When the chilly winds start to nip at your nose, there’s nothing more comforting than wrapping yourself up in a blanket with a warm slice of cake and a cup of tea. Growing up, my nonna would always bake during the colder months, filling our home with the sweet scent of citrus and spices. While my roots are Italian, I remember discovering Hawaiian Pineapple Cake during a trip to Maui in my early twenties – the bright tropical flavors paired with the richness of a classic American-style cake won me over immediately.
Since then, this Hawaiian Pineapple Cake, touched with a hint of warm spices, has become a go-to winter treat in my kitchen. It’s like a little island vacation without leaving your home – soft, juicy pineapple in every bite, balanced with a buttery crumb and just the right amount of cinnamon.
Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Pineapple Cake
- Combines tropical pineapple with warming winter spices
- Moist, fluffy texture with a golden-brown crust
- Perfect balance between Hawaiian brightness and American heartiness
- Easy to make and perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (canned, with juice)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square baking pan, or line it with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. The spices will add a warming winter touch to balance the pineapple’s sweetness.
Combine Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Slowly drizzle in the melted butter while continuing to whisk.
- Stir in vanilla extract and the crushed pineapple with its juice.
Bring It All Together
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix – you want a light crumb.
- Fold in the chopped nuts if you’re using them.
Bake
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top.
- Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Make the Frosting
- In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until smooth and fluffy.
Frost and Serve
- Once the cake is cool, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top.
- Optional: sprinkle with extra chopped nuts or a dusting of cinnamon for a festive touch.
Serving Suggestions
This Hawaiian Pineapple Cake is perfect with a hot cup of chai, earl grey, or even a rich hot chocolate. The tropical flavors brighten up dreary winter afternoons and bring a lovely contrast to holiday dinners.
Sarah’s Tip
Want to make this even more indulgent? Serve each slice slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. It turns this humble cake into a showstopper dessert!
Variations
- Coconut twist: Add ½ cup shredded coconut to the batter for an extra tropical flair.
- Spiced version: Add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice to the dry ingredients for a deeper spice profile.
- Vegan option: Substitute the egg with a flax egg and use vegan butter and cream cheese.
Why This Cake Works for Winter
While pineapple is typically seen as a summer fruit, the warm spices and rich cream cheese frosting transform this into a comforting winter dessert. It offers a bit of sunshine when the skies are gray – a reminder of island warmth during the colder months.