🍍 Pineapple Cream Cheese Pound Cake – A Slice of Paradise
When my husband took his first bite of this Pineapple Cream Cheese Pound Cake, he called it “a slice of paradise.” And honestly—I couldn’t agree more. 🌴 With its rich, buttery crumb, tropical pineapple sweetness, and caramelized topping, this cake combines Southern baking tradition with an island-inspired twist. Perfect for special occasions, holidays, or just when you’re craving something decadent, this dessert is as beautiful as it is delicious. 🍰
In this guide, we’ll break down the full recipe, expert chef insights, nutrition tips, and the best ways to serve and store this showstopping cake. Let’s get baking!
🥮 Why You’ll Love This Cake
✨ The Perfect Fusion
- Moist & Rich: The cream cheese gives this cake a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Tropical Flavor: Pineapple adds natural sweetness and freshness.
- Caramelized Topping: Melted butter and brown sugar create a golden, sticky glaze.
- Showstopper Dessert: Beautiful presentation when flipped onto a serving platter.
📋 Ingredients You’ll Need
Cake Batter:
- 1 ½ cups (340g) butter, softened
- 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
- 3 cups (600g) sugar
- 6 large eggs
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120g) crushed pineapple, drained
Caramelized Pineapple Topping:
- 1 can pineapple slices (20 oz, drained)
- ½ cup (113g) butter, melted
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
Optional:
- Cream cheese filling (for extra decadence)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pan
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a bundt or tube pan. Pour melted butter and brown sugar into the bottom, then arrange pineapple slices neatly over the mixture.
2. Make the Batter
In a mixing bowl, beat butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry mixture to wet ingredients, then fold in vanilla and crushed pineapple.
3. Bake
Pour batter evenly over the pineapple topping. Bake for 75–90 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Cool & Flip
Allow the cake to cool for 15–20 minutes. Invert onto a serving platter to reveal the caramelized pineapple topping. Cool completely before slicing.
5. Optional Filling
For extra indulgence, layer cream cheese filling inside the batter before baking. It creates a cheesecake-like surprise inside each slice. 🍰
🍴 Expert Chef Tips
Chef Bobby Flay: “Toast shredded coconut and sprinkle it over the pineapple topping for an added tropical crunch.” 🥥
Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman): “Serve slices warm with a dollop of whipped cream for a rustic dessert.” 🍦
Gordon Ramsay: “Don’t rush cooling time. Letting the cake settle enhances texture and keeps it from falling apart.” 👨🍳
Ina Garten: “Add a splash of rum to the caramelized topping for a more festive, adult twist.” 🍹
🥗 Nutrition & Health Benefits
While this cake is rich and indulgent, pineapple provides natural sweetness and digestive benefits thanks to its enzymes.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories | Health Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Butter | 1 ½ cups (340g) | 2430 | Rich source of fats; adds moisture |
| Cream Cheese | 8 oz (226g) | 792 | Calcium and protein |
| Sugar | 3 cups (600g) | 2400 | Provides energy (consume in moderation) |
| Flour | 3 cups (360g) | 1365 | Carbohydrates for energy |
| Pineapple | 1 cup (165g) | 82 | Vitamin C, manganese, and digestion support |
⚠️ Health & Safety Tips
- Always cool the cake before flipping to prevent collapse.
- Refrigerate if using cream cheese filling.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Allergy warning: Contains gluten, dairy, and eggs.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, but make sure to drain well to avoid excess moisture.
2. Can I bake this cake in a loaf pan?
Yes, but baking time may vary—start checking at 60 minutes.
3. How do I keep the cake from sticking?
Grease pan thoroughly and let cake cool before flipping.
4. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, bake the day before and store covered at room temperature.
5. What frosting pairs well?
Cream cheese glaze or a light rum glaze works beautifully.
6. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, reduce by ½ cup without affecting texture.
7. Can I add coconut to the batter?
Yes, it enhances flavor and texture.
8. Is this cake freezer-friendly?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months.
9. What’s the best way to serve?
Slightly warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
10. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
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🌺 Final Thoughts
This Pineapple Cream Cheese Pound Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a statement. With its rich texture, caramelized topping, and tropical flavors, it’s truly “a slice of paradise.” Perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or whenever you want to impress, this cake will have everyone asking for seconds. 🍍🍰
