Name: Tropical Pineapple Bliss Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup whole milk; 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained; 1/2 cup pineapple juice; 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk (for glaze); 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (for topping)

Jump to Recipe

Do you dream of a golden cake that tastes like summer, bursting with juicy pineapple in every bite and finished with a sweet, tropical glaze? Meet the Tropical Pineapple Bliss Cake—a dessert that instantly transports you to sunshine and palm trees, no passport required! This cake is all about breezy simplicity, family fun, and flavor-packed goodness. I first stumbled on this recipe during a vacation, trying to recreate the cheerful fruity desserts I’d discovered at a beachfront café. And wow, the result was even better at home—so easy, so vibrant, and so loved. If you adore my Classic Coconut Cream Cake (a reader favorite!), think of this as its tangier, zestier cousin. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie, you’ll find this cake hard to resist. So let’s dive in and bake something truly blissful together!

What is Tropical Pineapple Bliss Cake?

Ever wondered what happens when a plain old cake gets a tropical makeover? That’s how the Tropical Pineapple Bliss Cake earned its name—each forkful is like a little vacation for your taste buds. Why do we call it “bliss”? Imagine moist cake layers, pineapple both inside and on top, and a drizzle of creamy glaze – who wouldn’t feel a bit giddy? Maybe the way to a man’s (or anyone’s!) heart really is through their stomach, especially if this cake is involved. So, are you ready for a taste of paradise? Don’t just dream of the tropics—bring them to your kitchen and bake this crowd-pleaser today!

Why You’ll Love This

This cake is all about celebrating pineapple’s tangy-sweet flavor in the happiest, fluffiest way possible. The main highlight here is how the golden crumb soaks up a luscious glaze made with pineapple juice and sweetened condensed milk—each piece delivers both extra moisture and a delightful burst of flavor. Making this delight at home is a true money saver compared to store-bought bakery cakes, and you get to control every ingredient for a cake that’s as fresh as can be. What makes this treat stand out are its playful toppings—chunks of pineapple scattered on top for a sunny, juicy finish. If you like my Pineapple Upside Down Bars, you’ll absolutely adore this cake too. Ready to impress your family—and your taste buds? Try making this recipe yourself and taste tropical bliss in every bite.

How to Make

Quick Overview

Tropical Pineapple Bliss Cake is the kind of dessert you can whip up in just over an hour, with simple steps and ingredients you might already have at home. It’s satisfying without being fussy, thanks to its soft, rich texture and a glaze that keeps every slice moist and flavorful. The real showstopper? A pineapple-charged topping that makes every bite pop with bright, fruity notes. This cake is fast, family friendly, and guaranteed to win smiles at your next gathering or weeknight treat.

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup whole milk
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk (for glaze)
1/2 cup pineapple chunks (for topping)

Step-by-Step

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until creamy and pale.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to blend.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed. Alternate adding the flour mixture and whole milk, starting and ending with the flour. Stir just until combined—don’t overmix.
Gently fold in the drained crushed pineapple, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is lightly golden.
While the cake is baking, whisk together the pineapple juice and sweetened condensed milk to make the glaze.
Once out of the oven, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert onto a wire rack.
While the cake is still warm, use a toothpick or skewer to poke small holes all over the top. Slowly pour the glaze over the cake, letting it soak in.
Garnish with pineapple chunks on top. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

What to Serve Tropical Pineapple Bliss Cake With

Pair your Tropical Pineapple Bliss Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of coconut ice cream for dessert heaven. It also tastes fantastic with a cooling fruit salad featuring berries and kiwi, or a light citrusy cocktail like a sparkling pineapple spritz. If you’re making it for brunch, consider serving it with a platter of tropical fruits and mugs of sweet iced tea for the perfect sunny spread.

Top Tips for Perfecting

To guarantee a fluffier crumb, ensure your butter is at room temperature before creaming. If you’re short on whole milk, you can use coconut milk for an extra tropical touch. Want a lighter glaze? Swap sweetened condensed milk for a bit of powdered sugar whisked into the pineapple juice. Be careful not to overbake—the cake should be golden but still moist in the middle. Finally, don’t forget to drain your pineapple well, or the cake could turn soggy.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Leftover Tropical Pineapple Bliss Cake stays fresh for up to three days when tightly wrapped and kept in the refrigerator. To store, place the cooled cake in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap. If you need to keep it longer, wrap slices well and pop them into the freezer—they’ll last for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or eat them cold straight from the fridge for a refreshing treat.

FAQs

How do I prevent my cake from becoming too soggy?
Drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly before adding it to the batter. If there’s extra juice, the cake can become overly moist.

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Yes, canned pineapple works perfectly. Just ensure it’s well-drained. For even more pineapple flavor, use 100% pineapple juice in the glaze.

What’s the best way to make the cake dairy-free?
Swap out the whole milk for coconut or almond milk, and use a plant-based butter. The texture will still be wonderful with a tropical hint.

Can this cake be made in advance?
Absolutely! This cake actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors settle. Just store it as directed and add fresh pineapple chunks before serving.

Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Yes, double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. The baking time might increase, so be sure to check with a toothpick before removing from the oven.

Conclusion

Tropical Pineapple Bliss Cake is the ultimate sunny dessert, blending light, fluffy sponge, juicy pineapple, and a swoon-worthy glaze into every blissful slice. It’s easy enough for a busy weeknight yet showy enough for celebrations. With simple ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and plenty of ways to customize, this recipe is bound to become a new favorite. Ready to bring a taste of the tropics to your kitchen? Gather your ingredients and bake up some joy—you and your loved ones deserve a sweet, golden escape!