This easy pineapple heaven cake recipe is designed to deliver bakery-quality results with very simple ingredients.
Jump to RecipeIf you are looking for a dessert that delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort, this easy pineapple heaven cake recipe is a perfect choice. Soft, moist, and loaded with tropical pineapple richness, this cake is an excellent option for holidays, special occasions, family gatherings, or even a simple weekend treat. The combination of crushed pineapple, a tender cake crumb, and a glossy pineapple glaze creates a dessert that truly lives up to its name pineapple heaven.
Unlike complicated cakes that require multiple steps and technical precision, this recipe is straightforward and extremely beginner-friendly. You do not need advanced baking experience or fancy tools. The ingredients are familiar, the steps are simple, and the results are consistently impressive. This is the kind of recipe that becomes a household favorite, one people request again and again.
Many home bakers love this easy pineapple heaven cake recipe because it stays moist for days and never turns dense.
For those who enjoy creamy, refreshing desserts as well, you may want to explore another reader-favorite recipe on MagmaKitchen: the No-Bake Cheesecake. It pairs beautifully with fruity cakes and offers a cool, rich contrast to warm desserts. You can find it here:
https://www.magmakitchen.com/no-bake-cheesecake/
Before diving into the step-by-step instructions, let’s understand what makes this easy pineapple heaven cake recipe truly special.
Why This Easy Pineapple Heaven Cake Recipe Works So Well
1. The Texture Is Exceptionally Moist
Thanks to sour cream and crushed pineapple, the cake stays moist for days. Every bite is soft, tender, and full of flavor. Unlike dense or dry cakes, this one remains light and luscious while still feeling substantial.
2. Simple Ingredients, Big Results
All the ingredients in this recipe are pantry staples: flour, butter, eggs, sugar, vanilla, pineapple, and sour cream. You don’t need anything fancy to achieve a bakery-level cake.
3. The Pineapple Glaze Enhances the Flavor
Many fruit cakes stop at adding fruit to the batter. This recipe goes a step further by adding a bright, sweet pineapple glaze that melts into the top of the cake, intensifying the taste and giving it a beautiful finish.
4. Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s brunch, a birthday, a barbecue, or a potluck, this easy pineapple heaven cake recipe fits right in. Its tropical flavor feels refreshing in summer, but its warm sweetness also makes it comforting in colder months.
5. Easy to Make Ahead
This cake stores exceptionally well. You can bake it a day or two in advance, and it will still taste fresh and delicious when served.
6. Beginner-Friendly Instructions
Even if you are new to baking, this recipe guides you through every step. The method ensures your cake rises evenly, stays soft, and absorbs the glaze properly.
Ingredients for This Easy Pineapple Heaven Cake Recipe
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
For the Pineapple Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp pineapple juice
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How to Make the Best Easy Pineapple Heaven Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a loaf pan thoroughly. This helps the cake release cleanly after baking and prevents uneven browning.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Whisking helps distribute ingredients evenly and adds a bit of air to the mixture, contributing to a lighter cake.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy.
This step is crucial because creaming butter and sugar traps air, which helps the cake rise properly.
Step 4: Add the Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time.
Beating well after each addition ensures the batter remains smooth and emulsified.
Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
Step 5: Add the Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream
Add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the sour cream.
Begin and end with the flour mixture.
Mix only until combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense.
Step 6: Fold in the Crushed Pineapple
Add the drained crushed pineapple and fold gently.
Leaving small pineapple bits throughout the batter ensures bursts of flavor in every bite.
Step 7: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool the Cake
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooling helps the cake firm up and prevents it from breaking apart.
Step 9: Add the Pineapple Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar and pineapple juice until smooth.
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
This glaze gives the cake a shiny top, adds sweetness, and reinforces the pineapple flavor.
Tips for Making the Perfect Pineapple Heaven Cake
Drain the Pineapple Properly
If the crushed pineapple is too wet, it can make the batter heavy. Draining it well ensures the correct texture.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Room-temperature butter and eggs mix more evenly, producing a smoother batter and better rise.
Avoid Overmixing
Once the flour is added, mix gently to avoid toughening the cake.
Let the Cake Cool Completely Before Glazing
If you glaze a warm cake, the glaze will melt instead of setting properly.
Add Additional Flavors If You Like
You can incorporate shredded coconut, a bit of lemon zest, or even a splash of coconut milk into the batter for a deeper tropical feel.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it with:
- Fresh pineapple slices
- Lightly sweetened whipped cream
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Toasted coconut on top
- A dusting of powdered sugar
It also pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee, making it ideal for breakfast or afternoon snacks.
Pineapple Heaven Cake
8
servings15
minutes1
hour280 per serving
kcal1
hour15
minutesIngredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp pineapple juice
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with sour cream. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in crushed pineapple gently to avoid overmixing.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and pineapple juice to make the glaze. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Room Temperature:
Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator:
Keeps well for up to 6 days.
Chilling helps the flavors deepen, especially the pineapple notes.
Freezer:
Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw at room temperature and re-glaze lightly if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This easy pineapple heaven cake recipe combines tropical flavor, soft texture, a moist crumb, and a shiny glaze. It requires no special equipment, no complicated steps, and no special skills yet tastes like something from a bakery. It’s versatile, dependable, and always impressive.
Whether you’re serving guests or making a simple treat for your family, this cake is guaranteed to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.
If you enjoy tropical flavors, this easy pineapple heaven cake recipe will quickly become one of your most requested desserts.


This cake looks amazing
What is the mixture between the layers of the cake
Virginia, I would sure like you to make me one OMG IT LOOKS SO HEAVELY GOOD IN JESUS CHRIST NAME ππΎππΎππΎπππ
so how do you do the center layer? nowhere does it mention how to do that or what ingredients it takes to make that filling.