Embarking on the journey of baking a homemade pineapple cake can be both a delightful and rewarding experience. With its moist texture and luscious pineapple icing, this cake promises to be a hit for any occasion, whether it's a birthday, a family gathering, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth. Here's how you can make a scrumptious pineapple cake with icing in five simple steps.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before you dive into baking, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients at hand. Here’s what you’ll need for the cake and icing:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1 cup of crushed pineapple (drained, but save the juice for the icing)
- 1⁄4 cup of pineapple juice from the can
- 1⁄2 teaspoon of salt
For the Icing:
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
- 1⁄4 cup of softened butter
- 1⁄4 cup of pineapple juice
- 1 teaspoon of pineapple extract (optional, for enhanced flavor)
Step 2: Preparation and Cake Mixing
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and pineapple juice.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the crushed pineapple.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Step 3: Baking the Cake
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake to ensure it does not overcook; pineapple can cause the cake to brown quickly on top.
After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Making the Pineapple Icing
While the cake is cooling, you can prepare the icing:
- In a bowl, beat together the butter, powdered sugar, pineapple juice, and pineapple extract until smooth and creamy.
- If the icing seems too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding a bit more pineapple juice or water, a teaspoon at a time.
Step 5: Assembly and Decoration
Once the cake has cooled:
- Place the cake on a serving plate.
- Spread the pineapple icing over the top of the cake, allowing some to drip down the sides for an aesthetic appeal.
- If desired, garnish with fresh pineapple slices or a sprinkle of dried coconut for an extra touch of tropical flair.
Your homemade pineapple cake is now ready to be enjoyed!
💡 Note: For a less sweet cake, you can reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup or use pineapple rings instead of crushed pineapple for a more pronounced texture.
With these simple steps, you've transformed ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary pineapple cake. Each bite is a blend of moist, flavorful cake and the sweet, tangy icing that perfectly complements the pineapple. It's a wonderful dessert to share or enjoy with your favorite cup of tea.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned for this recipe?
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Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but ensure it’s finely chopped or pureed to mimic the texture of crushed pineapple. Remember to extract juice if necessary for the icing.
How long will the cake stay fresh?
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Stored in an airtight container, the cake can remain fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature, or up to a week if refrigerated.
Can I freeze this pineapple cake?
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Absolutely, you can freeze the cake without icing for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before adding icing or serving.
