A moist and flavorful cake infused with the tropical sweetness of pineapple juice. Perfect for a sunny day treat or a delightful dessert.
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional Frosting:
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- Optional: maraschino cherries for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, or two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the pineapple juice, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Add Pineapple: Stir in the undrained crushed pineapple.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting (Optional): In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until creamy. Stir in the pineapple juice until desired consistency is reached.
- Frost and Garnish (Optional): Once the cake is completely cooled, frost it with the cream cheese frosting. Garnish with maraschino cherries, if desired.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy your delicious Pineapple Sunshine Cake!
Tips for Success:
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best mixing.
- Do not overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- For a more intense pineapple flavor, you can add pineapple extract to the batter or frosting.
- If you choose to use the two round cake pans, the baking time may be slightly shorter. Check for doneness at the 30 minute mark.