Hawaiian Pineapple Cake

Here’s a full, detailed recipe for a classic Hawaiian Pineapple Cake—a moist, sweet cake packed with pineapple flavor and topped with a creamy frosting. This is a family-friendly, bake-at-home version.

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🍍 Hawaiian Pineapple Cake (From Scratch)

⏱ Time

• Prep: 15–20 minutes

• Bake: 35–40 minutes

• Cooling + Frosting: 45 minutes

• Total: ~1½ hours

🍰 Yield

• One 9×13-inch cake (serves about 12–15)

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🧺 Ingredients

Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1½ cups granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 2 large eggs (room temperature)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 can (20 oz / 565 g) crushed pineapple in juice (do not drain)

• ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for richer flavor)

• ½ cup shredded coconut (optional but traditional)

• ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans, optional)

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Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup (1 stick / 115 g) unsalted butter, softened

• 2½–3 cups powdered sugar (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

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🥣 Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan & Oven

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.

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2. Make the Cake Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

   • Flour

   • Sugar

   • Baking soda

   • Salt

2. Add:

   • Eggs

   • Vanilla extract

   • Vegetable oil

   • Entire can of crushed pineapple with juice

3. Stir until just combined. The batter will be thick but moist.

4. Fold in:

   • Shredded coconut (if using)

   • Chopped nuts (if using)

⚠️ Do not overmix—stop once everything is evenly combined.

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3. Bake

1. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.

2. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until:

   • A toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

3. Remove from oven and let the cake cool completely in the pan.

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🍥 Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.

2. Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing well.

3. Mix in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

4. Beat until creamy and spreadable (about 2–3 minutes).

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🎂 Assemble the Cake

1. Once the cake is completely cool, spread frosting evenly over the top.

2. Optional toppings:

   • Extra shredded coconut

   • Chopped nuts

   • Small pineapple pieces (well drained)

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❄️ Storage

• Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days

• Best flavor after chilling for at least 1 hour

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🌺 Tips & Variations

• No frosting version: Dust with powdered sugar for a lighter dessert

• Extra tropical: Add ¼ cup mashed banana or mango

• Cupcakes: Bake 18–22 minutes at 350°F