Total Cooking Time: 55–65 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy–Moderate
There’s something undeniably joyful about a pineapple dessert. This Moist Crushed Pineapple Cake with Pineapple Juice Glaze captures that sunshine-in-a-bite feeling with its tender crumb, bright tropical aroma, and glossy glaze that soaks into every corner of the cake. Each slice is soft, buttery, and bursting with sweet pineapple flavor, balanced by a gentle tang that keeps it from feeling too rich.
What makes this cake special is its simplicity paired with incredible texture. Crushed pineapple adds natural moisture, so the cake stays plush for days, while the pineapple juice glaze seeps into the warm cake, creating layers of flavor without heaviness. It’s the kind of dessert that feels nostalgic yet fresh—perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, spring celebrations, or anytime you want a dessert that feels comforting and cheerful.
Serve it after a casual dinner, alongside afternoon coffee, or as a sweet centerpiece at a brunch table. Pineapple lovers will adore it, and even those who claim they’re “not cake people” tend to go back for seconds.
Estimated Calories: ~320 per slice (based on 12 servings)
🧺 Key Ingredients
Each ingredient plays a role in creating the cake’s signature moistness and tropical depth:
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure while keeping the crumb tender
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cake and helps retain moisture
- Baking Powder – Gives the cake a light, even rise
- Baking Soda – Works with pineapple acidity for extra softness
- Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances pineapple flavor
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and a smooth mouthfeel
- Vegetable Oil – Keeps the cake ultra-moist for days
- Eggs – Bind the batter and add stability
- Crushed Pineapple (with juice) – The star ingredient for moisture and flavor
- Vanilla Extract – Softens and rounds out the tropical notes
- Pineapple Juice – Forms the base of the glaze and intensifies flavor
- Powdered Sugar – Creates a smooth, pourable glaze
- Lemon Juice – Adds brightness and prevents the glaze from tasting flat
- Brown Sugar – Adds subtle caramel depth
- Milk – Helps loosen the batter for a soft crumb
👩🍳 How to Make It (Step-by-Step Method)
- Prep the Oven & Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper for easy removal. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and brown sugar until evenly combined. - Cream the Fats & Sugar
In another bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Slowly stream in the vegetable oil while mixing. - Add Eggs & Flavoring
Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and glossy. - Incorporate Pineapple
Fold in crushed pineapple with its juice, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter. - Combine Wet & Dry
Add dry ingredients in batches, alternating with milk. Mix just until combined—do not overmix. - Bake
Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean and the top is lightly golden. - Prepare the Glaze
While the cake bakes, whisk pineapple juice, powdered sugar, and lemon juice until smooth and pourable. - Glaze While Warm
Let the cake rest for 10 minutes, then pour glaze evenly over the warm surface so it soaks in beautifully.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This pineapple cake is wonderfully versatile when it comes to presentation, making it just as suitable for casual family dinners as it is for festive occasions. For a relaxed, welcoming feel, serve it family-style on a large platter, letting the glossy pineapple glaze glisten under soft lighting. Garnish with thin pineapple rings, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a sprinkle of toasted coconut to add visual contrast and texture. When sliced, the cake reveals a tender crumb that practically melts, making each piece feel indulgent yet light.
For a more elevated approach, plate individual slices and pair them with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cool creaminess complements the warm tropical notes beautifully. You can also drizzle extra pineapple glaze over the plate for a restaurant-style finish. Hosting brunch? Serve smaller squares alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and coffee—it fits right in without overwhelming the table. For interactive fun, create a build-your-own dessert bar with toppings like chopped nuts, maraschino cherries, citrus zest, or caramel sauce. No matter how you serve it, this cake adapts effortlessly while remaining the star of the spread.
🧊 Storage & Meal Prep
One of the biggest advantages of this pineapple cake is how well it keeps. Thanks to the crushed pineapple and glaze, the cake stays moist for days without drying out. Once fully cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. If keeping it in the pan, tightly cover with plastic wrap or foil to prevent absorbing fridge odors. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making day-two slices even more delicious.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cake (preferably unglazed or lightly glazed). Cut into individual portions, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for about an hour. To reheat, warm slices gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, just enough to soften the crumb without melting the glaze. Refresh flavors by adding fresh whipped cream, citrus zest, or a spoonful of warm pineapple glaze before serving. Avoid freezing toppings like whipped cream—add those fresh for the best texture and presentation.
💛 Conclusion
This Moist Crushed Pineapple Cake with Pineapple Juice Glaze is the kind of recipe that feels like a little celebration every time you make it. It’s comforting, bright, and incredibly forgiving, perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned home cooks. The balance of sweetness, tang, and softness makes it a dessert people remember—and request again.
Whether you enjoy it plain, dressed up with toppings, or tucked into a lunchbox as a sweet surprise, this cake invites creativity and sharing. Try it once, then make it your own with small twists and personal touches. If you bake it, I’d love to hear how it turned out—share your experience, variations, and favorite ways to serve it.
