Hawaiian Pineapple Cake

A moist, tropical pineapple cake made from scratch with crushed pineapple, optional coconut and nuts, and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting. This easy Hawaiian pineapple cake is a crowd-pleaser for potlucks, birthdays, and special gatherings!

4 from 1 vote

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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American, Hawaiian-Inspired

Keyword: Hawaiian Pineapple Cake, Hawaiian pineapple cake recipe easy, Hawaiian pineapple cake recipes, Hawaiian pineapple cake with cake mix, Hawaiian pineapple cake with cream cheese frosting, Old fashioned hawaiian pineapple cake, Old fashioned Hawaiian pineapple cake recipe from scratch easy

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 35

Cooling & Frosting: 45

Total Time: 1 35

Servings:

Calories: 390kcal

Cost: $11

Equipment

9x13-inch baking pan (greased or lined)
Large mixing bowl (for dry + wet ingredients)
Medium mixing bowl (for frosting)
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk (or fork)
Rubber spatula (or wooden spoon)
Electric mixer (hand or stand)
Cooling rack
Offset spatula (optional, for spreading frosting)

Ingredients

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1½ cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 large eggs - room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
20 oz crushed pineapple - with juice (don’t drain)
½ cup shredded coconut - optional
½ cup macadamia nuts or walnuts - chopped, optional

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese - softened
½ cup unsalted butter - softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1–2 tablespoons pineapple juice - reserved from can

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
In the same bowl, add eggs, vanilla, and the undrained crushed pineapple. Mix just until combined.
Gently fold in shredded coconut and chopped nuts, if using.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla and pineapple juice.
Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Garnish with toasted coconut or nuts if desired.
Chill for 30 minutes if your kitchen is warm to help set the frosting.
Slice into squares, clean knife between cuts for neat slices, and enjoy!

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be considered an approximation. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Nutrition