Are you dreaming of sunny beaches and tropical breezes? Then let's bring a little bit of paradise to your kitchen with this incredibly moist and flavorful Sunshine Pineapple Cake! This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers, requiring minimal fuss but delivering maximum deliciousness. It's the ideal quick dinner dessert, or a delightful treat for any occasion. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this easy recipe for a truly healthy and delicious dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ 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 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
- ½ cup buttermilk
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
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This preparation ensures your cake bakes evenly and releases easily from the pan.
Making the Cake Batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This is a crucial step to ensure even leavening of the cake.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, resulting in a lighter cake texture. Use an electric mixer for best results.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the drained crushed pineapple.
Baking the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on your cake to prevent overbaking.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Making the Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
Frosting and Serving:
- Once the cake is completely cool, frost it evenly with the cream cheese frosting.
- Slice and serve. Enjoy your slice of sunshine!
Tips for Success:
- Don't overmix the batter, as this can lead to a tough cake.
- Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for best results.
- For an extra burst of flavor, add a teaspoon of pineapple extract to the cake batter.
Variations:
- Add toasted coconut flakes to the batter or sprinkle them on top of the frosting for added texture and flavor.
- Use a different type of frosting, such as a whipped cream frosting or a simple glaze.
- Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or macadamia nuts, to the batter.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Around 350-400 (depending on serving size and frosting amount)
This delicious Sunshine Pineapple Cake is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. It's a perfect example of how homemade cooking can be both simple and satisfying. The best recipes are often the ones that bring joy to both the baker and the eater, and this one certainly fits the bill. Enjoy!