Hawaiian Pineapple Cake

INGREDIENTS:

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained

For the Frosting:

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

4 cups powdered sugar, sifted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

1 cup shredded coconut (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

To Make the Cake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.

Mix the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Combine with wet ingredients. Add the sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and crushed pineapple (with its juice) to the dry ingredients. Mix well until combined. The batter will be quite wet.

Bake the cake. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Cool the cake. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

To Make the Frosting:

Beat the cream cheese and butter. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.

Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Gradually add the powdered sugar, about a cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Continue beating until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. If using, fold in the chopped nuts and shredded coconut.

Frost the cooled cake. Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cake.

Garnish (optional). You can garnish the frosted cake with additional nuts, coconut, or even maraschino cherries if desired.

Serving:

Cut the cake into squares and serve. This cake is wonderfully moist and flavorful on its own, but you can also pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat.

Enjoy your homemade Hawaiian Pineapple Cake, a dessert that’s sure to bring a bit of tropical paradise to your table!