Pineapple Juice Cake

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Pineapple Juice Cake

Introduction and Origin

Pineapple Juice Cake is a moist, tropical-flavored dessert that brings a taste of the islands to your table. This vintage-inspired cake is made with pineapple juice, which gives it a naturally sweet and tangy flavor. It’s a simple yet delightful treat that’s perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a sweet afternoon indulgence.

Cultural Significance

Pineapple has long been associated with hospitality and tropical cuisine, especially in Southern and Hawaiian baking. This cake is similar to classic poke cakes, where a sweet glaze is poured over a warm cake, allowing it to soak in for extra moisture and flavor.

Ingredients

Quantity (Serves 10-12)

For the Cake:

  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 1 cup pineapple juice (from canned or fresh pineapple)
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Pineapple Glaze:

  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • ½ cup pineapple juice
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Optional Additions

  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon (for warmth)
  • ½ teaspoon coconut extract (for a tropical twist)
  • ½ cup crushed pineapple (for added texture)
  • ¼ cup toasted coconut flakes (for garnish)

Tips for Success

  • Use fresh pineapple juice for the best flavor, but canned works too.
  • Pour the glaze over the cake while it’s still warm to ensure maximum absorption.
  • Let the cake sit for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow flavors to meld.
  • Use a bundt pan for a beautiful presentation, but a 9×13-inch pan works too.

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan or a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Make the batter: In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, pineapple juice, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
  3. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

  1. Prepare the glaze: In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, pineapple juice, and melted butter until smooth.
  2. Glaze the cake: Once the cake is out of the oven, poke small holes all over with a skewer or fork. Pour the glaze evenly over the warm cake.
  3. Cool & serve: Let the cake absorb the glaze for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Garnish with toasted coconut if desired.

Description

This Pineapple Juice Cake is ultra-moist, bursting with tropical flavor, and topped with a sweet, tangy glaze. The pineapple juice not only flavors the cake but also keeps it irresistibly soft.

Nutritional Information (Per slice, based on 12 servings)

  • Calories: ~280
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g

Conclusion and Recommendation

This cake is a refreshing and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. It pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Embracing Healthful Indulgence

For a lighter version, use unsweetened applesauce instead of oil, reduce the sugar in the glaze, or try a whole wheat cake mix for added fiber.

Would you like a variation suggestion, such as turning this into cupcakes or a layered cake?

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