🌴 Hawaiian Pineapple Cake Recipe: A Taste of the Tropics in Every Bite

If you’re dreaming of a tropical escape but can’t book a flight to Hawaii just yet, why not bring the island vibes to your kitchen with this Hawaiian Pineapple Cake? Perfect for summer cookouts, backyard luau parties, or simply when you’re craving something sweet and sunny, this cake is all about vibrant flavors and feel-good memories.

My first experience with Hawaiian pineapple cake was during a beach picnic in Maui. The cake was moist, tangy, and sweet—everything you could want on a warm island afternoon. The combination of crushed pineapple, creamy frosting, and that unmistakable tropical flair made it unforgettable. This recipe is inspired by that moment and is now a beloved treat in my family year-round.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, bringing dessert to a potluck, or just indulging your sweet tooth, this cake is the perfect way to add a slice of paradise to your day.

🍍 Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Pineapple Cake

Easy to make: No fancy equipment or complicated steps—just mix, bake, and frost.
Incredibly moist: Thanks to the crushed pineapple and juice, every bite is soft and luscious.
Tropical flavors: Pineapple brings a sunny sweetness, while the cream cheese frosting adds richness.
Perfect for any occasion: Great for birthdays, BBQs, family dinners, or when you need a mini-vacation on a plate.
Crowd-pleasing: This cake always gets rave reviews. One slice is never enough!

📝 Ingredients for Hawaiian Pineapple Cake

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple with juice (do not drain)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2–3 tbsp pineapple juice (reserved from the can for flavor)

For Garnish:

Fresh pineapple chunks or rings (optional, but highly recommended)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

🔥 1. Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, eggs, baking soda, vanilla extract, and the entire can of crushed pineapple with its juice. Stir everything together with a spoon or spatula until just combined. The batter will be thick, moist, and speckled with pineapple bits—exactly what you want.

Tip: Don’t overmix the batter. This cake is naturally dense and moist, and overmixing could make it too heavy.

⏲️ 2. Bake to Perfection

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Use a spatula to smooth out the tops.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

🍰 3. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake layers are cooling, prepare the luscious pineapple-infused cream cheese frosting.

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and 2–3 tablespoons of pineapple juice from the can to give it a subtle tropical flavor. Continue beating until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.

Note: If the frosting is too thick, add a little more juice. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar until it reaches the desired consistency.

🎂 4. Assemble the Cake

Once the cake layers are completely cool, it’s time to assemble your show-stopping dessert.

Place one cake layer on your serving platter or cake stand.
Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top.
Add a few fresh pineapple chunks for extra juiciness and texture (optional but delicious!).
Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides generously.

Use an offset spatula or butter knife to create swoops and swirls in the frosting for that rustic, homemade look.

🍍 5. Garnish and Chill

Top the cake with fresh pineapple chunks or rings for an Instagram-worthy presentation. You can even sprinkle on some toasted coconut or chopped macadamia nuts if you’re feeling extra tropical.

Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before slicing. This helps the frosting set and makes the cake easier to cut.

🧊 Storage Tips

Refrigerator: Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors actually deepen over time!
Freezer: You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting.

Pro Tip: If freezing the whole frosted cake, freeze it uncovered until solid, then wrap it tightly to preserve the frosting design.

🥥 Optional Add-Ins and Variations

Want to put your own spin on this Hawaiian classic? Try these delicious twists:

Add shredded coconut to the batter for more island flavor.
Chopped macadamia nuts can be folded into the batter or sprinkled on top.
Crushed or diced mango makes a sweet surprise when added between the layers.
Make it a poke cake: Poke holes in the baked cake and drizzle with coconut cream or pineapple syrup before frosting.

🧁 Can I Make This into Cupcakes?

Absolutely! This recipe makes approximately 24 cupcakes. Bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.

🎉 When to Serve Hawaiian Pineapple Cake

This cake is welcome any time of year, but it truly shines during:

Summer parties and BBQs
Easter and spring brunches
Luau-themed birthdays or events
Tropical vacations-at-home
Holiday potlucks when you want a refreshing alternative to heavier desserts

🌟 Final Thoughts: A Cake Worth Sharing

There’s something magical about how simple ingredients like pineapple, sugar, and flour can come together to create such a joyful dessert. This Hawaiian Pineapple Cake isn’t just a treat—it’s an experience, one that transports you to the sun-soaked beaches and warm breezes of the islands.

Whether you’re sharing it with friends at a summer gathering or enjoying a quiet slice with your morning coffee, this cake is bound to bring a smile to your face and sunshine to your plate.

So next time you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy, delicious, and undeniably memorable, give this recipe a try. It might just become your new go-to favorite.

📌 Don’t Forget to Pin or Share!

If you loved this recipe, make sure to save it to your Pinterest board, share it on Facebook, or email it to a fellow pineapple lover. And if you try it, we’d love to hear your thoughts—leave a comment and rating below!

Happy baking, and aloha! 🌺

📋 Printable Recipe Card

Want a no-fuss version of the recipe for your kitchen? Here’s a simplified summary for printing or screenshotting.

Hawaiian Pineapple Cake
Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 35 mins | Total Time: 1 hour + chill time
Servings: 12–14

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple with juice

For the Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup butter
4 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2–3 tbsp pineapple juice

For Garnish:

Pineapple chunks or rings

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two 9-inch pans.
Mix all cake ingredients in one bowl.
Divide and bake for 30–35 mins. Cool completely.
Beat cream cheese and butter. Add sugar, vanilla, and juice.
Frost and layer the cakes. Garnish.
Chill for 1 hour before serving.