Pineapple Juice Cake – Moist and Tropical Dessert

What if you could capture the tropical sweetness of pineapples in a soft, moist cake topped with a tangy glaze?
This Pineapple Juice Cake brings together the luscious flavor of pineapple with a tender crumb and a rich, glossy finish. It’s the perfect dessert for gatherings, holidays, or whenever you want a bright and refreshing treat.

Why This Pineapple Juice Cake Is a Must-Try

This cake is moist, dense, and bursting with pineapple flavor without being overly sweet.
The crushed pineapple filling adds a lovely texture and moisture, while the simple glaze brings everything together with a hint of tangy sweetness.

Prep time is about 25 minutes.
Bake time is about 50 to 60 minutes.
In just under 2 hours, you can have a bakery-quality dessert ready to impress.

Perfect for spring brunches, potlucks, birthdays, or anytime you want a sunshine-filled dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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 salt
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Pineapple Filling

• 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

For the Glaze

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 3 to 4 tablespoons pineapple juice
• Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon zest for extra brightness

Ingredient Tips

• Use fresh pineapple juice for an even brighter, fresher flavor.
• Make sure the butter is fully softened to ensure a smooth batter.
• Draining the crushed pineapple prevents the filling from being too watery.
• Lemon zest in the glaze enhances the tropical flavor but is optional.

You can also swap half the pineapple juice with orange juice for a more citrus-forward twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan thoroughly.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter and sugar mixture.
Alternate with the pineapple juice, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.

Stir in the vanilla extract until just combined.

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 2: Make the Pineapple Filling
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the drained crushed pineapple, granulated sugar, and cornstarch.

Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens and bubbles, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Remove from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.

Once slightly cooled, gently spoon the pineapple filling over the cake batter in the pan.

Use a knife to gently swirl the filling into the batter for a marbled effect.

Step 3: Bake the Cake
Place the cake in the preheated oven.

Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

If the top begins to brown too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil.

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.

Turn the cake out onto a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before glazing.

Step 4: Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk the powdered sugar with 3 tablespoons of pineapple juice.

Add more juice a little at a time until the glaze reaches your desired consistency—smooth and pourable but not too runny.

If using, stir in lemon zest for extra flavor.

Step 5: Glaze the Cake
Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze generously over the top.

Let some glaze drip naturally down the sides for a rustic, bakery-style look.

Allow the glaze to set for about 15 minutes before slicing.

Step 6: Serve
Slice and serve the cake at room temperature for the best flavor.

For an extra-refreshing twist, serve slightly chilled.

How to Serve It Perfectly

Pineapple Juice Cake is vibrant and moist, making it a standout on any dessert table.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Garnish slices with fresh pineapple chunks or berries
• Pair with a light, tropical drink like iced tea or lemonade
• Sprinkle with toasted coconut for an extra tropical touch

Perfect for birthdays, backyard barbecues, brunches, or holiday gatherings.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

To store leftovers
Keep the cake covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days.
Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.

To freeze
Wrap the unglazed cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
Freeze for up to 2 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and glaze before serving.

Make-ahead tip
You can bake the cake a day ahead and glaze it before serving for the freshest presentation.

Recipe Variations

1. Pineapple Coconut Cake
Add 1/2 cup of shredded sweetened coconut to the batter for a tropical twist.

2. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Place pineapple slices and maraschino cherries at the bottom of the pan before adding the batter.

3. Pineapple Carrot Cake
Fold in 1 cup of grated carrots for added moisture and texture.

These variations allow you to adapt the recipe for different occasions and flavor profiles.

Conclusion: A Tropical Treat for Any Occasion

Pineapple Juice Cake is the ultimate tropical-inspired dessert.
It’s simple, moist, and packed with the bright flavor of pineapple, making it a refreshing addition to any meal.

Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Try it once, and you’ll be dreaming of island breezes and sunny days.

Have you made it? Share your favorite ways to serve or customize this cake in the comments below.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes. Finely chop fresh pineapple and drain well before using it in the filling.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.

What can I use instead of pineapple juice?
Orange juice or a blend of orange and lemon juice can work, but the flavor will change slightly.

Can I add nuts to the cake?
Yes. Chopped pecans or walnuts make a great addition for added texture.

How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
Make sure to grease and flour the pan thoroughly or use parchment paper for easy release.