Why This Cake Is Paradise

• Cream Cheese Magic – Adds richness without dryness.
• Pineapple Surprise – Tangy bursts in every bite.
• Caramelized Topping – Pineapple never tasted this good.
• Gluten-Free Friendly – Swap flour for a 1:1 blend.

Ingredient Spotlight

For the Cake

• 1 ½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – backbone of the cake’s richness.
• 8 oz cream cheese – secret weapon for ultra-moist crumb.
• 3 cups sugar – sweetness and caramelization.
• 6 large eggs – structure and lift.
• 3 cups all-purpose flour – sturdiness without density.
• 1 tsp baking powder + ½ tsp salt – balance and rise.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – aromatic base.
• ½ cup crushed pineapple – tangy moisture.

For the Caramelized Topping

• 1 can (14 oz) pineapple slices – the showstopper topping.
• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter – for the glaze.
• ½ cup (100 g) packed brown sugar – caramel magic.

Step-by-Step Method

1. Prep Topping: Pour melted butter and brown sugar into a greased 9×13-inch pan. Arrange pineapple slices evenly.
2. Cream: Beat softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
4. Dry Mix: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to creamed mixture alternately with crushed pineapple.
5. Batter: Pour over pineapple topping. Smooth surface.
6. Bake: 325 °F / 165 °C for 75–90 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Flip & Cool: Cool in pan 10 minutes, then invert onto a rack. Let cool completely.

Flavor Twists

• Coconut Cream: Add ¼ cup shredded coconut to the batter.
• Lime Glaze: Drizzle with lime juice + powdered sugar glaze.
• Chocolate Swirl: Mix 2 Tbsp cocoa powder into ¼ cup batter; swirl into cake.

Storage & Make-Ahead

• Room Temp: Airtight 3 days.
• Refrigerate: 5 days; glaze may soften but flavor deepens.
• Freeze: Unfrosted cake 2 months; thaw and glaze.

📖 Recipe Card