If you’re looking for a show-stopping cake that’s both delicious and easy to make, this pineapple cake is for you! Super moist, sweet, and packed with tropical flavors, this cake is made up of soft layers filled with a rich pineapple filling and topped with a stabilized pineapple whipped cream. Despite its fancy appearance, this cake is simple to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special event, or just craving a sweet treat, this pineapple cake will quickly become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Cake 🍍
This cake is incredibly moist, thanks to the crushed pineapple in both the batter and the filling. The tangy pineapple whipped cream frosting adds a tropical touch while also providing the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess. Each bite is a delightful combination of flavors and textures—the soft cake layers, the rich pineapple filling, and the fluffy whipped cream frosting.
Plus, this cake is versatile enough for any event, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. And even though it might look impressive, the recipe is straightforward and easy to follow!
Ingredients
For the Pineapple Cake:
- 2 1/4 cups (270 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (25 g) cornstarch
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/4 cups (250 g) white granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 3/4 cup (160 g) unflavored vegetable oil (e.g., canola oil)
- 2 1/2 cups (566 g) canned crushed pineapple in juice (not syrup)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tbsp (20 g) fresh lemon juice
For the Pineapple Cake Filling:
- 3/4 cup (170 g) canned crushed pineapple in juice (not syrup)
- 1/4 cup (50 g) white granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (25 g) cornstarch
- 3/4 cup (175 g) full-fat milk
- 1 tbsp (15 g) fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup (56 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 drop yellow gel food color (optional)
For the Pineapple Whipped Cream Frosting:
- 1 cup (225 g) cold mascarpone
- 1/2 cup (55 g) icing sugar (powdered sugar)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (335 g) cold whipping cream (minimum 34% fat)
- 1/2 cup (112 g) canned crushed pineapple (excess juice removed)
Instructions
Pineapple Cake Layers:
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C) with the fan on. If your oven doesn’t have a fan function, set it to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk to combine, and then set aside.
3️⃣ Mix Wet Ingredients: In another large bowl, combine the sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, crushed pineapple (with juice), vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and no lumps remain.
4️⃣ Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Be gentle and mix just until everything is combined—do not overmix to avoid a dense cake.
5️⃣ Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Gently tap the pans on the counter to remove any large air bubbles. Bake for 30-33 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6️⃣ Cool Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 20 minutes, then carefully turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Pineapple Cake Filling:
7️⃣ Prepare the Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the crushed pineapple, sugar, cornstarch, milk, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens. Don’t worry if it looks like it’s curdling—once the cornstarch activates, the filling will smooth out.
8️⃣ Finish the Filling: Once thickened, remove the filling from the heat and stir in the cold cubed butter until fully melted. If desired, add a drop of yellow gel food color for a vibrant filling. Set aside to cool completely.
Pineapple Whipped Cream Frosting:
9️⃣ Prepare the Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold mascarpone, icing sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed for about 10 seconds to combine, then increase the speed to medium-high and beat until smooth.
🔟 Add Whipping Cream: Gradually add the cold whipping cream to the mascarpone mixture, beating on low for about 10 seconds before increasing to medium-high. Continue whipping until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the drained crushed pineapple.
Cake Assembly:
1️⃣1️⃣ Trim the Cake Layers (Optional): If your cakes have a slight dome, use a serrated knife to level the tops. You can also trim the caramelized edges for a cleaner look.
1️⃣2️⃣ Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top and pipe a border around the edge using a piping bag. Fill the center with half of the cooled pineapple filling. Place the second cake layer on top, then cover the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
1️⃣3️⃣ Decorate: Pipe a decorative border around the top edge of the cake and fill the middle with the remaining pineapple filling. You can also garnish with fresh pineapple slices for an extra tropical touch.
Baking Tips & Tricks 🍍
- Mascarpone for Stability: The mascarpone in the frosting helps to stabilize the whipped cream, making it easier to work with and helping it hold its shape longer.
- Draining Pineapple: Be sure to thoroughly drain the crushed pineapple for the frosting. Excess moisture could make the frosting too runny.
- Customizing the Filling: Adding yellow gel food color is optional but gives the filling a bright and vibrant look that’s perfect for special occasions.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pineapple cake as the star of any dessert table. It’s perfect for birthdays, tropical-themed parties, or summer barbecues. Each slice is bursting with juicy pineapple flavor, and the light, fluffy whipped cream frosting ensures that it’s not too heavy. Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea, or pair it with fresh fruit for an even more tropical vibe.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 71g
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 41g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Sugar: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
This pineapple cake is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face with its tropical flavor and fluffy, creamy layers. 🍍😊 Enjoy!