Name: Practically Perfect Pineapple Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487878H29M
Total time: PT-487878H29M
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box yellow cake mix (or white cake mix); 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained; 3 large eggs; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup butter, melted; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons pineapple juice (from the can of crushed pineapple); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Practically Perfect Pineapple Cake

Practically Perfect Pineapple Cake is a moist, flavorful cake made with sweet pineapple, creating a soft and tropical treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The cake is simple to make and topped with a sweet glaze, giving it just the right amount of sweetness and a hint of tang. This cake is ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a casual afternoon snack with a cup of tea.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s so easy to make and absolutely delicious! The pineapple keeps the cake moist and adds a burst of tropical flavor, while the glaze enhances its sweetness with just the right amount of richness. It’s a simple, light, and flavorful dessert that will impress anyone who tries it.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1 box yellow cake mix (or white cake mix)
1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained
3 large eggs
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Glaze:

1/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons pineapple juice (from the can of crushed pineapple)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Cake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir in the can of undrained crushed pineapple, mixing until everything is well combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.

2. Make the Glaze:

While the cake is cooling, make the glaze by whisking together the melted butter, powdered sugar, pineapple juice, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.

3. Pour the Glaze:

Once the cake has cooled slightly, use a fork or toothpick to poke holes all over the top of the cake. This will help the glaze soak in.
Pour the glaze evenly over the warm cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.

4. Serve:

Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving.
Serve the cake on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 12 servings. Prep time is about 10 minutes, bake time is 30-35 minutes, and the glaze takes about 5 minutes to prepare. Total time is around 45-50 minutes.

Variations

I like to:

Add shredded coconut or chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) to the cake batter for extra texture and flavor.
Use a cream cheese frosting instead of the glaze for a richer topping.
Mix in a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter for added warmth and spice.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to 5 days. If you want to freeze it, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Practically Perfect Pineapple Cake

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cake a day or two ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature, and add the glaze right before serving.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, fresh pineapple works, but you’ll need to finely chop it and make sure to drain the juice. Canned crushed pineapple adds extra moisture and sweetness, which makes this cake so tender.

Can I make this cake in a different pan?
Yes, you can use an 8×8-inch square pan, or even a round cake pan. Just adjust the baking time accordingly. A smaller pan may require a few extra minutes of baking.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free cake mix in place of the regular one for a gluten-free version of this cake.

Conclusion

Practically Perfect Pineapple Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion. It’s moist, flavorful, and just the right amount of sweet, with the tropical flavor of pineapple shining through in every bite. The glaze adds a wonderful finishing touch, making this cake a true crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make and always delicious!