Easy Pineapple Coffee Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 55 min Serves: 16 Cuisine: American

A moist, flavorful coffee cake featuring pineapple and a crunchy walnut topping, perfect for breakfast or dessert. The combination of sweet pineapple, rich brown sugar, and tender cake makes it a crowd-pleaser suitable for family gatherings or brunches. Easy to prepare with a delightful crumbly topping.

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Ingredients

  • 1 box yellow cake mix, divided
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 3/4 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 1/2 stick butter, firm
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon almond flavoring
  • 1 (1 lb 4 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained

Instructions

  1. Mix together 2/3 cup of the dry cake mix, brown sugar, walnuts, and butter.
  2. Cut with a pastry cutter until crumbly; set aside.
  3. Beat together eggs, sour cream, almond flavoring, and remaining cake mix.
  4. Spread half of the cake batter in a greased and floured 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
  5. Top with half of the drained crushed pineapple and sprinkle with half of the brown sugar mixture.
  6. Spoon the remaining batter over the brown sugar mixture.
  7. Gently spread with a spoon.
  8. Top with the remaining pineapple and sprinkle with the remaining brown sugar mixture.
  9. Bake at 350°F for 55 to 60 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For an extra twist, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter for warm spice notes that complement the pineapple. If you're out of almond flavoring, vanilla extract works well as a substitute. Ensure the pineapple is well-drained to prevent excess moisture, which could make the cake soggy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Easy Pineapple Coffee Cake warm or at room temperature, perfect for breakfast or a midday snack. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. Consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert option. This cake is also a great addition to brunch spreads alongside Cinnamon Buns.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, microwave individual slices for about 15-20 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes. This cake is best enjoyed fresh but can still be delicious when reheated.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Easy Pineapple Coffee Cake contains roughly 222 calories, with 3g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 8g fat.

222 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3g 6% DV
Total Fat 7.9g 10% DV
Carbs 36.5g 13% DV
Fiber 1g 3% DV
Sugar 11.2g 22% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 158mg 7% DV
Potassium 104.4mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 10.6mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 7.8mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 0.6mg 1% DV
Calcium 70.1mg 5% DV
Iron 0.7mg 4% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Egg Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but you'll need to finely chop and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture. Fresh pineapple will add a brighter flavor and texture to the cake.

What can I substitute for walnuts?

If you have nut allergies or prefer not to use walnuts, you can substitute them with pecans or even leave them out entirely. For a crunchy texture, consider adding shredded coconut or oats.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. Keep an eye on the top; it should be golden brown.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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