Hawaiian Pineapple Cake – A Tropical Paradise in Every Slice

Escape to the Islands with Every Bite

The first time I tasted Hawaiian Pineapple Cake, I was transported to a tropical beach with white sand and swaying palm trees. It was at a luau-themed party, and this cake was the star of the dessert table. The combination of moist pineapple-infused cake, crunchy topping, and that luxurious cream cheese drizzle creates a symphony of flavors and textures that’s simply unforgettable. I begged for the recipe that night, and it’s been a treasured favorite in my collection ever since.

What makes this pineapple cake recipe so special is how it captures the essence of Hawaii in dessert form. It’s sweet but not overly so, tropical but not overwhelming, and the texture is absolutely divine—moist from the pineapple, crunchy from the topping, and smooth from the cream cheese glaze.

What Makes Hawaiian Pineapple Cake So Special?

Looking at the image, you can see exactly why this tropical cake is so captivating. A generous square of layered cake reveals distinct sections: a rich, golden-brown crumb topping on top, a creamy white vanilla layer in the middle, and another golden base layer, all finished with a generous drizzle of pale, smooth cream cheese frosting. Small chunks of pineapple peek through the layers, and the whole thing practically glows with buttery richness.

The Hawaiian Pineapple Cake shown in the photo demonstrates the perfect balance of textures—the dense, moist cake contrasts beautifully with the crumbly topping, while the cream cheese drizz

le ties everything together with its rich, tangy sweetness.

Gathering Your Tropical Ingredients

From the recipe card visible in the image, here’s what you’ll need for this easy pineapple cake:

Cake Layers:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups (or “x cups”) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking soda (or “baking toda”)
• Crushed pineapple with juice
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Butter

Crunch Topping:

• Graham cracker crumbs or additional cake crumbs
• Brown sugar
• Melted butter
• Chopped nuts (optional, often macadamia for authentic Hawaiian flavor)

Cream Cheese Drizzle:

• Cream cheese, softened
• Powdered sugar
• Butter
• Vanilla extract
• Milk or cream to thin

The crushed pineapple is the star ingredient in this Hawaiian cake recipe, providing moisture, flavor, and that authentic tropical taste. Don’t drain the pineapple juice—it’s essential for the cake’s incredible texture!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Paradise Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. For this pineapple cake, you want good pan preparation because the cake is so moist it can stick if not properly greased.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking soda. Make sure everything is well combined and there are no lumps in the baking soda. This is the foundation of your Hawaiian Pineapple Cake, so take your time with this step.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Add your crushed pineapple with all its juice, eggs, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—the batter will be quite thin and lumpy with pineapple pieces, which is exactly what you want! Overmixing can make the cake tough, so stop as soon as you don’t see any more dry flour.

Step 4: Bake the Base Layer

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake will be golden and should spring back when lightly touched.

Step 5: Prepare the Crunch Topping

While your cake is baking, mix together your crumb topping ingredients. Combine graham cracker crumbs (or additional flour with a bit of oats for texture), brown sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse sand. If using nuts, fold them in now.

Step 6: Add the Layers

Once your base cake is baked, let it cool slightly. You can add additional layers by spreading a cream cheese mixture over the cooled cake, then sprinkling with the crumb topping and toasting under the broiler for a few minutes until golden. This creates those beautiful distinct layers you see in the photo.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Drizzle

Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, a bit of butter, and vanilla until smooth. Add milk or cream one tablespoon at a time until you reach a drizzle-able consistency. The drizzle should flow smoothly off a spoon but not be so thin it disappears into the cake.

Step 8: Finishing Touches

Once your cake is completely cool, drizzle the cream cheese frosting generously over the top in artistic patterns. Let it set for about 30 minutes before slicing. Top with fresh pineapple pieces and a sprinkle of toasted coconut if desired for extra tropical flair.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 12 servings):

• Calories: 385
• Total Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 320mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 58g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 42g
• Protein: 5g

Expert Tips for the Perfect Pineapple Cake

Don’t Drain That Pineapple!

The juice from canned crushed pineapple is liquid gold for this pineapple cake recipe. It provides moisture and flavor that can’t be replicated. If your pineapple seems dry, you can even add a splash of pineapple juice.

Room Temperature Ingredients

For the smoothest cream cheese drizzle, make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature. Cold ingredients will create a lumpy, difficult-to-drizzle topping.

Toast Your Topping

If you want extra crunch in your Hawaiian cake, spread your crumb topping on a baking sheet and toast it separately before adding to the cake. This ensures maximum crunchiness.

Let It Rest

This cake actually improves after sitting for a few hours or even overnight! The flavors meld together and the texture becomes even more moist and delicious.

Delicious Variations for Your Tropical Cake

Coconut Pineapple Paradise Cake

Add 1 cup of sweetened shredded coconut to your batter and top with toasted coconut flakes for an even more tropical experience.

Pineapple Upside-Down Layer Cake

Arrange pineapple rings and maraschino cherries in the bottom of your pan before adding the batter for a beautiful upside-down presentation.

Mango Pineapple Fusion

Replace half the crushed pineapple with mango puree for a unique tropical twist on this pineapple dessert.

