If you’re looking for a cake that’s light, fruity, and bursting with tropical flavor, then this Pineapple Juice Cake is going to steal your heart. The sweet and tangy pineapple juice infuses the cake with a moist, soft texture, while the sweet glaze adds a finishing touch that will have you reaching for seconds (or thirds!). Trust me, this cake is simple to make and simply irresistible.
Why You’ll Love Pineapple Juice Cake
Tropical Flavors: The vibrant pineapple juice gives this cake a fresh, tropical twist that’s perfect for summer—or anytime you need a little sunshine on your plate.
Moist & Light: Thanks to the pineapple juice, this cake turns out super moist and light, with just the right amount of sweetness.
Easy to Make: No complicated steps or fancy equipment required. Just simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.
Versatile: Perfect for casual gatherings, family dinners, or even a potluck. It’s a crowd-pleaser, and I promise everyone will ask for the recipe!
Delicious Glaze: The pineapple glaze on top adds the perfect touch of sweetness and extra flavor. It’s the kind of cake that makes you look forward to the last bite.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Pineapple Juice Cake:
Cake:
All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cake that gives it structure and texture.
Baking Powder: To help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness.
Butter: For richness and a soft, tender texture.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly.
Eggs: Helps to bind everything together and gives the cake its structure.
Pineapple Juice: The star of the show! It keeps the cake moist and adds that tropical flavor.
Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla enhances the flavor of the cake.
Glaze:
Pineapple Juice: Adds the tropical flavor and sweetness to the glaze.
Powdered Sugar: Helps create a smooth, sweet glaze that’s easy to drizzle over the cake.
Butter: To add richness to the glaze and help it set.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get started on making this delicious pineapple juice cake:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or bundt pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a soft texture in your cake.
Add the Eggs: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the pineapple juice. Start and finish with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Glaze: While the cake cools, make the glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the pineapple juice and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the powdered sugar until the glaze is smooth and slightly thickened.
Glaze the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top, letting it run down the sides. You can use a spoon or a small pitcher for even distribution.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake and enjoy this tropical delight with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s perfect for any occasion, from casual brunches to special celebrations.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 230 (may vary based on optional glaze adjustments)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
How to Serve Pineapple Juice Cake
This pineapple juice cake pairs wonderfully with a variety of beverages and sides:
With Tea or Coffee: The light texture and sweet flavors make it the perfect pairing with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
For Dessert: Serve it after dinner with some fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
For Special Occasions: This cake is great for birthdays, summer picnics, or holiday celebrations. It’s a fun and festive dessert that’s sure to impress.
Breakfast or Brunch: Slice it up and serve it at brunch for a sweet start to the day.
Additional Tips
Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Use Fresh Pineapple Juice: For the best flavor, use fresh pineapple juice, but store-bought juice works well too.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense, heavy cake.
Add Coconut: For a tropical twist, sprinkle some shredded coconut into the batter or on top of the glaze.
Frosting Option: If you prefer a more decadent version, you can frost the cake with a cream cheese frosting instead of the glaze.
Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it if you like your cake chilled.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use canned pineapple juice instead of fresh juice?
A1: Yes! Canned pineapple juice works just as well, and it’s more convenient. Just make sure to choose a high-quality juice.
Q2: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! This cake keeps well for a few days, so you can bake it ahead of time and store it at room temperature or in the fridge. Just glaze it right before serving.
Q3: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A3: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that works for cakes.
Q4: Can I add nuts to the cake?
A4: Yes, adding chopped macadamia nuts or walnuts can give the cake a delightful crunch and extra flavor.
Q5: Can I make this into cupcakes?
A5: Yes! Just divide the batter evenly into cupcake tins and bake for about 18-20 minutes. Make sure to check for doneness with a toothpick.
Q6: How do I make the glaze thicker?
A6: To make the glaze thicker, simply simmer it a little longer, or add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
Q7: Can I freeze this cake?
A7: Yes! You can freeze the cake (without the glaze) for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature and then add the glaze before serving.
Q8: How do I store the leftover cake?
A8: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Q9: Can I substitute pineapple juice with another fruit juice?
A9: You could try substituting with orange juice or mango juice, but the flavor will be different. Pineapple juice gives the cake its signature tropical taste.
Q10: Can I add other fruits to the cake?
A10: Yes, you can add small pieces of chopped tropical fruits like mango or coconut, but make sure they’re not too juicy to avoid affecting the texture of the cake.
Conclusion
This Pineapple Juice Cake is a deliciously tropical treat that’s sure to brighten any occasion. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for a sweet snack, dessert, or even breakfast! With its moist texture and luscious glaze, this cake is bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. So, gather your ingredients and get baking—you won’t regret it!
PrintPineapple Juice Cake Recipe
This moist and tangy Pineapple Juice Cake is topped with a luscious pineapple glaze that will transport you to a tropical paradise! Perfect for any celebration or just because. The combination of pineapple juice and buttermilk gives the cake a delightful richness and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 05 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan or round cake pans. - Make the Cake Batter:
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract. - Mix Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with the pineapple juice and buttermilk. Stir until smooth. - Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool the cake for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. - Prepare the Glaze:
For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, pineapple juice, and vanilla extract until smooth. - Glaze the Cake:
Once the cake has cooled, pour the glaze over the top and allow it to drip down the sides.
Notes
- If you want a richer flavor, use fresh pineapple juice for the glaze and cake.
- The cake can be served with extra pineapple slices for a tropical touch.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350kcal
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 80mg