Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- ½ cup chopped pecans
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 ounces unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Make the Cake:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk and pineapple. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Add pecans: Stir in the chopped pecans.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add sugar and vanilla: Gradually beat in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Assemble the Cake:
- Frost: Once the cake is completely cooled, frost it with the cream cheese frosting.
- Serve: Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Tips:
- For a more intense pineapple flavor, add a teaspoon of pineapple extract to the batter.
- Toasted pecans add a wonderful nutty flavor and crunch to the cake.
- For a variation, try adding a layer of fresh pineapple slices or a pineapple curd filling between the layers of cake.
Enjoy this delicious and tropical treat!