Some recipes have a way of taking you straight to paradise with just one bite. That’s exactly what happened the first time I baked this Hawaiian Pineapple Cake for my family. What started as a simple weekend experiment turned into a full-blown family favorite—one so good that the kids requested it again before I could even clean up the kitchen!

Soft, moist, and bursting with tropical flavor, this cake feels like sunshine in every slice. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, celebrating a birthday, or simply need a sweet pick-me-up, this Hawaiian Pineapple Cake is the perfect treat.

Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Pineapple Cake

✅ Tropical flavors – Sweet pineapple goodness in every bite
✅ Easy to make – No complicated steps or special equipment needed
✅ Crowd-pleaser – Perfect for potlucks, birthdays, and family gatherings
✅ Stays moist – Thanks to the crushed pineapple and rich batter
✅ Freezer-friendly – Make ahead and freeze for future celebrations

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to bake the most delightful Hawaiian Pineapple Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Toppings:

1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1/2 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)

Cream Cheese Frosting (optional but highly recommended):

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

. Preheat and Prepare Your Equipment

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking from the moment your cake goes in.
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly with butter or nonstick spray. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner edges.

🧁 Tip: A glass or ceramic dish works best for even heat distribution, but metal pans will give you slightly crispier edges.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

This step helps break up any lumps and evenly distributes the leavening agents so the cake rises evenly.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, lightly beat 2 large eggs. Then stir in:

1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple (do not drain the juice)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix until the eggs and pineapple are well incorporated. The pineapple juice is essential—it brings moisture and tangy sweetness to the cake.

4. Create the Batter

Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until just combined.
Avoid overmixing—the batter should be thick and lumpy, but evenly moistened.

🌀 Pro Tip: Overmixing will make the cake tough. A few visible streaks of flour are okay.

5. Pour and Bake

Spread the batter evenly into your greased baking dish. Use a spatula to level the top so it bakes uniformly.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. Begin checking at the 30-minute mark. The cake is done when:

A toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean
The top is golden brown and gently springs back when pressed

⏰ Baking time can vary slightly based on your oven and pan material.

6. Cool Before Frosting

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 45 minutes to 1 hour. This prevents the frosting from melting and helps the flavors settle.

7. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional)

In a mixing bowl, beat together until smooth and fluffy:

8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup butter (softened)
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frost the fully cooled cake generously using an offset spatula or butter knife. The tangy cream cheese pairs beautifully with the sweet pineapple.

8. Add the Finishing Touches

Top the frosted cake with a sprinkle of:

Shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
Chopped pecans or walnuts (for crunch)

These toppings not only add texture and flavor, but also give the cake a tropical, festive finish.

Make It Your Own

The beauty of this Hawaiian Pineapple Cake lies in its versatility! Here are some creative twists:

Pineapple Coconut Cake: Add shredded coconut directly into the batter for extra island vibes.
Hawaiian Carrot Cake: Fold in 1 cup of finely grated carrots for a tropical carrot cake version.
Pineapple Upside-Down Style: Line the pan with pineapple rings and cherries before pouring in the batter.
Healthier Version: Use less sugar (reduce by 1/2 cup) and swap half the flour for whole wheat flour.

You can easily adapt this cake for any occasion!

Pro Tips & FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake stores wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days, or refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Can I freeze Hawaiian Pineapple Cake?
Absolutely! Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

What kind of pineapple should I use?
Always use crushed pineapple in juice (not syrup) for the best texture and moisture.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
You can, but it’s best to finely chop it and use some extra juice or water to match the moisture of canned pineapple.

What’s the best frosting for this cake?
Cream cheese frosting complements the sweet pineapple flavor beautifully, but you can also simply dust it with powdered sugar for a lighter touch.

How to keep the cake moist?
Be sure not to overbake it! Check the cake around 30 minutes and bake only until a toothpick comes out clean.

Conclusion

There’s something magical about a dessert that transports you to an island getaway with one bite—and this Hawaiian Pineapple Cake does just that. It’s bright, easy, and totally irresistible. Whether you top it with a creamy frosting or keep it simple, this cake is guaranteed to impress your family and friends.

Next time you need a quick dessert that delivers big smiles, give this recipe a try. And don’t forget to let me know in the comments if your family loved it too!

👉 For more tropical treats, check out :

Bourbon Candied Pecan Recipe

Kefir Sheet Cake Recipe