Southern Pineapple Cake

Introduction:

Indulge in the sweet and tropical flavors of the South with our delectable Southern Pineapple Cake recipe. Bursting with juicy pineapple, moist cake layers, and creamy frosting, this dessert is a true Southern classic that’s perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to potluck parties. Join us as we journey through the simple steps to create this irresistible dessert and discover why it’s a beloved favorite in Southern kitchens everywhere.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 – 20 oz can crushed pineapple (with juice)
• For the Topping:
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2/3 cup evaporated milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1 cup coconut flakes

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or spray a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking soda, eggs, vanilla, and crushed pineapple with juice until well combined.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown.
4. For the topping, heat butter, evaporated milk, vanilla, and sugar in a saucepan until it boils over medium-high heat.
5. Stir in pecans or walnuts and coconut, continue to cook on medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. The mixture will thicken slightly.
6. Remove the cake from the oven, poke holes all over the top, and spread the topping evenly over the warm cake. Let cool before serving.
7. Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
8. Kcal: 494 kcal | Servings: 12 servings

Serving Tips:

1. Chilled Presentation: Serve Southern Pineapple Cake chilled for the best taste and texture. Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the frosting to set. Chilled slices of cake are refreshing and perfect for warm weather occasions.
2. Garnish Creatively: Before serving, garnish the top of the cake with slices of fresh pineapple, maraschino cherries, or toasted coconut flakes for an eye-catching presentation. These decorative touches add a tropical flair and enhance the visual appeal of the dessert.
3. Accompaniments: Serve slices of Southern Pineapple Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. The creamy accompaniments complement the sweetness of the cake and provide a delightful contrast in texture.
4. Serve with Beverages: Pair Southern Pineapple Cake with a glass of iced tea, lemonade, or tropical fruit punch for a refreshing beverage pairing that enhances the tropical flavors of the dessert. Alternatively, serve slices with freshly brewed coffee for a delightful dessert and coffee pairing.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover Southern Pineapple Cake in an airtight cake container or covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. The cake can be stored for up to 3-4 days. Refrigeration helps to maintain the freshness and moistness of the cake layers.
2. Freezing: While Southern Pineapple Cake can be frozen for longer storage, it’s best to freeze the cake layers and frosting separately for optimal texture. Wrap the unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer bag. Thaw the cake layers in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.
3. Frosting Protection: To protect the frosting during storage, place toothpicks or wooden skewers in the top of the cake and drape a sheet of plastic wrap over them. This prevents the plastic wrap from sticking to the frosting and smudging its appearance.
4. Portioning: If freezing individual slices of Southern Pineapple Cake, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer bag. This allows you to thaw and enjoy individual portions as needed, minimizing waste and ensuring freshness.

FAQs:

1. Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead of Fresh Pineapple? Yes, you can use canned pineapple in Southern Pineapple Cake. Drain the canned pineapple well before using it in the cake to prevent excess moisture from affecting the texture of the cake layers.
2. Can I Make Southern Pineapple Cake Ahead of Time? Yes, Southern Pineapple Cake can be made ahead of time. Bake the cake layers, allow them to cool completely, and then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before assembling and frosting the cake.
3. How Do I Prevent the Cake Layers from Sticking to the Pan? To prevent the cake layers from sticking to the pan, grease the cake pans generously with butter or cooking spray and line the bottoms with parchment paper. Additionally, dust the greased pans with flour, tapping out any excess, before pouring the cake batter into them.
4. Can I Substitute the Cream Cheese Frosting with a Different Frosting? While cream cheese frosting is a classic choice for Southern Pineapple Cake, you can substitute it with other frostings if desired. Vanilla buttercream or whipped cream frosting would both pair well with the flavors of the cake and provide a delicious alternative.
5. How Long Will Southern Pineapple Cake Stay Fresh? Properly stored in the refrigerator, Southern Pineapple Cake will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight cake container to prevent it from drying out and absorbing other odors in the refrigerator.