Description
This easy Southern Pineapple Cake is a moist, tropical dessert made with crushed pineapple and topped with a silky pineapple glaze. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or any time you want a comforting treat with a burst of sunshine flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- Optional: 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2–3 tablespoons pineapple juice (reserved from can)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, lightly beat eggs. Add crushed pineapple (with juice) and vanilla extract. Stir until combined.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Gently fold with a spatula until just combined; do not overmix.
- Fold in optional add-ins: pecans/walnuts, coconut, or cinnamon, if desired.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden.
- Let cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes.
- For the glaze: In a small saucepan, melt butter. Add powdered sugar, pineapple juice, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and pourable.
- Pour glaze evenly over the warm cake and spread with a spatula or spoon.
- Allow glaze to set for about 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Do not overmix the batter for a light crumb. Use all the pineapple juice for extra moisture. Sift powdered sugar for a smooth glaze. Cake can be made gluten-free or dairy-free with simple swaps. Store leftovers tightly wrapped in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of cake
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 37
- Sodium: 200
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 55
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: pineapple cake, southern dessert, tropical cake, easy cake recipe, potluck dessert, pineapple glaze, homemade cake