Pineapple Juice Cake

Introduction

The house smells like warm syrup and citrus when this cake comes out of the oven; the edges turn golden and the kitchen hums with that cozy hush. I first learned this Pineapple Juice Cake from a neighbor, and I still make it when I want a small, sunny treat. This always takes me back to Sunday dinners. If you like moist, uncomplicated cakes, you might also enjoy my twist on a pineapple cream cheese pound cake for a different texture.

Why You’ll Love This

• Quick to mix: no creaming, no fuss.
• Budget-friendly: pantry staples, minimal extras.
• Kid-approved: soft, not too sweet, easy to slice.
• Versatile: serve warm or chilled with extras.

Quick Recipe Snapshot

• Servings: 8 (1-inch slices)
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 30–35 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes
• Skill level: Easy
• Taste: sweet + bright pineapple

You’ll feel confident baking this; the batter is forgiving and bakes to a reliably tender crumb.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chef notes:

• Pineapple juice: use canned juice if needed.
• Vegetable oil: neutral flavor keeps cake light.
• Eggs: room temperature for better rise.
• Flour: measure by spooning, not scooping.
• Sugar: regular granulated works fine.
• Vanilla: adds warmth and depth.

How to Make It

1. First, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch cake pan so edges release cleanly.
2. Then, in a mixing bowl whisk pineapple juice, vegetable oil, sugar, and eggs until smooth; you’ll see the sugar dissolve and the mixture shine.
3. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; this helps the cake rise evenly.
4. Next, add the dry mix to the wet in two additions, stirring gently until just combined — don’t overmix or the cake will tighten.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract; the batter should be pourable and slightly thick.
6. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula so it bakes evenly.
7. Bake for 30–35 minutes; the top should be lightly golden and a toothpick in the center will come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
8. Finally, cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to finish cooling; warm slices taste lovely with a dollop of cream.

Tip: if you like a denser crumb, try a loaf pan and bake a little longer.

Kitchen Tips (From My Kitchen)

1. Time-saver: Use a hand whisk and one bowl to mix the wet ingredients quickly.
2. Common mistake + fix: Overmixing makes a tight cake; stop when streaks disappear.
3. Simple variation: Fold in 1/2 cup shredded coconut for a tropical lift.

(For other loaf-style ideas, you might enjoy this blueberry poppy seed pound cake adaptation.)

Serving Ideas

• Afternoon tea: Serve thin slices with black tea and lemon.
• Brunch: Top warm slices with whipped cream and toasted coconut.
• Weeknight dessert: Pair with vanilla ice cream and macerated berries.
• Holiday tray: Cut into small squares and dust lightly with powdered sugar.
  Optional garnishes: toasted coconut, a few pineapple tidbits, or a drizzle of honey.

Storing & Leftovers

• Fridge: Keep in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheat: Warm slices 10–12 seconds in the microwave to restore softness without drying.

Leftover idea: Cube and toss into yogurt bowls for a quick breakfast.

Pineapple Juice Cake

A moist and simple cake that bursts with sweet pineapple flavor, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 8 slices

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 230

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup Pineapple juice Use canned juice if needed.
• 1/2 cup Vegetable oil Neutral flavor keeps cake light.
• 1 cup Sugar Regular granulated works fine.
• 2 large Eggs Room temperature for better rise.

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups All-purpose flour Measure by spooning, not scooping.
• 2 teaspoons Baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Adds warmth and depth.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch cake pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, vegetable oil, sugar, and eggs until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Add the dry mix to the wet in two additions, stirring gently until just combined.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

Baking

1. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
2. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to finish cooling.

Notes

For a denser crumb, try a loaf pan and bake a little longer. Leftovers can be cubed and tossed into yogurt bowls for a quick breakfast.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this cake ahead?
A: Yes. Bake the cake, cool completely, then wrap and chill; slice the next day. It actually slices neater after a brief chill.

Q: What can I substitute for pineapple juice?
A: You can try orange juice for a citrus twist, but the signature bright flavor changes. For texture, keep the same liquid volume.

Q: How do I know when the cake is done?
A: The center should spring back slightly and a toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs; the top will be pale gold.

Q: Can I freeze Pineapple Juice Cake?
A: Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months; defrost in the refrigerator before slicing.

Final Thoughts

I make this Pineapple Juice Cake when I want something quick, homey, and a little sunny — it’s reliable, forgiving, and always disappears fast. Try it with a scoop of ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar, and tweak it to your taste; I promise it’ll bring that warm, familiar slice back to your table. Pineapple Juice Cake

Conclusion

For more variations and inspiration, check a classic take on the recipe at Southern Bite’s Pineapple Juice Cake or try another simple version at 100K Recipe’s Easy Pineapple Juice Cake.