Pineapple Glazed Delight Cake Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
Servings: 8-10
Description: This luscious Pineapple Glazed Delight Cake is a tropical twist on a classic dessert, blending the sweet, juicy flavor of fresh pineapple with a tender, buttery cake base. Inspired by a recipe I perfected for a recent dinner party, this cake was a hit with guests and has since become a family favorite for cozy nights in. The glossy glaze adds a sticky, caramel-like finish that elevates every bite. Best of all, it takes just 10 minutes to prepare—perfect for busy schedules!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted for a light texture)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (for a subtle sweetness)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature for easy mixing)
- 3 large eggs (fresh for best results)
- ¾ cup whole milk (adds richness)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder (ensures a fluffy rise)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for a warm flavor note)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (to balance the sweetness)
For the Pineapple Glaze and Topping:
- 1 ½ cups fresh pineapple chunks (or canned pineapple, drained and patted dry)
- ½ cup brown sugar (for a deep, molasses-like glaze)
- ¼ cup pineapple juice (reserved from fresh fruit or canned)
- 2 tablespoons honey (for a natural gloss)
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted, for richness in the glaze)
- Optional: A pinch of cinnamon (for a hint of spice)
Equipment:
- 9×5-inch loaf pan (or similar baking dish)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Spatula
- Small saucepan
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your loaf pan lightly with butter or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal later. This step sets the stage for a perfect bake.
- Prepare the Cake Batter (5 minutes): In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a whisk or electric mixer until light and fluffy—this takes about 2 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate air. Stir in the vanilla extract for a fragrant base. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined—overmixing can make the cake dense. This quick process should take no more than 5 minutes!
- Assemble the Base: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. This layer will soak up the glaze beautifully.
- Make the Pineapple Glaze (3 minutes): In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, and melted butter. Stir constantly for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens into a glossy syrup. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. This homemade glaze is the secret to the cake’s irresistible stickiness.
- Add the Pineapple Topping (2 minutes): Gently fold half of the fresh pineapple chunks into the remaining batter. Pour this mixture over the base layer in the pan. Arrange the remaining pineapple chunks on top in an even pattern. Drizzle half of the warm glaze over the pineapple pieces, reserving the rest for after baking.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma of pineapple and vanilla will fill your kitchen, signaling a treat is near!
- Finish with Glaze: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully transfer it to a serving platter. Warm the remaining glaze and pour it over the top, allowing it to seep into the cake for extra moisture and flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake while still warm to reveal the gooey pineapple center. Serve it as is, or pair with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent touch. Leftovers (if any!) taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Tips for Success
- Time-Saving Hack: Use pre-cut pineapple to shave off even more prep time.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Warm slightly before serving.
- Customization: Add a sprinkle of shredded coconut or chopped nuts for a personalized twist.
Why It Works
This recipe’s beauty lies in its simplicity and speed. The 10-minute prep is achievable by multitasking—mixing the batter while the glaze simmers. The fresh pineapple and homemade glaze create a moist, flavorful cake that stands out without requiring complex techniques. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for a weeknight yet impressive for guests.
Enjoy sharing this Pineapple Glazed Delight Cake with your loved ones, and feel free to adapt it with your own flair. Let me know how it goes!
