Introduction:
Pineapple Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a moist, rich, and flavorful dessert that combines the sweet and tangy taste of pineapple with the creamy smoothness of cream cheese. This delightful cake offers a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making it an ideal treat for any occasion—from family gatherings to special celebrations.
The cream cheese gives the cake a soft crumb and moist texture, while the pineapple adds a refreshing twist to the classic pound cake recipe.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained (reserve the juice)
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon reserved pineapple juice (optional, for added flavor)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or a bundt pan.
Cream the butter and cream cheese: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and fluffy using an electric mixer on medium speed.
Add sugar and eggs: Gradually add the sugar to the butter mixture, beating until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with sour cream, and mix until smooth. Add the reserved pineapple juice (optional) for extra pineapple flavor.
Add pineapple: Gently fold in the drained crushed pineapple, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Description:
This Pineapple Cream Cheese Pound Cake has a rich and decadent texture that is moist and dense, yet soft. The cream cheese adds a slight tang, which perfectly complements the sweetness of the pineapple. The cake’s natural pineapple flavor is subtle but refreshing, giving each bite a burst of tropical goodness. The cake is great on its own, or you can enhance it with a glaze or frosting for extra sweetness.
Tips:
Ensure proper drainage: Be sure to drain the crushed pineapple well to avoid adding too much moisture to the batter. You can even gently press the pineapple in a sieve to remove excess juice.
Room temperature ingredients: Use room temperature butter, cream cheese, and eggs to help the ingredients combine evenly for a smooth batter.
Check doneness: Since baking times may vary depending on the size of your pan, start checking the cake at around 60 minutes. If the top is getting too brown but the center is still not done, cover the cake loosely with foil and continue baking until cooked through.
Glaze option: For added flavor and presentation, you can drizzle the cake with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a little pineapple juice.
Variations:
Tropical twist: Add some shredded coconut or chopped macadamia nuts to the batter to give the cake a more tropical flavor.
Add spices: For a spiced-up version, you can add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, comforting flavor.
Coconut cream cheese frosting: Top the cake with a coconut cream cheese frosting for a rich and indulgent treat.
Lighter version: Replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slightly lighter version of the cake.
Corrections:
If you find the cake too dense or heavy, you can reduce the amount of cream cheese slightly or increase the amount of baking powder.
Ensure the pineapple is well-drained to avoid making the batter too wet, which could lead to a soggy cake.
Enjoy!
Enjoy a slice of this delicious Pineapple Cream Cheese Pound Cake with a cup of tea or coffee, and share it with your friends and family for a memorable dessert experience. The rich flavor and moist texture are sure to be a hit!