Pineapple Heaven Cake

Pineapple Heaven Cake is a light, fluffy, and tropical dessert that’s sure to bring a taste of paradise to your table. This cake features the sweetness of pineapple paired with a soft and spongy texture, creating a delightful treat for summer gatherings, birthday parties, or just when you’re craving something tropical. Here’s how to make this heavenly cake:

Ingredients :

For the Cake:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter , softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup crushed pineapple , drained (reserve juice for later)
1/4 cup pineapple juice (from the reserved can of pineapple)
1/2 cup buttermilk (or substitute with regular milk mixed with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar)

For the Pineapple Syrup (Optional):

1/4 cup pineapple juice
2 tablespoons sugar

For the Whipped Cream Frosting:

1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Garnish:

Fresh pineapple slices or pineapple chunks
Shredded coconut (optional)
Maraschino cherries (optional)

Instructions :

1. Preheat the Oven :

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan (or two 8-inch pans if you prefer a layered cake).

2. Prepare the Cake Batter :

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in batches, alternating with the buttermilk and pineapple juice. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Gently fold in the crushed pineapple, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter.

3. Bake the Cake :

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 30-35 minutes , or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Make the Pineapple Syrup (Optional):

In a small saucepan, combine the pineapple juice and sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved and the syrup thickens slightly (about 3-4 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the pineapple syrup over the top of the cake for extra pineapple flavor and moisture.

5. Prepare the Whipped Cream Frosting :

In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form.
Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the whipped cream frosting over the top and sides of the cake, smoothing it out with a spatula.

6. Garnish and Serve :

Garnish the cake with fresh pineapple slices or chunks, and if desired, sprinkle with shredded coconut or top with maraschino cherries for an extra tropical touch.
Slice and serve chilled for the best flavor!

Tips :

Make it a Layer Cake : For a more dramatic presentation, divide the batter evenly between two 8-inch cake pans, and frost them with whipped cream frosting in between each layer.
For Extra Moisture : You can also add a bit of coconut milk to the batter to intensify the tropical flavor and add richness.
Vegan Version : Substitute the butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based milk (like coconut or almond milk) and a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) to make it a vegan cake.
Tropical Twist : Add a handful of shredd

This Pineapple Heaven Cake is a sweet