on moisture preference) into yellow or white cake mix. It adds flavor and moisture. Adjust liquids slightly if juice is included.

What is the secret to keep cake moist?
Key tips:

Use oil or butter generously
Don’t overbake
Add sour cream or pudding mix for richness
Store properly in an airtight container

Can I use pineapple juice instead of water in a cake mix?
Absolutely. Substituting pineapple juice enhances both flavor and moisture. Use 1:1 for water, but avoid overly acidic juices if the mix already contains citrus ingredients.

Can angel food cake be made in a 9×13 pan?
Yes, but avoid greasing the pan. Angel food cake rises best when it can cling to ungreased surfaces. Use a metal pan for optimal structure.

What happens if you add an extra egg to a box cake mix?
It adds richness and density, making the cake taste more homemade. Be cautious: too many eggs can make it rubbery.

How do you keep pineapple upside-down cake from getting soggy?
Drain pineapple well and reduce extra liquid in the batter. Bake fully and cool before covering.

How do you make a box cake taste like it came from the bakery?

Add an extra egg
Use milk instead of water
Add sour cream or pudding mix
Use real butter instead of oil

What does adding sour cream to cake mix do?
It makes the cake more moist, dense, and gives it a richer flavor. It’s a secret weapon for bakery-style texture.

Conclusion

Making a pineapple cake from scratch is simpler than you might think—and the payoff is incredible. From its moist crumb to its tropical sweetness, this dessert brings a refreshing twist to traditional baking. Whether you’re using fresh pineapple, canned, or enhancing a box mix, there’s room to get creative without sacrificing flavor.

With so many variations—pineapple upside-down, sheet cake, coconut-infused, or even vegan—you can easily adapt this recipe for any occasion, diet, or skill level. The frosting and topping options alone let you customize the finish, whether you’re going for a rustic homemade vibe or a bakery-style presentation.

The real beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can dress it up with cream cheese frosting for a celebration or enjoy it plain with your morning coffee. It’s a crowd-pleaser that also happens to store well, freeze beautifully, and improve in flavor over time.

Once you master this base recipe, it can be your go-to for birthdays, brunches, or just a midweek dessert craving. So preheat that oven, grab your crushed pineapple, and let this sweet, sunshine-filled cake earn its place in your recipe box.