1. Prepare the Cake
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir until well blended.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, undrained crushed pineapple (with juice), and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and the batter is smooth.
- Optional Coconut: If using, fold in the shredded coconut.
2. Bake the Cake
- Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
3. Prepare the Frosting
- Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Vanilla Extract: Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Adjust Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk, a little at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
4. Frost the Cake
- Spread Frosting: Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cake.
- Garnish: If desired, sprinkle the top of the cake with additional shredded coconut and/or drained crushed pineapple.
Tips for Success
- Undrained Pineapple: Using the juice from the crushed pineapple helps keep the cake moist.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for smooth and creamy frosting.
- Cooling the Cake: Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Variations
- Pineapple Coconut Cake: Add shredded coconut to both the cake batter and the frosting for an extra tropical flavor.
- Pineapple Upside-Down Cake: Arrange pineapple rings and maraschino cherries at the bottom of the pan and pour the batter over them for a classic twist.
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the batter for a crunchy texture.
Conclusion
The Hawaiian Pineapple Cake is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that brings the tropical flavors of the islands to your table. With its moist texture and sweet pineapple flavor, it’s perfect for any occasion. The creamy frosting adds a rich and smooth finish, making this cake irresistible. Enjoy a slice of paradise with this delightful cake!