Pineapple Pound Cake Recipe is a tropical variation on the classic pound cake that brings together a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, a holiday dinner, or simply craving a delicious slice of moist cake with a cup of tea, this recipe is sure to be a hit. The tropical notes from the pineapple blend beautifully with the rich, buttery pound cake base, making it an irresistible dessert.
In this article, we’ll take you through the history of pound cake, how pineapple fits into the equation, step-by-step instructions for baking, and even variations you can try. Plus, we’ll share some helpful tips for making the perfect pound cake, along with recommended internal links to similar recipes that can complement your baking adventures.
The History of Pound Cake
The origin of pound cake dates back to 18th-century Europe, where its name was derived from its simple recipe: one pound each of flour, sugar, butter, and eggs. This cake was dense, rich, and easy to make, quickly becoming a favorite across many households. Over time, regional adaptations emerged, leading to variations like the classic vanilla pound cake or even the decadently rich chocolate pound cake. As bakers became more adventurous, fruits and spices were added to these simple cakes, paving the way for the delicious pineapple pound cake we enjoy today.
For those interested in more creative adaptations of this timeless dessert, our guide to the pound cake variations offers inspiration and tips for achieving different flavors and textures, including ways to make your pound cake as moist and delicious as possible.
Ingredients for Pineapple Pound Cake Recipe
Let’s start by gathering all the ingredients you’ll need to create this delectable cake. While the base of the cake remains similar to the traditional pound cake recipe, the addition of pineapple brings a fresh, tropical twist to the mix.
For the Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pineapple extract (optional)
For the Pineapple Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
This pineapple pound cake recipe is straightforward, using ingredients commonly found in most kitchens. However, the addition of pineapple not only adds a tropical flair but also moisture to keep the cake tender for days. This makes it perfect for making ahead, especially for special occasions or family gatherings.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Pineapple Pound Cake Recipe
1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grease a 10-inch Bundt or loaf pan thoroughly. You can also dust the pan lightly with flour to ensure the cake releases smoothly after baking.
2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together. This should take about 5 minutes. Creaming the butter and sugar until they are light and fluffy is essential for creating a cake with a soft, airy crumb. Many experienced bakers will tell you that this is the foundation of any great pound cake.
3: Add the Eggs One at a Time
Once the butter and sugar mixture is ready, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This slow incorporation ensures a smooth, well-blended batter that won’t curdle.
4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. These dry ingredients will be added in intervals to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream.
5: Mix in Pineapple and Extracts
Once you have combined the wet and dry ingredients, fold in the drained crushed pineapple, along with the vanilla and pineapple extracts. The pineapple provides bursts of flavor throughout the cake while also keeping it wonderfully moist.
The use of pineapple in desserts has long been a favorite among tropical-themed recipes, much like its use in the popular pineapple upside-down cake. This technique, while different in approach, shares the same concept of incorporating fruit into a classic dessert, bringing both moisture and flavor to the forefront.
6: Pour the Batter into the Pan
Once your batter is mixed and ready, pour it into your prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking. Gently tap the pan on the counter a few times to remove any air bubbles trapped in the batter.
7: Bake the Cake
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. During this time, your kitchen will fill with the aroma of butter and pineapple, signaling the wonderful treat that awaits.
8: Cool the Cake
After removing the cake from the oven, let it cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Cooling in the pan ensures the cake sets properly and releases easily without breaking.
How to Make Pineapple Glaze
While your cake cools, you can prepare the glaze, which adds a sweet, tangy finishing touch to the cake. The glaze will infuse the cake with extra pineapple flavor, making each bite even more irresistible.
Step 1: Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, pineapple juice, and melted butter until smooth. Adjust the consistency as needed by adding more powdered sugar if it’s too thin, or more pineapple juice if it’s too thick.
Step 2: Drizzle the Glaze
Once the cake has completely cooled, drizzle the pineapple glaze over the top, letting it cascade down the sides for a decorative and delicious finish.
