Introduction
Welcome to a slice of tropical joy! This moist pineapple cake is a delightful treat that brings the vibrant flavors of the tropics to your kitchen. Picture this: a fluffy, golden cake infused with sweet, juicy pineapple – it’s truly a slice of happiness! Perfect for gatherings or as a sweet escape on a lazy afternoon, this cake is bound to be a hit with family and friends. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsweetened crushed pineapple, drained
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 10 servings
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure an easy release.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This dry mix will be the foundation of your cake.
- In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter using a hand mixer or stand mixer until it’s light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts to elevate the flavor profile of your cake.
- Now, alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined to keep your cake tender.
- Gently fold in the drained crushed pineapple, allowing the sweetness to be evenly distributed through the batter.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, spreading it out gently with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, revealing that perfect moistness.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Your kitchen will smell heavenly during this time!
Notes or Tips
For an even more tropical twist, consider adding some shredded coconut to the batter or topping the cooled cake with a light cream cheese frosting. Don’t skimp on the cooling time; letting the cakes cool completely will prevent frosting from melting away!
Cooking Techniques
Be sure to accurately measure your ingredients for the best results! Cup measurements should be leveled off with a straight edge. When creaming butter and sugar, take your time to incorporate air for that light, fluffy texture. Additionally, folding in the pineapple gently helps retain the air you’ve worked so hard to create.
FAQ
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned? Absolutely! Just ensure it’s finely chopped and well-drained to maintain the right consistency.
How should I store the cake? Store any leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the cake layers, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
With its light texture and a delightful burst of pineapple flavor, this moist pineapple cake is sure to become one of your go-to recipes. Whether served at a birthday party or enjoyed with a cup of tea, each slice encapsulates a little taste of the tropics. So gather your ingredients, and let’s create some delicious memories in the kitchen!