Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating an irresistibly moist and flavorful dessert: our Easy Pineapple Crumb Cake. This delightful recipe effortlessly combines the convenience of a boxed cake mix with the vibrant, sweet-tart taste of crushed pineapple, the nutty crunch of pecans, and a rich brown sugar crumb topping. It’s the perfect treat for any occasion, offering a taste of tropical paradise in every bite.
The Ultimate Easy Pineapple Crumb Cake: A Tropical Dessert Delight
The inspiration for this magnificent pineapple crumb cake comes from a truly memorable experience: savoring snack-sized pineapple crumb cakes during a leisurely lunch at Disney’s Castaway Cay in the Bahamas. The original cakes were light, incredibly moist, and perfectly captured the essence of our sun-drenched, tropical surroundings. That unforgettable flavor ignited a quest to recreate that magic in my own kitchen, and after several attempts, I believe this recipe not only recaptures that cherished taste but elevates it to an even higher standard. My passion for pineapple desserts runs deep, and if you’re a fellow enthusiast, I highly recommend exploring my other beloved recipes like the Pineapple Fluff Dessert and Pineapple Dream Dessert for more tropical bliss.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pineapple Crumb Cake
Absolutely! While I personally adore the bright, zesty, and distinctly tropical flavor that a lemon cake mix contributes to this recipe, a pineapple cake mix is a fantastic alternative. Using a pineapple cake mix will enhance the pure pineapple flavor, making it even more intensely fruity. Feel free to experiment with either option to discover your preferred tropical twist. Both choices yield a wonderfully moist and delicious crumb cake.
Yes, you can certainly adapt this recipe for round cake pans. However, this cake is exceptionally moist and tender, which means it can be quite delicate. If your intention is to create a stacked layer cake, you’ll need to handle the layers with extreme care to prevent them from breaking apart. For easier serving and less risk of crumbling, consider using a Bundt pan or baking it as cupcakes. These alternatives offer a beautiful presentation with the same delicious outcome and less structural concern.
For short-term storage, this cake can be kept at room temperature, covered tightly, for up to 3 days. To extend its freshness, especially in warmer climates or if you plan to enjoy it for longer, it’s best to store it in the refrigerator, also well-covered. When refrigerated, it will stay fresh for up to a week. This cake also freezes beautifully! Simply wrap individual slices or the entire cooled cake securely in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil. Properly frozen, it will maintain its quality for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick dessert later. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
The key to a perfect crumb topping lies in the butter’s consistency and how you mix the ingredients. Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature, but not melted. This allows it to combine easily with the flour and brown sugar, forming distinct, small crumbles rather than a paste. Using a fork or your fingertips to mix helps achieve this texture. Avoid overmixing; you want a rustic, crumbly consistency, not a uniform dough. The pecans add extra texture and flavor, so make sure they are finely chopped and evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Absolutely! This recipe is wonderfully versatile. For an extra tropical touch, consider adding shredded coconut to the cake batter or even sprinkling some on top of the crumb mixture before baking. A hint of ground cinnamon or nutmeg in the crumb topping can also add a warm, cozy dimension. If you’re not a fan of pecans, walnuts or even a mix of nuts can be substituted. For a richer glaze, you could add a tiny splash of rum extract to the icing, though the pineapple juice already provides a fantastic flavor.
Key Ingredients for Your Delicious Pineapple Crumb Cake
Crafting this delightful pineapple crumb cake requires a few simple yet essential ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. Below is an overview of the main components you’ll need.
How to Make the Perfect Pineapple Crumb Cake: Step-by-Step
Follow these straightforward steps to create your own homemade pineapple crumb cake. This recipe is designed to be user-friendly, ensuring a delightful baking experience and a truly delicious outcome.
Preparing the Oven and Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when your cake is ready to bake, promoting even cooking. Thoroughly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with a nonstick cooking spray. This crucial step prevents the cake from sticking and makes for easy removal and serving.
Crafting the Irresistible Crumb Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and softened butter. Using a fork or your fingertips, work the ingredients together until they are fully mixed and resemble small, coarse crumbs. The butter should be at room temperature to achieve this perfect texture, allowing it to blend without melting.
Once the crumb mixture is formed, gently stir in the chopped pecans. This adds a wonderful nutty flavor and a delightful crunch to contrast the soft cake. Set this delicious crumb mixture aside while you prepare the cake batter.
