Paradise Cake
Paradise Cake is a moist, fruit-filled treat featuring pineapple, cherries, and nuts, perfect for celebrations or a delightful dessert for friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar, shortening, and eggs until fluffy.
- Sift flour, soda, baking powder, and salt together three times.
- Add the sifted dry ingredients to the sugar mixture and blend well.
- Add crushed pineapple, vanilla, nuts, and chopped maraschino cherries, blending well.
- Pour the batter into an angel food pan and bake for 1 hour at 350°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider separating the eggs and beating the whites until stiff peaks form before folding them into the batter. If you're out of shortening, you can substitute with butter or coconut oil. For added flavor, try incorporating a teaspoon of almond extract alongside the vanilla. This Paradise Cake is also excellent with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top, reminiscent of Cinnamon Pinwheels.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent dessert. You can also serve it with fresh fruit or a drizzle of caramel sauce to enhance the tropical flavors. Consider pairing it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Paradise Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in a toaster oven until just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Paradise Cake contains roughly 882 calories, with 9g protein, 127g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2569mg per serving (112% of the Daily Value).
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! Just make sure to crush it finely before adding it to the batter. Keep in mind that fresh pineapple may have a slightly different moisture content, so adjust your baking time as needed to ensure the cake is cooked through.
What type of nuts work best in this recipe?
While the recipe calls for nuts, you can use any variety you prefer, such as walnuts or pecans. If you're looking for something more unique, consider using macadamia nuts for a tropical twist. Just be cautious of allergies if serving to guests, and you can always omit the nuts entirely.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of Paradise Cake, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Be sure to check the blend's instructions for any additional adjustments, and monitor the baking time closely, as gluten-free cakes can have different textures and cooking times.
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).