If you are on the hunt for a dessert that feels like a tropical hug on a plate, look no further than this Pineapple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. This cake is a perfect balance of moist, tangy, and sweet, with fresh pineapple pieces baked right into a tender crumb, topped with a luxuriously creamy frosting that has just the right touch of vanilla and a hint of pineapple juice to tie it all together. Every bite tastes like sunshine and celebration, making it an instant favorite for gatherings, special occasions, or anytime you want to brighten up your day with something truly delightful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Light tan, thick batter is being poured from a metal bowl into a white round baking pan. The batter has a soft, slightly grainy texture and flows slowly, forming folds as it fills the pan. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Pineapple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that each have a starring role in creating the cake’s irresistible flavor, texture, and color. Nothing complicated here—just classic pantry staples and fresh pineapple that bring this recipe to life.

3 eggs: These provide structure and richness, helping the cake rise beautifully.
1 ⅛ cups sugar: Adds essential sweetness and helps produce a tender crumb.
2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cake, giving it body and soft texture.
2 ½ tsp baking powder (or 1 packet Italian Pane Degli Angeli vanilla baking powder): This is the secret behind the cake’s perfect lift and fluffy texture.
⅓ cup salted butter, softened: Adds moistness and a subtle savory balance to the sweetness.
⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream): This ingredient keeps the cake moist and tender while adding a slight tanginess.
1 ½ cups fresh pineapple, cut into pieces: The star ingredient providing juicy bursts of tropical flavor throughout the cake.
1 tsp vanilla extract (only if using plain baking powder): Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.
8 oz cream cheese: The base of the frosting, bringing creamy texture and slight tang.
4 oz butter: Adds richness and smoothness to the frosting.
1 tsp vanilla: Boosts the flavor depth of the frosting beautifully.
14 oz powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a perfect spreadable consistency.
1 tsp pineapple juice (optional): Adds extra pineapple flavor and helps adjust frosting texture if needed.

How to Make Pineapple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8-inch springform pan by greasing it thoroughly, then lining the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal. You can line the sides too if you want perfectly clean edges after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Sugar and Eggs

In a large bowl, place the sugar and eggs, then beat them with an electric mixer until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air that helps your cake rise beautifully.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients and Butter

Sift the flour together with your baking powder or the Italian Pane Degli Angeli vanilla baking powder for even distribution. Add these dry ingredients gradually to the sugar and egg mixture, mixing gently to avoid overworking the batter. Then, stir in the softened butter until fully incorporated for richness and moisture.

Step 4: Add Yogurt and Pineapple

Next, mix the Greek yogurt into the batter to keep your cake moist and tender. Use a food processor to puree the fresh pineapple until almost smooth. This pineapple puree goes into the batter, along with vanilla extract if you’re using plain baking powder. Stir everything gently for an even consistency.

Step 5: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Check the doneness by inserting a toothpick or skewer into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the cake cool about 15 minutes before carefully removing the sides of the springform pan.

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake cools, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla, then gradually incorporate the powdered sugar. Mix slowly at first to prevent sugar clouds, then increase the speed until silky and smooth. If the frosting is too thick to spread easily, add a teaspoon of pineapple juice, milk, or water to achieve your desired consistency.

Step 7: Frost and Finish Your Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. The frosting’s creamy tang pairs perfectly with the sweet pineapple cake, making every bite simply unforgettable.

How to Serve Pineapple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A close-up view of a single-layer cake slice with a golden yellow soft texture inside and a slightly darker brown crust outside. The cake is topped with a thick, smooth layer of creamy white frosting that looks soft and slightly swirled. The full cake, also covered with the same frosting, is visible in the foreground on a white plate, and the background shows a blurred pineapple against a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh pineapple chunks or thin pineapple slices on top add a beautiful decorative touch and enhance the tropical vibe. A sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or chopped toasted pecans can add a delightful crunch and an extra layer of flavor that complements the smooth frosting perfectly.

Side Dishes

This Pineapple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to add cool creaminess. If you want a refreshing contrast, serve with fresh berries or a citrus-infused salad to cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual slices with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar for a special occasion. You can also assemble mini versions of this cake in jars layered with pineapple chunks and frosting for a fun, portable dessert option. For a party, arrange bite-sized squares on a platter and garnish with edible flowers for stunning presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated for up to 4 days. The cream cheese frosting benefits from refrigeration but be sure to bring the cake to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before frosting. Alternatively, frost the cake and freeze it well wrapped; just thaw it slowly in the fridge to prevent condensation from making the frosting soggy.

Reheating

Since this is a delicate cake with cream cheese frosting, reheating is best avoided to maintain the texture and flavor. If desired, let refrigerated slices sit at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes before enjoying to restore softness and richness.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

While fresh pineapple is preferred for its vibrant flavor and texture, you can use canned pineapple as a substitute. Just be sure to drain it thoroughly and consider reducing any extra sugar in the recipe to keep the sweetness balanced.

Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut yogurt in place of Greek yogurt. For the cream cheese frosting, look for dairy-free cream cheese brands. Keep in mind the flavor will vary slightly but still delicious.

How long does this Pineapple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe take to bake?

The baking time ranges from 50 to 60 minutes depending on your oven. Start checking at 50 minutes with a toothpick to avoid overbaking, aiming for a skewer that comes out clean or with just a crumb or two.

Can I make the cream cheese frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the frosting up to two days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before spreading on the cake to restore its creamy consistency.

What can I do if my frosting is too runny?

If your cream cheese frosting feels too thin, add more powdered sugar gradually until it thickens to your liking. Alternatively, refrigerate it for 20 to 30 minutes to help firm it up before spreading on the cake.

Final Thoughts

This Pineapple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is one of those joy-filled treats you’ll be excited to share with family and friends. The moist cake and velvety frosting come together in a symphony of flavors that feels both comforting and a little exotic. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to dessert that brightens any day with its tropical charm and creamy sweetness.