A moist, buttery cake swirled with tangy crushed pineapple and finished with a sweet pineapple glaze. Bright, tropical, and irresistibly tender — perfect for spring brunches, picnics, or just because.
📋 Recipe Card
Yield: 1 round cake (9-inch)
Servings: 10–12 slices
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
Dietary Tags: Vegetarian | Tropical Dessert | Family Favorite
🧾 Ingredients Checklist
🧁 For the Cake
Unsalted butter, softened
Granulated sugar
Eggs
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Pineapple juice
Vanilla extract
🍍 For the Pineapple Swirl Filling
Crushed pineapple (canned, drained)
Granulated sugar
Cornstarch
✨ For the Glaze
Powdered sugar
Pineapple juice
Optional: Lemon zest for brightness
👨🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Cake Batter
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
Cream 1 cup butter and 2 cups sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
Add 4 eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and ½ tsp salt.
Alternately add the dry ingredients and 1 cup pineapple juice to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with flour.
Stir in 2 tsp vanilla extract. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
2️⃣ Prepare the Pineapple Filling
In a saucepan, combine 1 can crushed pineapple, ¼ cup sugar, and 2 tbsp cornstarch.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened — about 5–7 minutes.
Let cool slightly, then spoon over the cake batter and gently swirl with a knife for a marbled effect.
3️⃣ Bake the Cake
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn onto a wire rack to cool completely.
4️⃣ Glaze and Serve
Mix 2 cups powdered sugar with 3–4 tbsp pineapple juice until you reach desired consistency.
Drizzle over cooled cake. Sprinkle with lemon zest if using.
Serve at room temperature or chilled.
💡 Tips & Notes
Use good-quality pineapple juice — it makes all the difference in both the cake and glaze.
Don’t skip swirling the pineapple filling — it adds both texture and flavor to each bite.
For easier slicing, chill the cake slightly before cutting.
📸 Brief Introduction
I created this cake on a sunny Sunday afternoon when I had leftover pineapple juice from another recipe — and it turned out so good, I now buy pineapple juice just to make it. Think pound cake meets pineapple upside-down cake, but easier and with a brighter twist. This is the kind of cake that tastes like sunshine — moist, fruity, and never too sweet.
🔍 Ingredient Tips & Substitutions
Butter: Make sure it’s at room temperature for proper creaming.
Crushed Pineapple: Canned works great. Drain well to avoid excess moisture.
Flour: Use all-purpose. For gluten-free, try a 1:1 GF baking blend.
Lemon Zest: Optional, but brightens the glaze beautifully.
🍴 Serving Suggestions & Variations
Add coconut flakes to the batter for a piña colada vibe.
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Make it a layer cake: Double the batter, bake in two pans, and use the pineapple filling between layers.
❄️ Storage & Make-Ahead
Room Temp: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Fridge: Lasts up to 5 days chilled — just bring to room temp before serving for best texture.
Freezer: Freeze individual slices wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
A: Yes, just finely chop and drain well — you want about 1¼ cups of pulp and juice total.
Q: Can I use a bundt pan instead of a round pan?
A: Absolutely! Just be sure to grease it well and check for doneness around 50–55 minutes.
Q: Why did my cake sink in the middle?
A: This may happen if the filling was too heavy or not well-drained. Be gentle with the swirl and don’t overdo it.
🧡 Final Notes
This cake is one of those “everyone asks for the recipe” desserts. It’s tropical, moist, and so simple to make with pantry staples. Whether you’re baking for brunch, a birthday, or a lazy weekend afternoon, it hits all the right notes. And that glaze? You’ll want to drizzle it on everything.