Pineapple Juice Cake Recipe

Sunshine Sweet Pineapple Juice Cake Recipe for Tropical Bliss

Whipping up a delectable pineapple juice cake promises pure tropical delight.

Sweet tropical notes dance through every bite of this moist creation.

Bakers adore how simple ingredients combine into something magical.

Fresh ingredients unlock incredible flavor profiles that surprise and charm.

Tropical essence infuses each crumb with sunny, bright character.

Home kitchens can easily transform ordinary ingredients into extraordinary desserts.

Crafting this cake will transport you straight to island paradise.

Pineapple Juice Cake – Full Ingredient List

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: Rich, creamy base that provides moisture and tender texture.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a golden brown crust.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add structure to the cake.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and foundation for the cake.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and become fluffy.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors.
Liquid Ingredients:
  • Pineapple Juice, Buttermilk: Adds moisture, tanginess, and tender crumb to the cake. Best when fresh and at room temperature.
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, glossy glaze with sweet pineapple flavor.

Pineapple Juice Cake Instructions with Citrus Flavor

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grab a bundt pan or round cake pans and give them a quick coat of grease and flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a spacious mixing bowl, whip the butter and sugar together until they become light and fluffy.

Add eggs one by one, blending thoroughly after each addition.

Pour in the vanilla extract and mix well.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together these ingredients:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture.

Alternate adding pineapple juice and buttermilk, stirring until the batter looks smooth and silky.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the batter into your prepared pan.

Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then move to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Step 6: Whip Up the Glaze

Create a luscious glaze by whisking together:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Pineapple juice
  • Vanilla extract

Stir until the mixture becomes glossy and smooth.

Step 7: Drizzle and Decorate

Once the cake has cooled completely, generously pour the glaze over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides in delicious rivulets.

Pineapple Cake Tips with Juice-Soaked Perfection

  • No buttermilk? Create a quick substitute by mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.
  • Check cake doneness early to prevent dryness. Start testing at 35 minutes with a toothpick, ensuring it comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
  • Gently fold small crushed pineapple chunks into the batter for extra bursts of fruity taste and added moisture throughout the cake.
  • Let the cake cool completely before glazing to prevent the sugar mixture from becoming too runny and sliding off the sides.
  • Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its delicious texture and flavor.

Save Pineapple Juice Cake for Later

  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
  • If serving within 1-2 days, keep the cake covered at room temperature in a cake dome or container with a tight lid.
  • Wrap individual cake slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring no air pockets to prevent freezer burn.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or let frozen slices thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying.

What to Serve with Pineapple Juice Cake

  • Match Sweet Tropical Rum Cocktail: Create a classic piña colada with white rum, coconut cream, and fresh pineapple juice to complement the cake's tropical flavors and enhance its sweet profile.
  • Pair Creamy Vanilla Scoop: Add a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cake slice to balance the cake's tangy pineapple notes and provide a cool, smooth contrast.
  • Elevate with Coconut Garnish: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the glazed cake to amplify the tropical essence and add a delightful crunchy texture that echoes the pineapple theme.
  • Brew Tropical Coffee Blend: Serve a light Hawaiian or Caribbean-style coffee with hints of caramel and nutmeg to harmonize with the cake's sweet and fruity undertones.

Pineapple Cake Style Options

  • Gluten-Free Pineapple Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free baking powder to ensure the entire recipe remains safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegan Tropical Delight: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and buttermilk with coconut milk. This plant-based adaptation maintains the cake's moist texture and tropical flavor profile.
  • Low-Sugar Pineapple Cake: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of regular sugar. Reduce the overall sugar content while keeping the cake's natural sweetness from the pineapple juice.
  • Dairy-Free Tropical Treat: Replace buttermilk with almond milk or coconut milk. Use dairy-free margarine instead of butter to create a creamy cake suitable for those with lactose intolerance.

FAQs

  • Can I use fresh pineapple juice instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pineapple juice works perfectly. Just ensure it’s pure juice without added sugars for the best cake flavor.

  • What if I don't have buttermilk?

You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

  • How do I know the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The top should also be golden brown and slightly springy to touch.

  • Can I make this cake in advance?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day ahead and store it at room temperature. Just add the glaze right before serving to keep it fresh and looking beautiful.

Pineapple Juice Cake People Love For Its Tropical Sweetness

  • Whip Up a Tropical Delight: This pineapple juice cake offers a burst of sunshine in every slice.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, and summer parties, this cake brings a refreshing tropical twist that will have everyone asking for seconds.
  • Quick and Convenient Treat: From start to finish, you can prepare this cake in under an hour, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort and perfect for busy home bakers seeking a delightful dessert.
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Pineapple Juice Cake Recipe

Pineapple Juice Cake Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet southern charm meets tropical delight in this Pineapple Juice Cake, where moist layers mingle with tangy pineapple essence. Creamy frosting and juicy fruit notes create a perfect dessert companion that will tantalize your taste buds with each delectable slice.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 2 cups granulated sugar

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Glaze Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center. Thoroughly coat a bundt pan with butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking.
  2. Cream softened butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Incorporate eggs individually, beating thoroughly after each addition. Blend in vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
  3. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl to eliminate potential lumps and ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
  4. Alternate adding dry ingredients and liquid components (pineapple juice and buttermilk) into the butter mixture. Gently fold until a uniform batter forms, being careful not to overmix.
  5. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick that should emerge clean.
  6. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, which helps prevent breaking. Carefully invert onto a wire cooling rack, letting it cool completely.
  7. Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, pineapple juice, and vanilla extract until silky and free of lumps. Once the cake has reached room temperature, drizzle the glaze over the top, allowing it to cascade naturally down the sides.

Notes

  • Swap buttermilk with plant-based milk for a dairy-free version that maintains moisture and tender crumb.
  • Use gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe completely gluten-free without compromising the cake’s texture.
  • Enhance tropical flavor by adding shredded coconut to the batter or sprinkling on top of the glaze for extra crunch and dimension.
  • Reduce sugar content by substituting half the sugar with unsweetened applesauce or mashed ripe bananas to create a healthier alternative.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 401
  • Sugar: 40 g
  • Sodium: 214 mg
  • Fat: 19 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 53 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 83 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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