Sue'S Pineapple Cake
A moist and flavorful pineapple cake featuring a tender yellow sponge infused with crushed pineapple, perfect for gatherings and celebrations with a tropical twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mix together the yellow cake mix, egg whites, oils, buttermilk, baking soda, and half of the crushed pineapple with juice until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the pineapple topping by combining the remaining crushed pineapple, sugar, lemon juice, salt, and almond extract in a saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat until thickened, about 10 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and stir in flour and butter until smooth.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before spreading the pineapple topping over it.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, separate the eggs and beat the egg whites until soft peaks form before folding them into the batter. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with a mixture of milk and vinegar or lemon juice. For added flavor, consider mixing in a teaspoon of vanilla extract. You can also use fresh pineapple if preferred, just make sure to drain it well.
Serving Suggestions
This pineapple cake is delightful on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat. Consider serving it alongside a light salad or a refreshing fruit platter for a complete meal experience. It also makes for a sweet ending to a family gathering or potluck.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pineapple cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. If you prefer, you can also serve it cold, as the flavors develop nicely after chilling.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sue'S Pineapple Cake contains roughly 194 calories, with 5g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is a good source of protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1080mg per serving (47% 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 a different type of cake mix?
Absolutely! While a yellow cake mix works best for this recipe, you can experiment with other flavors like white or even coconut cake mix for a unique twist. Just keep in mind that it may alter the overall flavor profile of the cake.
Is it necessary to use almond extract?
Almond extract adds a lovely depth of flavor, but if you're not a fan, you can either omit it or substitute it with vanilla extract instead. Both options will still yield a delicious cake.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cake a day in advance. Bake it, let it cool, and then store it covered at room temperature. Add the pineapple topping just before serving to keep it fresh and prevent it from becoming soggy.
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).