Pineapple Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Pineapple Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a beautifully rich dessert that combines a buttery cream cheese pound cake with a glossy caramelised pineapple topping. Moist, tender and bursting with tropical flavour, this elegant cake is perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, holiday celebrations or whenever you’re looking to bake something truly memorable.
The combination of butter and cream cheese creates a velvety batter with a fine, dense crumb, while crushed pineapple adds natural sweetness and keeps the cake wonderfully moist. Finished with caramelised pineapple slices, every slice is as impressive to serve as it is delicious to eat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, buttery pound cake with a tender crumb.
- Beautiful caramelised pineapple topping.
- Moist texture thanks to cream cheese and crushed pineapple.
- Perfect for celebrations or everyday baking.
- Simple ingredients with stunning results.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1½ cups butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs
- 3 cups plain flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup crushed pineapple
For the Caramelised Topping
- 1 can pineapple slices
- ½ cup butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar
Optional
- Cream cheese filling for an extra-rich centre
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cake tin or baking pan
- Cooling rack
- Serving plate
Method
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease your baking pan.
- Pour the melted butter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the butter.
- Arrange the pineapple slices over the brown sugar mixture in a single layer.
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix together the flour, baking powder and salt, then gradually add the dry ingredients to the batter.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and crushed pineapple until evenly incorporated.
- If using, add the optional cream cheese filling according to your preferred layering method.
- Carefully pour the batter over the prepared pineapple topping and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 75–90 minutes, or until the cake is golden and baked through.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before carefully inverting it onto a serving plate so the caramelised pineapple is on top.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Add whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
- Pair with vanilla ice cream.
- Serve with fresh berries for added freshness.
Tips for Success
- Use softened butter and cream cheese for a smooth, well-mixed batter.
- Beat the butter, cream cheese and sugar thoroughly to create a light texture.
- Add the eggs one at a time to ensure a smooth batter.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before turning it out to help the caramelised topping remain intact.
- Arrange the pineapple slices neatly for an attractive presentation.
Storage
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before serving if preferred.
Recipe Information
- Category: Dessert
- Baking Temperature: 325°F (163°C)
- Baking Time: 75–90 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add a cream cheese filling?
Yes. A cream cheese filling can be added to the centre before baking for an even richer dessert.
Why is the pineapple placed in the bottom of the pan?
As the cake bakes, the butter and brown sugar caramelise around the pineapple. Once inverted, they create the glossy topping.
Can I serve this cake with toppings?
Yes. It pairs beautifully with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream or fresh berries.
When should I turn the cake out of the pan?
Allow it to cool slightly before carefully inverting it onto a serving plate.
Final Thoughts
Pineapple Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a rich, elegant dessert that perfectly combines buttery pound cake with sweet caramelised pineapple. Moist, flavourful and visually stunning, it’s an impressive bake that’s equally suited to special occasions and everyday treats, and one your family will request time and time again.
Print
Pineapple Cream Cheese Pound Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 mins
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pineapple Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a rich, buttery dessert featuring a moist cream cheese pound cake topped with caramelized pineapple. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, family gatherings or whenever you’re craving a tropical twist on a classic pound cake.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1½ cups unsalted butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
3 cups granulated sugar
6 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
For the Caramelized Pineapple Topping:
1 can pineapple slices, drained
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup brown sugar
Optional:
Cream cheese filling
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a large cake pan or Bundt pan.
2. Pour the melted butter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the bottom.
3. Arrange the pineapple slices over the brown sugar layer.
4. In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
6. Whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt, then gradually mix the dry ingredients into the batter.
7. Stir in the vanilla extract and crushed pineapple until evenly combined.
8. Pour the batter carefully over the pineapple topping and smooth the surface.
9. Bake for 75 to 90 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the cake to cool for 15 to 20 minutes before carefully inverting onto a serving platter so the caramelized pineapple is on top.
Notes
Drain the crushed pineapple well to prevent excess moisture.
Use room temperature butter, cream cheese and eggs for the smoothest batter.
Allow the cake to cool slightly before inverting to help keep the topping intact.
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra-special dessert.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hour 25 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
