If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a tropical vacation on your plate, this Almond Flour Pineapple Cake Recipe is just the ticket. Moist, tender, and bursting with fresh pineapple and a hint of maple sweetness, this cake is wonderfully gluten-free and naturally nutty thanks to almond flour. It’s a simple, wholesome treat that impresses guests or makes any day feel special—plus, it’s easy enough to whip up after work when you want a little slice of sunshine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly straightforward and each plays a vital role in the success of this Almond Flour Pineapple Cake Recipe. From the rich almond flour that lends its delicate texture to the bright zing of fresh pineapple, every component brings perfect harmony to this dessert.
- 3 large eggs: Bind everything together while adding moisture and structure.
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup: Natural sweetness that deepens the flavor without overpowering the fruit.
- 1/4 cup avocado oil*: A light, neutral oil that keeps the cake moist without any heavy flavors.
- 1 teaspoon cider vinegar (or lemon juice): Adds a slight tang that balances the cake’s sweetness and works with baking soda to help it rise.
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with warm, comforting vanilla notes.
- 2 1/2 cups almond flour: The star ingredient providing a tender crumb and nutty undertone.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Gives the cake lift and lightness.
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies all other flavors.
- 1 Tbsp pure maple syrup: For coating the fruit at the bottom, adding a sticky, caramelized layer once baked.
- 4 to 6 pineapple rings: Fresh pineapple adds juicy brightness and a tropical flair.
- 1/4 cup fresh raspberries: Tart bursts of color and flavor contrast beautifully with the pineapple.
How to Make Almond Flour Pineapple Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly spray an 8-inch springform pan and then line its bottom with parchment paper for easy removal later. You can also use other pans like a cast iron skillet or pie pan if that’s what you have on hand, making this cake very adaptable.
Step 2: Blend the Batter
Add your eggs, maple syrup, avocado oil, cider vinegar, vanilla extract, almond flour, baking soda, and sea salt into a high-powered blender. Blend everything until completely smooth, even though the batter will be thick — this is exactly how it should look. No blender? No problem, a mixing bowl and whisk work just as well to combine these simple ingredients.
Step 3: Arrange the Fruit and Layer the Batter
Pour one tablespoon of maple syrup into the bottom of your pan. Use this sticky base to coat your pineapple rings and fresh raspberries, arranging them in an attractive pattern. For a pretty presentation, slice a couple of pineapple rings in half to line the pan’s sides. Once your fruit is in place, pour the thick batter over the top and smooth it out evenly with a rubber spatula.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Set your pan on the center rack and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, until the cake turns a warm golden brown on top and a toothpick (or digital thermometer) inserted in the center comes out clean or reads 190-200 degrees F. The smell of baking pineapple and vanilla will fill your kitchen, signaling it’s almost time to enjoy.
Step 5: Cool and Unmold
Allow the cake to cool for about 20 minutes after baking. Then carefully release the springform mold and invert the cake onto your serving plate, peeling off the parchment paper gently to reveal the glossy fruit layer. Slice thick to showcase that beautiful fruit pattern on each piece.
How to Serve Almond Flour Pineapple Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Almond Flour Pineapple Cake Recipe experience with garnishes that bring contrast and freshness. A dollop of coconut whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes pairs wonderfully, adding creaminess and crunch. Fresh mint leaves also brighten each bite with a cool, herbal finish.
Side Dishes
This cake shines as a standalone treat but also pairs well with light, fruity accompaniments. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or alongside a fresh berry salad for a colorful dessert spread that balances sweet, silky, and tangy flavors effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions or impromptu gatherings, consider serving the cake on a rustic wooden board or a vibrant ceramic platter that complements the tropical hues. Cut into wedges for easy sharing, or plate individual slices with a drizzle of maple syrup and some extra fresh fruit around the edges for a stunning presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Almond Flour Pineapple Cake Recipe keeps beautifully when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, move it to the refrigerator where it will stay moist and delicious for up to five days. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
Freezing
This cake freezes well, making it perfect for prepping ahead. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When properly stored, frozen slices retain their taste and texture for up to three months, so you can enjoy a tropical treat anytime.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in a low oven (around 300 degrees F) for about 10 minutes or microwave briefly in 15-second increments. This warms the cake through without drying it out and helps bring back that fresh-from-the-oven softness with every bite.
