Pineapple Sheet Cake Recipe

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Moist, flavorful, and rich with tropical flair, Pineapple Sheet Cake is a dessert that delivers on both taste and nostalgia. Warm pineapple flavor shines through a soft, tender crumb, while a lush cream cheese frosting sits on top, lending balance and richness to every bite. This cake isn’t just a crowd-pleaser—it’s the type of bake that feels like sunshine on the table, perfect for picnics, potlucks, celebrations, or a cozy treat at home.

What Makes Pineapple Sheet Cake Special

Pineapple sheet cake offers more than sweetness. The crushed pineapple infuses the cake with natural moisture, so each bite feels tender but never dense. The blend of soft crumb, tangy cream cheese, and crunchy pecans or coconut means every forkful brings a play of textures.

You don’t need fancy ingredients or equipment: just a simple 9×13-inch sheet pan, pantry basics, and a mixing bowl. The cake’s simplicity and reliability have helped it endure as a family favorite.

Why People Love Pineapple Sheet Cake

• No Butter or Oil Needed: Pineapple’s juice keeps the cake moist.
• Stays Fresh: Stays tender for up to five days in the fridge.
• Simple Technique: Minimal prep, no stand mixer required.
• Flexible: Easily adapted with nuts, coconut, or extra fruit.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Grabbing just a handful of common items, you can create a showstopping cake that feels both nostalgic and novel. Here’s what you’ll gather:

Notes on Ingredients

• Crushed Pineapple: Use pineapple canned in juice, not syrup, for best results. Do not drain the pineapple; the juice forms an essential part of the batter’s moisture.
• Nuts: Pecans are classic, but walnuts or toasted macadamias work well too.
• Coconut: Stir in for a true tropical twist, or scatter on top before serving.

How to Make Pineapple Sheet Cake

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch sheet pan with butter or nonstick spray. Line with parchment paper if you want easy removal.

Step 2: Mixing the Batter

• In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
• In another bowl, lightly beat 2 large eggs. Stir in two 8-ounce cans of crushed pineapple (including all juice) and 1½ teaspoons of vanilla extract.
• Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently, scraping the bottom, until just combined and evenly moistened. If using, fold in ¾ cup shredded coconut.

Tip: Avoid overmixing. Gently stir until there are no dry spots. Overworking the batter can make the cake tough.

Step 3: Baking

• Spread the batter evenly into your prepared sheet pan.
• Bake for 28 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden, the edges pull slightly away from the pan, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let the cake cool completely in the pan.

Step 4: Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake cools, make the frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Beat cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy and spreadable. Mix in vanilla. Taste, and adjust the sweetness as needed.

Spread frosting over the completely cooled cake. Sprinkle with chopped toasted pecans or coconut if you like.

Step 5: Serving

Slice the cake into squares or rectangles. Serve as is, or dress up with an extra spoonful of pineapple, a dollop of whipped cream, or a dusting of toasted coconut.

Tips for Pineapple Sheet Cake Perfection

• Don’t drain your pineapple: The liquid provides key moisture.
• Use room-temperature eggs and dairy: These blend best and help achieve a soft crumb.
• Toast your nuts: Toast pecans for 5-7 minutes at 350°F. This boosts flavor and crunch.
• Cool the cake fully: Frosting will melt on a warm cake, so wait until it’s cool to add the topping.
• Try mix-ins: Stir in small bits of mango, or add a dash of cinnamon for variation.

Common Adjustments

• No nuts? Leave them out, or swap for sunflower seeds.
• Dairy-free? Use vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter in the frosting.
• Gluten-free? Use a quality all-purpose gluten-free flour blend.

Make Ahead and Storage

This cake tastes just as good—sometimes better—on the second day, making it a wonderful make-ahead option.

Storing Leftovers:
– Cover with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container.
– Store in the refrigerator for up to five days.

To Freeze:
– Wrap individual pieces or the whole unfrosted cake tightly in plastic and then aluminum foil.
– Freeze for up to three months.
– Thaw overnight in the fridge; apply frosting once fully thawed.

Troubleshooting and FAQ

Why is my cake dry?
If the pineapple was drained or the cake was overbaked, it can dry out. Always use the full juice from your cans, and check early for doneness.

Can I use fresh pineapple?
Yes, but cook it briefly with its juice to soften and slightly break down the fruit, mimicking the canned texture.

What if I don’t have a sheet pan?
Bake in a 9×13-inch cake pan, or use two 8-inch pans for a layered effect. Adjust baking time slightly.

When to Serve Pineapple Sheet Cake

Light, bright, and festive, this is a cake for any season. Bring it to an outdoor barbecue, impress at a potluck, or stash some for easy weeknight desserts. For birthdays, add colorful sprinkles. For holidays, top with cranberries, orange zest, or cinnamon.

Variations and Customizations

You can take Pineapple Sheet Cake in many delicious directions:

• Tropical: Fold in coconut and mango chunks; frost with coconut cream cheese icing.
• Nutty: Scatter chopped pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts on top before baking.
• Spiced: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, or even some ground ginger.

Pineapple Sheet Cake is one of those kitchen classics that brings warmth to gatherings big or small. Its combination of ease, flavor, and texture keeps people coming back for another bite. Whether you make it for friends, family, or just to brighten the week, you’ll find this simple cake delivers steady joy every time you bake it.