Are you craving a vibrant and delicious dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This Pineapple Sunshine Cake is your answer. Imagine a moist, tender cake bursting with the sweet and tangy flavor of fresh pineapple, topped with a light and fluffy cream cheese frosting. This recipe is perfect for a casual weeknight treat, a weekend brunch, or even a special occasion. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, combining simple ingredients with stunning results. Get ready to brighten your day (and your taste buds!) with this sunshine-in-a-slice experience.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained (reserve ¼ cup juice)
- ½ cup milk
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preparing the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your cake releases easily and prevents sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This combines the dry ingredients evenly for a consistent texture.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer, but can be done by hand if you're feeling ambitious!
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a small bowl, combine the drained pineapple, reserved pineapple juice, and milk.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the pineapple mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; don't overmix.
Baking the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it – ovens can vary!
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
Assembling the Delight:
Once the cake is completely cool, frost it generously with the cream cheese frosting. You can get creative here – swirls, dollops, or even a simple, smooth layer are all delicious options.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
- Add some crunch: Fold in ½ cup chopped macadamia nuts or toasted coconut flakes to the cake batter.
- Make it a layer cake: Divide the batter between two 9-inch round pans and bake accordingly. This makes a stunning presentation!
- Spice it up: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter for a warm, autumnal twist.
- Different Frosting: Feel free to experiment with other frostings, like a simple glaze or even whipped cream.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Fat: 18-20g Saturated Fat: 10-12g Cholesterol: 50-60mg Sodium: 200-250mg Carbohydrates: 45-50g Sugar: 30-35g Protein: 4-5g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
This Pineapple Sunshine Cake is a wonderful example of easy recipes and healthy meals you can create at home. It's a delightful dessert that's perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy this quick dinner idea or special occasion treat! It's one of the best recipes for a reason!