FAQs
Can I substitute another flour for almond flour?
Almond flour is key to this cake’s moist texture and nutty flavor, so while you could try other nut flours like hazelnut or cashew, standard wheat flour won’t yield the same delicious results or keep it gluten-free.
Is this cake dairy-free?
Yes! This Almond Flour Pineapple Cake Recipe uses avocado oil instead of butter and contains no milk products, making it perfect for dairy-free diets.
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Fresh pineapple is best for texture and flavor, but if canned is all you have, choose pineapple rings packed in juice (not syrup) and drain them well before using to avoid excess moisture in the cake.
How can I make this cake vegan?
Substituting the eggs would be the challenge here; flax or chia egg replacements can work, but the texture will be slightly different. Experiment with 3 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 9 tablespoons water as an egg substitute, and keep expectations open for a denser cake.
What is the best way to tell when the cake is done?
Since almond flour cakes can look denser than their wheat-based cousins, using a toothpick or a digital food thermometer is your safest bet. It’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or when the internal temperature hits about 190 to 200 degrees F.
Final Thoughts
Trying out this Almond Flour Pineapple Cake Recipe is like giving yourself a mini-vacation in cake form. It’s simple, naturally sweet, and refreshingly different from the usual—perfect for those moments when you want to impress with something homemade yet healthful. I can’t wait for you to bake it, share it, and make it your own cherished treat!
PrintAlmond Flour Pineapple Cake Recipe
This Almond Flour Pineapple Cake is a moist, naturally sweetened dessert featuring a tropical twist of pineapple and raspberries. Made with almond flour and pure maple syrup, it offers a gluten-free, grain-free alternative to traditional cakes, perfect for those seeking a wholesome treat with a delicate vanilla and pineapple flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
- Total Time: 55-65 minutes
- Yield: 1 8-inch cake (serves 8 slices)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
Decorative Topping
- 1 Tbsp pure maple syrup
- 4 to 6 pineapple rings
- 1/4 cup fresh raspberries
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray an 8-inch springform pan with cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper cut to fit perfectly. Alternatively, you can use a cast iron skillet, pie pan, or regular cake pan.
- Make the Batter: Place all cake batter ingredients into a high-powered blender and blend until completely smooth; the batter will be thick, which is normal. If you prefer, you can mix the batter by hand in a mixing bowl.
- Arrange Fruit and Maple Syrup: Pour one tablespoon of pure maple syrup into the bottom of the prepared pan. Arrange pineapple rings and fresh raspberries on top, coating them lightly by moving them in the syrup before positioning them decoratively. Optionally, slice 2 to 3 additional pineapple rings in half and line the sides of the pan with the halves for added presentation. Pour the cake batter over the arranged fruit and smooth the top evenly with a rubber spatula.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan on the center rack of the oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. For accuracy, use a digital thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 190 to 200°F (88 to 93°C).
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 20 minutes. Carefully release the springform pan sides and invert the cake onto a plate or cake stand. Peel off the parchment paper from the bottom, slice the cake into thick pieces, and serve.
Notes
- You can substitute cider vinegar with lemon juice for the acid component.
- If you do not have a high-powered blender, mixing by hand is completely fine, though the batter will be thick.
- Using avocado oil keeps the cake moist while providing healthy fats.
- This cake is naturally gluten-free and grain-free due to the almond flour base.
- Check the cake’s doneness using a digital thermometer for best results.
- Optional: Use pineapple ring halves to line the sides of the pan for a decorative touch.
