Description
This Hawaiian Wedding Cake features a moist and flavorful pineapple cake studded with nuts and topped with a light, fluffy whipped cream cheese frosting. Perfect for special occasions or a tropical-themed dessert, this easy sheet cake combines sweet pineapple, crunchy walnuts or pecans, and a creamy frosting for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple in juice (undrained)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream, cold
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract, then add the entire can of crushed pineapple with juice. Stir the batter until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Fold in Nuts: Gently fold chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter if using, distributing them evenly throughout.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting to ensure the frosting sets properly.
- Make the Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form for a light texture.
- Combine Frosting: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the whipped cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Refrigerate until ready to serve to help the frosting set.
Notes
- Top the frosted cake with toasted coconut or maraschino cherries for an extra tropical touch.
- This cake tastes even better after chilling overnight, allowing flavors to meld.
- You can also bake this recipe as layered round cakes—just adjust the baking time accordingly.
