Pineapple Caramel Cake Recipe That Will Wow Your Guests

There’s something truly magical about the combination of tropical pineapple and luscious caramel in a cake. The pineapple caramel cake brings together the sweet tang of pineapple with the rich, buttery depth of caramel, creating a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a unique treat, this cake will impress with its moist texture and delightful flavors.

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their baking repertoire with a tropical twist. From the homemade caramel sauce that drapes every bite to the tender pineapple-studded layers, this cake is a celebration of vibrant tastes and comforting sweetness.

Plus, it’s easier to make than you might think, and the results are absolutely worth the effort!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pineapple caramel cake is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it combines two irresistible flavors—pineapple and caramel—in a way that complements each other perfectly.

The pineapple adds juicy bursts of freshness while the caramel provides a rich, smooth sweetness that ties everything together.

Additionally, the cake is wonderfully moist thanks to the pineapple’s natural juices, making every bite soft and tender. The homemade caramel sauce is silky and not overly sweet, balancing the tartness of the pineapple beautifully.

This recipe also uses simple pantry staples and common baking equipment, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

If you love tropical desserts or are a fan of caramel, this cake will quickly become a new favorite. And for more delicious cake ideas, check out our Best Vegan Chocolate Recipes for Decadent Desserts or try the Chocolate Chippy Pumpkin Bread Mix Vegan Recipe for something a little different.

Ingredients

• For the Cake:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• For the Caramel Sauce:
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• ½ cup heavy cream, warmed
• ¼ tsp sea salt (optional, for salted caramel)

Equipment

• Two 8-inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Whisk and spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Saucepan (for caramel sauce)
• Cooling racks
• Toothpick or cake tester

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour the two 8-inch cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Incorporate pineapple and sour cream: Fold in the crushed pineapple and sour cream until combined.
6. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Take care not to overmix.
7. Divide and bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool the cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Make the caramel sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar, stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber color. Carefully add the butter and whisk until melted and combined.
10. Add the cream and salt: Slowly drizzle in the warm heavy cream while whisking continuously. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
11. Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Drizzle a generous amount of caramel sauce over it. Top with the second cake layer and pour the remaining caramel sauce over the top, letting it drip down the sides.
12. Serve and enjoy: Let the caramel set for a few minutes before slicing. Serve alone or with vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.

Tips & Variations

“To ensure the caramel sauce is silky and smooth, be patient and stir constantly as the sugar melts. Avoid burning by keeping the heat medium and not rushing the process.”

If you want to add a little crunch, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts between the layers or on top of the caramel. For a lighter version, substitute half the butter in the cake with unsweetened applesauce.

Try using fresh pineapple instead of canned for a more vibrant flavor. If you prefer a salted caramel twist, add a bit more sea salt to the caramel sauce to enhance the flavor contrast.

For an extra tropical flair, you can fold some shredded coconut into the batter or sprinkle it on top after drizzling the caramel.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This pineapple caramel cake is a fantastic dessert on its own, but you can easily elevate the experience with a few thoughtful touches. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream for a delightful contrast between hot and cold.

For a fresh finish, garnish with some chopped fresh pineapple or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce on the plate adds a restaurant-quality touch.

Pair this cake with a cup of strong coffee or a tropical iced tea to complement the flavors perfectly. If you enjoy baking, you might also want to explore more sweet treats like our Best Vegan Sugar Free Cake Recipe for Every Occasion.

Conclusion

The pineapple caramel cake is a wonderfully unique dessert that combines fruity freshness with rich, buttery sweetness in every bite. Its moist, tender crumb and luscious caramel topping make it a standout at any gathering or special occasion.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is approachable and rewarding.

Making the caramel from scratch may seem daunting, but the process is simple and the flavor payoff is incredible. This cake’s tropical flair brings a sunny vibe to your dessert table, perfect for warm weather or anytime you want to brighten your day.

Don’t forget to explore other exciting recipes like the Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide for savory inspiration or the Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas for light, healthy meals.

Happy baking!

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