Looking for a cake that’s moist, bright, and bursting with tropical flavor? This Pineapple Juice Cake is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, made with fresh pineapple juice, a soft crumb, and topped with a buttery pineapple glaze. Whether you’re baking for a brunch, picnic, or just because—you’ve just found your go-to tropical dessert.
📝 Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Juice Cake
- 🌞 Tropical Vibes in Every Bite
- 💧 Super Moist Thanks to Pineapple Juice
- 🧁 No Fancy Equipment Required
- 🍰 Perfect for Any Occasion
- 🍍 Customizable With Glazes, Nuts, or Coconut
📋 Quick Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 10 slices
Skill Level: Easy
Main Ingredients:
- Pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs
- Sugar
- Oil
- Baking powder, baking soda
- Butter (for glaze)
🧾 Ingredients (With Expert Notes)
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – Spoon and level for accurate measurement.
- 1 ¼ cups sugar – White granulated works best.
- ¾ cup vegetable oil – Helps keep the cake ultra-moist.
- ¾ cup pineapple juice – Use 100% juice, not from concentrate.
- 3 large eggs – Room temperature for better emulsion.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances the tropical sweetness.
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar – Sifted for smooth texture.
🥣 Instructions (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or a bundt pan and lightly dust with flour.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat sugar, oil, and eggs until smooth and pale. Add pineapple juice and vanilla, mix until well blended.
Step 4: Combine and Mix
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix. Batter will be slightly thick.
Step 5: Bake
Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze
While the cake bakes, combine pineapple juice, butter, and powdered sugar in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat until bubbling and smooth (about 4–5 minutes).
Step 7: Glaze the Cake
Once the cake is out of the oven and still warm, poke holes all over the top with a skewer or fork. Slowly pour the glaze over the cake, letting it soak in.
Step 8: Cool & Serve
Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. The glaze will create a sticky-sweet crust on top—perfection!
🔬 Baking Science Behind This Cake
- Why It’s So Moist: Pineapple juice contains natural enzymes that tenderize the crumb and add flavor.
- The Soda-Powder Combo: Both leavening agents help give the cake structure and rise—perfect for bundt pans.
- Eggs for Emulsification: They bind the fat (oil) and juice into a smooth batter for an even texture.
- Glaze Soak Technique: Pouring glaze over warm cake ensures deep penetration and caramelization.
🍍 Pineapple Juice Cake Variations
| Variation | Ingredients to Add |
|---|---|
| Tropical | Add ½ cup shredded coconut + 1 tbsp rum to glaze |
| Nutty | Add ½ cup crushed walnuts or pecans |
| Zesty | Add 1 tsp lemon or lime zest to batter |
| Vegan | Replace eggs with ¾ cup applesauce or flax egg |
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream 🍦
- Drizzle with coconut cream and toasted coconut
- Pair with hot tea, coffee, or pineapple-mint mocktails
- Cut into squares and serve on tropical-themed dessert platters
❄️ Storage Tips
| Type | How to Store | Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temp | Airtight container, cool place | 2–3 days |
| Fridge | Covered tightly with plastic wrap | 5–6 days |
| Freezer | Wrapped in foil + zip bag (no glaze) | Up to 2 months |
✅ Tip: Reheat individual slices in microwave for 10–15 seconds for a just-baked feel.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned pineapple juice?
Yes, just ensure it’s **100% juice** with no added sugar or syrups.Can this be made gluten-free?
Yes, use a **1:1 gluten-free flour blend** and add 1 tsp xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already contain it.Why did my cake sink in the middle?
This may be from **overmixing**, **underbaking**, or **opening the oven door too early**.Can I make this in cupcake form?
Absolutely! Bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes. Makes about 18 cupcakes.🧾 Nutrition Facts (Per Slice)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Sugar | 27 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Sodium | 220 mg |
🧁 Final Thoughts
This Pineapple Juice Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a bite of sunshine. 🍍
Whether you’re serving it as a brunch showstopper or a cozy weeknight treat, it’s bound to become a favorite. Moist, fragrant, and finished with a buttery glaze—it’s cake perfection.
👉 What would you add to your version? Coconut flakes? A boozy twist? Share your take in the comments or tag your photos #TropicalBakeVibes 🍰🌴