Pineapple Pound Cake Variations
If you’re ready to mix things up a bit or want to experiment with this recipe, here are a few creative ideas:
1. Coconut and Pineapple Fusion
Want to give your pineapple pound cake even more of a tropical edge? Try adding 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the batter. The combination of pineapple and coconut is reminiscent of a piña colada, creating a dessert that’s truly packed with island flavors.
2. Pineapple Rings for Visual Appeal
For a more dramatic presentation, you can arrange pineapple rings at the bottom of the Bundt pan before pouring in the batter. Once you flip the cake, these rings will decorate the top, giving the cake a pineapple upside-down cake look without the caramel topping.
This technique works similarly to the pineapple upside-down cake, but adds a more elegant touch to the traditional pound cake.
3. Pair with Coconut Whipped Cream
For a truly decadent dessert, serve each slice with a dollop of coconut whipped cream or even a scoop of pineapple sorbet. This pairing brings out the tropical notes in the cake, offering a light, refreshing balance to the richness of the pound cake.
For other exciting pound cake flavors, don’t miss out on this creative peach cobbler pound cake, which brings Southern charm into the mix.
Tips for Perfect Pineapple Pound Cake
Achieving the perfect pound cake texture takes some attention to detail. Here are a few tips to help you create a flawless cake every time:
1. Room Temperature Ingredients
Make sure all your ingredients, especially the butter, eggs, and sour cream, are at room temperature before you begin mixing. This ensures the batter blends smoothly, resulting in a more even crumb.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter
Once you’ve added the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mix only until just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense, tough cake. A light hand when folding in the pineapple will help maintain the cake’s soft texture.
3. Drain the Pineapple Thoroughly
Be sure to drain your crushed pineapple well before adding it to the batter. Excess moisture from the fruit can cause the cake to become too wet and collapse in the center.
4. Test for Doneness
Always test your cake for doneness by inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready to come out of the oven. If there’s batter clinging to the tester, continue baking in 5-minute increments until it’s fully baked.
Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Pound Cake
This pineapple pound cake recipe has all the elements of a classic pound cake but with an added tropical twist that makes it stand out from other pound cakes. Here’s why this cake will become a favorite in your household:
- Moist and Flavorful: The addition of pineapple ensures that the cake remains moist for days. The sour cream also adds to the richness, while the pineapple adds bright notes of flavor.
- Simple but Impressive: Although the recipe is simple, the flavors are bold and the presentation is stunning, especially if you opt for the pineapple ring variation.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether served as a casual snack or the centerpiece at a gathering, this cake is versatile and sure to please any crowd.
For More Pound Cake Inspiration:
If you’re a pound cake enthusiast, why stop at just one recipe? Try our chocolate pound cake for a deeper, richer flavor, or dive into our pound cake guide for more expert tips and tricks.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I substitute fresh pineapple for canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple instead of canned, but be sure to chop it finely and drain any excess juice. Fresh pineapple can add extra moisture to the cake, so ensure it’s not too watery before adding it to the batter.
2. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum or another binding agent. This ensures the cake has the same structure and texture as the original version.
3. How do I store pineapple pound cake?
Store the cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you prefer to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
In summary, Pineapple Pound Cake offers a tropical twist to a beloved classic, making it a delightful addition to any dessert repertoire. The combination of sweet pineapple and rich, buttery cake creates a perfect balance of flavors that appeals to both casual home bakers and seasoned experts. With its moist texture, tropical flavors, and easy-to-follow recipe, this cake is perfect for various occasions—from family gatherings to summertime celebrations.
Whether you’re looking to master a basic pound cake or experiment with tropical fruits, this recipe is a great starting point. Don’t forget to explore other variations, like the peach cobbler pound cake or chocolate pound cake, for even more pound cake inspiration. With the tips and variations outlined in this guide, you’re well-equipped to bake a moist, flavorful pound cake that will impress any crowd.
Don’t forget to explore other pound cake variations, such as the delectable vanilla pound cake. Happy baking!