Pin it
This cake is unbelievably good! I stumbled upon this gem way back when I was reading about what Elvis loved to eat, and now it's my favorite cake for gatherings. The soft yellow cake gets drenched in pineapple sweetness, then covered with the silkiest frosting you'll ever taste. You'll be humming with delight after just one bite!
Why This Cake Stands Out
Everyone in my house goes wild for this treat! The pineapple mixture seeps directly into the fresh-baked cake making each mouthful incredibly juicy and tasty. When you add that cream cheese topping and some toasted pecans, you've created something truly exceptional. And guess what? It's actually pretty easy to whip up.
What You'll Need
- Yellow Cake Mix: Any store brand will do just fine.
- Crushed Pineapple: Make sure it's packed in juice instead of syrup.
- Sugar Types: Granulated for soaking, powdered for the topping.
- Cream Cheese: Go with the regular kind for the richest results.
- Butter: I prefer salted for better taste.
- Chopped Pecans: They're not required but totally worth adding!
Creating Your Masterpiece
- Bake Your Foundation
- Just follow what the box says for a 9x13 pan. Your house will fill with wonderful aromas while it cooks!
- Create The Soaking Mixture
- Combine your pineapple with sugar in a saucepan until it bubbles. This mixture is absolutely heavenly!
- The Exciting Step
- Right when your cake finishes baking, stick holes throughout using a fork and pour that warm pineapple mix all over. It'll disappear right into the cake!
- Whip Up The Topping
- Mix your room temperature cream cheese with butter until light and airy, then add the powdered sugar. Stir in those pecans if you're using them.
- Final Touches
- After your cake cools down completely, spread that creamy topping generously. Let it chill in the fridge for a couple hours – it gets so much tastier!
Helpful Hints
Always go for pineapple packed in juice rather than syrup or your cake will turn out too sweet. Let your cream cheese warm up properly before making frosting to avoid getting bumps. And don't rush the cooling time – it really lets all the flavors blend together beautifully.
Pin it
Storage Advice
Always keep this cake in the refrigerator – it'll stay fresh for around 5 days. The coolness actually improves the flavor and maintains the perfect frosting texture. I usually cut mine into squares and keep them in a sealed container.
Try These Twists
I sometimes swap in pineapple cake mix for an extra fruity kick. Walnuts make a great substitute if pecans aren't handy, or just skip the nuts altogether – it's still fantastic! My sister mixes shredded coconut into the frosting and claims it tastes like being on a tropical holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why poke holes in the cake?
When you poke holes, the pineapple glaze sneaks into the cake, giving every bite a burst of flavor.
- → Can I skip the chilling step?
Chilling is key—it helps the flavors mix nicely and makes slicing cleaner and easier.
- → Why use room temperature ingredients for frosting?
If your butter and cream cheese are soft, they'll blend together smoothly for silky frosting.
- → Can I use canned pineapple in syrup?
Pick pineapple canned in juice, not syrup. Syrup can make it overly sugary.
- → Are pecans required?
Pecans add crunch but aren’t a must. It’s delicious with or without them!