Rum-Infused Hawaiian Cake

Add 2 tablespoons of dark rum to your batter and another tablespoon to your cream cheese drizzle for an adult version of this tropical cake.

Gluten-Free Paradise

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. The pineapple juice helps keep the cake moist even with gluten-free flour.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation

This Hawaiian Pineapple Cake is stunning on its own, but here are ways to make it even more special:

• Serve with a scoop of coconut or vanilla ice cream
• Add a dollop of whipped cream and fresh tropical fruit
• Garnish with fresh pineapple wedges and mint leaves
• Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish
• Serve with coconut cream on the side
• Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra decadence
• Top with toasted macadamia nuts for authentic Hawaiian flair

Perfect Pairings for Your Pineapple Creation

Beverage Pairings

This sweet, tropical pineapple cake pairs wonderfully with:

• Freshly brewed Kona coffee
• Coconut milk (for a fully tropical experience)
• Pineapple juice or smoothies
• Iced tea with a squeeze of lime
• Light white wine like Riesling or Moscato
• Piña coladas for adults

Complementary Dishes

Serve your Hawaiian cake as part of a tropical feast with:

• Grilled pineapple slices
• Coconut rice pudding
• Tropical fruit salad
• Lime bars or key lime pie
• Coconut macaroons

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Room Temperature Storage

This pineapple cake recipe creates a very moist cake that stays fresh at room temperature (covered) for up to 2 days. The pineapple juice keeps it from drying out.

Refrigerator Storage

For longer storage, keep your Hawaiian Pineapple Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cream cheese drizzle requires refrigeration anyway. Bring to room temperature or warm slightly before serving for the best texture.

Freezing Instructions

Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. You can add the cream cheese drizzle after thawing for the freshest appearance.

Make-Ahead Strategy

• 2 days ahead: Bake the cake layers, cool completely, and store wrapped
• 1 day ahead: Add crumb topping and assemble layers
• Day of serving: Make and add cream cheese drizzle

This make-ahead friendly nature makes this tropical cake perfect for stress-free entertaining.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

A: You can, but canned crushed pineapple works better for this pineapple cake recipe because it’s already the right consistency and has plenty of juice. If using fresh, you’ll need to chop it very fine and may need to add extra liquid.

Q: Why is my cake dense and heavy?

A: This could be from overmixing the batter or using too much flour. Make sure to measure flour properly by spooning it into the cup and leveling off, and mix only until ingredients are just combined.

Q: Can I make this as cupcakes?

A: Absolutely! Divide the batter among cupcake liners and bake for 18-22 minutes. Top each with crumb topping and drizzle individual ly for adorable pineapple cupcakes.

Q: The drizzle is too thick. What should I do?

A: Simply add milk or cream one teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. If it gets too thin, add more powdered sugar.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?

A: Yes! Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives. The cake itself is quite forgiving with substitutions.

Q: How do I know when the cake is done?

A: Insert a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.

Troubleshooting Common Cake Issues

Cake is Too Dry

If your Hawaiian cake turns out dry, you may have overbaked it or drained the pineapple juice. Remember, this cake should be quite moist—almost pudding-like in the center.

Crumb Topping Won’t Stay Crispy

Moisture from the cake can soften the topping. To prevent this, add the topping just before serving, or toast it separately and sprinkle on top at the last minute.

Drizzle Disappears Into Cake

Your cake may still be too warm, or your drizzle may be too thin. Make sure the cake is completely cool and that your drizzle is thick enough to sit on top rather than soak in.

The History of Hawaiian Pineapple Desserts

Pineapple has been associated with Hawaiian cuisine since the early 1900s when James Dole established pineapple plantations on the islands. Pineapple became synonymous with Hawaiian hospitality, and desserts featuring this tropical fruit became popular worldwide. This Hawaiian Pineapple Cake is part of that delicious tradition, bringing a taste of the islands to tables everywhere.

Conclusion: Your Ticket to Paradise

This Hawaiian Pineapple Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience. Every bite transports you to a tropical paradise, even if you’re in the middle of winter in a landlocked state. The combination of moist cake, crunchy topping, and creamy drizzle creates a dessert that’s truly unforgettable.

What I love most about this pineapple cake recipe is how it makes any occasion feel special. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, celebrating a birthday, or just want to brighten an ordinary Tuesday, this cake brings sunshine and joy to the table. It’s become my go-to dessert for potlucks because it travels well, serves a crowd, and always receives rave reviews.

The reactions I get when serving this cake never get old. People are always surprised by how moist it is, how perfectly balanced the sweetness is, and how those distinct layers create such an interesting eating experience. I’ve had guests ask for the recipe before they’ve even finished their first slice!

My personal tip for this Hawaiian Pineapple Cake? Don’t skimp on the cream cheese drizzle. It might seem like a simple finishing touch, but it’s actually what ties all the flavors together and takes the cake from good to absolutely extraordinary. I always make extra drizzle and keep it on the side for anyone who wants more (and trust me, everyone will want more).

So whether you’re dreaming of Hawaiian beaches, planning a tropical-themed party, or simply want to treat yourself to something special, this Hawaiian Pineapple Cake is your answer. It’s proof that sometimes the best journeys are the delicious ones we take from our own kitchens. Aloha and happy baking!

Print