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French Pineapple Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 71 reviews

This French Pineapple Cake is a moist, custard-like dessert featuring fresh pineapple pieces folded into a tender butter cake base. The top is delightfully browned and crackly, making it a perfect sweet treat with a tropical twist.

Ingredients

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Cake Batter Ingredients

  • 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar, divided
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

Fruit

  • 2 cups fresh pineapple, sliced into bite-sized pieces

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking and set it aside.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, whip the softened butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale, light, and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract for flavor.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
  5. Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture alternately with sour cream, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Beat just until combined after each addition to maintain a tender crumb.
  6. Fold in Pineapple: Gently fold the fresh pineapple pieces into the batter to evenly distribute the fruit without overmixing.
  7. Fill Pan and Add Sugar Topping: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared cake pan. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar evenly over the top, which will create a crackly browned top crust.
  8. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the top is browned and crackly and the cake feels firm to the touch.
  9. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, slice and serve directly from the pan for a rustic presentation.

Notes

  • This cake has a custard-like center, meaning it’s moist and soft inside—not underbaked but not crumbly like traditional cakes.
  • Using fresh pineapple is key to the best flavor and texture.
  • Be careful not to overmix when adding the flour and sour cream to prevent a tough texture.
  • The sugar sprinkled on top creates a delightful crackly crust after baking.

Keywords: French Pineapple Cake, pineapple dessert, easy butter cake, tropical cake, custard-like cake

Find it online: https://tastemadebyclara.com/french-pineapple-cake-recipe/