Preparing the Moist Pineapple Cake Batter
First, carefully open the can of crushed pineapple. Before adding the pineapple to the cake mix, reserve 4 teaspoons of the pineapple juice in a separate small bowl. This reserved juice will be essential later for creating the flavorful icing that drizzles over the finished cake.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining crushed pineapple (including all its juices), the lemon cake mix, three large eggs, and the vegetable oil. Using an electric mixer, beat the ingredients on medium speed for about 2 minutes, until the batter is smooth and well combined. This ensures a consistent texture and integrates all the flavors beautifully.
Pour the prepared cake batter evenly into the greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Then, take your pecan crumb mixture and sprinkle it generously and evenly over the top of the cake batter. This creates a delightful layer that will bake into a golden, buttery crust.
Baking Your Pineapple Crumb Cake
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for approximately 35-38 minutes. You’ll know it’s perfectly baked when the top springs back lightly to the touch, or when an inserted toothpick comes out clean from the center. Don’t be concerned if some of your crumb topping settles into the cake during baking, as you might observe in the images. This “happy accident” often results in an even more delectable, cinnamon-roll-like texture, adding another layer of moist, sweet goodness within the cake itself. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before proceeding to the next step. This cooling period is important for the cake to set properly and prevent the icing from melting.
Crafting the Smooth Pineapple Glaze
While the cake cools, prepare the luscious glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and the 4 teaspoons of reserved pineapple juice until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. This creates a vibrant, sweet, and slightly tangy icing that perfectly complements the cake.
Once the cake has cooled completely, generously drizzle the pineapple icing all over the top. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing.
Then, it’s time to slice and serve your magnificent Easy Pineapple Crumb Cake! This dessert is best enjoyed fresh, but as mentioned, it stores beautifully if there are any leftovers.
Craving More Tropical and Comforting Recipes?
If you’ve fallen in love with the sweet and sunny flavors of this Pineapple Crumb Cake, you’re in for a treat! We have a collection of other fantastic recipes that celebrate pineapple and offer the same comforting, easy-to-make appeal. Explore these delightful options to expand your dessert repertoire:
- Pineapple Bread Pudding
- Banana Bread Crumb Cake
- Pineapple Pudding Poke Cake
- Pineapple Fluff
- Ritz Pineapple Casserole
- Watergate Cake
Editor’s Note: The original post included outdated information regarding Disney Cruises and the Disney Cruise Line, which has been removed for accuracy.
Pineapple Crumb Cake
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15 minutes
35 minutes
50 minutes
12
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
For the crumb topping:
-
½ cup
all-purpose flour -
½ cup
brown sugar -
¼ cup
salted butter, softened to room temperature -
½ cup
chopped pecans
For the cake:
-
20 ounce can
crushed pineapple (do not drain),
divided use -
1 box
lemon cake mix
(or pineapple) -
3 large
eggs -
⅓ cup
vegetable oil
For the icing:
-
1 cup
powdered sugar -
2 Tablespoons
milk -
4 teaspoons
reserved pineapple juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F degrees. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Make the crumble topping:
- In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar and butter using a fork. You want to end up with it fully mixed and you should have small crumbles.
- Then, stir in chopped pecans. Set aside.
Prepare the cake:
- First, open up the can of crushed pineapple and set aside 4 teaspoons of pineapple juice to use for the icing later.
- In a large bowl, combine the crushed pineapple (with the rest of the juice), lemon cake mix, eggs and oil. Mix for about 2 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Pour cake batter into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle crumb mixture evenly over the top of the cake batter.
- Bake for about 35-38 minutes (until it bounces back to the touch or an inserted toothpick comes out clean.) Allow the cake to cool completely.
Making the icing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk and pineapple juice. Whisk until smooth.
- Drizzle the icing all over the cake. Slice and serve.
Video
Notes
- Pineapple cake mix can be used instead of lemon. I just preferred the bright flavor that lemon added.
- To ensure your crumb topping remains distinct and doesn’t sink too much, make sure your cake batter isn’t too thin. If it appears watery, a tablespoon or two of extra flour in the cake mix can help.
- Serving this cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream elevates it into an even more decadent dessert experience.
Dessert
American
Nutrition
| Carbohydrates: 66g
| Protein: 4g
| Fat: 15g
| Sodium: 367mg
| Fiber: 1g
| Sugar: 44g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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In conclusion, this Easy Pineapple Crumb Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a testament to simple, delicious baking that brings a touch of tropical sunshine to any table. With its moist crumb, crunchy topping, and tangy glaze, it’s a recipe that promises to impress with minimal effort. Whether you’re recreating a vacation memory or simply seeking a comforting sweet treat, this cake is sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy the process, and most importantly, enjoy every single flavorful bite!