Sweetheart Pineapple Cake

Why This Recipe Works:

Sweetheart Pineapple Cake is a delicious and tender cake that combines the sweetness of pineapple with a moist, buttery crumb. The pineapple adds a natural sweetness and a bit of tang, making each bite refreshing. The cake is topped with a simple but luscious pineapple glaze that enhances the flavor and adds a beautiful shine.

Ingredients:

Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup crushed pineapple with juice (canned)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs, room temperature

Pineapple Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice (reserved from crushed pineapple can)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish:

• Pineapple slices or chunks
• Maraschino cherries (optional)
• Shredded coconut (optional)

Directions:

Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or a heart-shaped cake pan if available.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

1. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Mix Wet Ingredients:

1. In another large bowl, combine the crushed pineapple (with juice), melted butter, buttermilk, sour cream, vanilla extract, and eggs. Beat until well combined.

Combine Ingredients:

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined and smooth.

Bake the Cake:

1. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Pineapple Glaze:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, pineapple juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Glaze the Cake:

1. Once the cake is completely cool, place it on a serving plate.
2. Pour the pineapple glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.

Garnish:

1. Garnish with pineapple slices or chunks, maraschino cherries, and shredded coconut if desired.

Notes:

• Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
• Adjust the consistency of the glaze by adding more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more pineapple juice for a thinner glaze.