Are you craving a moist, sweet, and tangy treat that's surprisingly simple to make? Look no further! This pineapple cake recipe, using a cake mix as a base, delivers incredible flavor without the fuss. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend baking adventures, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's one of those easy recipes that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, making it an ideal addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas or simply a delicious dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup shredded coconut (optional, for topping)
- Pineapple chunks (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This simple step ensures your cake doesn't stick and releases cleanly.
Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the undrained crushed pineapple, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. This ensures even distribution of flavor throughout the cake.
Add dry ingredients: Gradually add the cake mix to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, so mix gently until no dry streaks remain. This is a crucial step for a light and fluffy texture.
Pour and bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. If using, sprinkle shredded coconut over the top.
Bake to perfection: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
Cool and serve: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before serving. Once cool, garnish with fresh pineapple chunks, if desired.
Tips for the Best Pineapple Cake:
- Don't drain the pineapple: The juice from the crushed pineapple adds moisture and flavor to the cake.
- Room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and oil helps the batter emulsify better, resulting in a smoother texture.
- Test for doneness: Use a toothpick or wooden skewer to check if the cake is fully baked. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.
- Let it cool completely: Allowing the cake to cool completely prevents it from crumbling when you cut it.
Variations:
- Cream cheese frosting: Top your pineapple cake with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of deliciousness. This is a classic pairing for pineapple cake.
- Spiced pineapple: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Nuts: Incorporate chopped pecans or macadamia nuts into the batter for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
- Protein: Approximately 4-5g
This pineapple cake recipe is a perfect example of how easy and delicious homemade cooking can be. It's a great recipe for beginners and experienced bakers alike. Enjoy this simple, yet flavorful, cake for any occasion! It's sure to become one of your best recipes.