Pineapple Cream Cheese Pound Cake: A Tropical Twist on a Classic Dessert
Elevate Your Pound Cake with a Taste of the Tropics
Pound cake is a timeless dessert loved by many for its rich, buttery flavor and dense, moist texture. But what if you could take this classic and add a tropical twist to it? That’s exactly what we’ll do with this Pineapple Cream Cheese Pound Cake recipe. By incorporating pineapple and cream cheese into the mix, we’ll transform the traditional pound cake into a delightful tropical treat that will transport your taste buds to an island paradise. Get ready to enjoy a slice of sunshine in every bite!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained (from a can, ensure it’s well-drained)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons pineapple juice (reserved from the canned pineapple)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a standard 10-inch bundt pan or use a baking spray with flour.
2. Cream Butter and Cream Cheese:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Sugar and Eggs:
- Gradually add the granulated sugar, beating continuously until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Add Pineapple and Coconut:
- Gently fold in the crushed pineapple and shredded coconut (if using) into the batter.
7. Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
8. Cool:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Make the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of pineapple juice (adjust for your desired glaze consistency).
10. Drizzle and Garnish:
- Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Sprinkle unsweetened shredded coconut over the glaze for a tropical touch.
11. Slice and Serve:
- Slice your Pineapple Cream Cheese Pound Cake, serve it with a cup of tea or coffee, and savor the delightful blend of creamy, tropical flavors.
Tips and Variations:
Customizing Your Pineapple Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Tips:
- Be sure to drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly to remove excess moisture. Excess moisture can affect the texture of the cake.
- To prevent your cake from sticking to the bundt pan, generously grease it and dust with flour or use a baking spray with flour.
Variations:
- Add a handful of chopped macadamia nuts or pecans to the batter for some extra crunch.
- For a tangier twist, you can use pineapple chunks instead of crushed pineapple. Just be sure to chop them into small pieces.
Customization:
- Make it your own by experimenting with different glaze flavors. Try a coconut glaze or a passion fruit glaze for added tropical flair.
Storage:
- Store any leftover Pineapple Cream Cheese Pound Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can also refrigerate it to extend its freshness.
Cook’s Note:
- This Pineapple Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a delightful fusion of creamy, tropical, and buttery flavors that make it a perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it as a sweet ending to a meal or simply indulging your cravings, this cake is sure to transport you to a sun-kissed island with every bite.
