Savor the Sweet Comfort of Pineapple-Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Embark on a baking journey with this Pineapple-Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, combining tropical sweetness, nutty crunch, and creamy indulgence in every slice. This homemade dessert delivers nostalgia and warmth, transforming simple ingredients into a masterpiece worthy of any family gathering.

Whether it’s a weekend celebration or a casual afternoon treat, this cake brings together the delightful balance of fruit and nuts with the silky smoothness of cream cheese frosting. Every bite feels like a hug, wrapped in the goodness of pineapple and pecans.
Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or even just a cozy Sunday, this Pineapple-Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a classic that never goes out of style. Ready to turn your kitchen into a sweet haven filled with the scent of baking cake? Let’s dive into this rewarding and heartwarming recipe.
Flavorful and Moist: Pineapple-Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This Pineapple-Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting offers layers of tender crumb and tangy frosting, making it a timeless favorite. The crushed pineapple keeps the cake moist without extra effort, while the pecans add texture and richness. Because the frosting is smooth and lightly sweetened, it complements the cake instead of overwhelming it.
You don’t need advanced baking skills to pull this off. The straightforward steps allow any home baker to succeed while still achieving professional-level results. With the right approach, you can create a dessert that shines at potlucks, family dinners, or holiday tables.
For more ideas on comforting bakes, you might also enjoy this Impossibly Easy Cheeseburger Pie, another simple recipe that blends nostalgic flavors with ease.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Pineapple-Pecan Cake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Always bring cream cheese and butter to room temperature for smooth frosting. Cold ingredients won’t blend properly.
- Gentle Mixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients, stir just until incorporated. Overmixing can make the cake dense.
- Even Baking: Spread the batter evenly in the pan. A smooth surface ensures uniform baking and prevents uneven spots.
- Cooling Matters: Let the cake cool completely before frosting. Frosting a warm cake causes melting and uneven spreading.
- Nutty Garnish: Sprinkle chopped pecans over the frosted cake for extra crunch and a pretty finish.
Need another cozy option? Try this Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe for a savory dish that pairs well with desserts like this cake.

Pineapple-Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Equipment: 9×13 baking pan, mixing bowls, electric mixer, spatula
This Pineapple-Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting brings tropical flavor and nutty depth straight to your table. Easy enough for beginners yet impressive enough for special events, it will quickly become your go-to dessert.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 2 whole eggs
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- ½ cup pecans, chopped and divided
For the frosting:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter (½ stick), softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup pecans, chopped
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F. Butter and flour a 9×13 baking pan.
- Cream the Base: In a mixing bowl, cream together eggs and sugar until smooth.
- Add Pineapple: Stir in the crushed pineapple with juices until combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Slowly add flour and baking soda, stirring until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
- Add Pecans: Fold in half of the chopped pecans for a nutty texture throughout the cake.
- Bake the Cake: Spread the batter evenly into the pan and bake for 35 minutes. A skewer inserted should come out with moist crumbs.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool before adding frosting. Patience here ensures perfect results.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until creamy.
- Add Pecans: Mix in the remaining chopped pecans, then spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
- Finish with Garnish: Sprinkle extra pecans on top for crunch and decoration.
Why Pineapple-Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a Classic
Pineapple adds natural sweetness and moisture, while pecans bring balance with crunch and nuttiness. Together, they create a harmonious flavor profile that’s both comforting and festive. The cream cheese frosting ties everything together with a tangy finish, making every bite feel indulgent yet balanced.
If you’re in the mood for more fruity desserts, check out this Old-Fashioned Peach Cobbler for another comforting treat.
Pairing Ideas for Pineapple-Pecan Cake
Because this cake is rich, it pairs wonderfully with light beverages like coffee, tea, or even iced lemonade. For gatherings, you can serve smaller slices alongside other desserts. A great option to complement this sweetness is the Pineapple Crisp Recipe, which adds a slightly different take on pineapple desserts.
Ready to Relish!
This Pineapple-Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is more than just dessert—it’s an experience of warmth, tradition, and celebration. From its moist crumb to its creamy topping, it stands as a reminder that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most satisfying.
For another comforting option, you might also love this Easy Boston Cream Poke Cake, which delivers a luscious texture similar to today’s recipe.
Bring this cake to your next gathering, or simply enjoy it with your loved ones at home. Either way, you’ll savor the sweet comfort of a classic dessert that never disappoints.
Print📖 Recipe
Pineapple-Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
With these crispy fish fillets, your kitchen will transform into a haven of deep-fried delights, echoing the tastes of Long John Silver's. And when the platters come back empty, dessert steps in with sunny flavor.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
Ingredients
For the cake:
-
2 whole eggs
-
1 ½ cups sugar
-
1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, do not drain
-
2 cups all-purpose flour
-
2 teaspoons baking soda
-
½ cup pecans, chopped; divided
For the frosting:
-
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
-
1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
-
4 tablespoons butter (½ stick), softened
-
1 teaspoon vanilla
-
½ cup pecans, chopped
Instructions
-
Prepare Your Frying Setup: Heat the oil in your fryer or skillet to 375°F.
Bake Setup for the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 baking pan (or spray with Baker’s Joy). This even coating helps the cake release cleanly. -
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, sugar, baking soda, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if using.
Cream for the Cake: In a separate bowl, beat 2 eggs and 1 ½ cups sugar until thick and pale. Add the crushed pineapple with all its juice. Mix until fully combined; do not overbeat. -
Incorporate the Wet Ingredients: Gently stir in the beaten egg and club soda until the batter is smooth yet slightly lumpy.
Finish the Cake Batter: Sprinkle 2 cups flour and 2 teaspoons baking soda over the wet mixture. Stir just until combined; the batter will look loose. Fold in half of the chopped pecans for even nutty texture. -
Batter Each Fillet: Coat each fillet thoroughly in the batter, then let excess drip off before frying.
Pan and Bake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared 9×13 pan and spread evenly with a spatula so it bakes level. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for about 35 minutes. The top will be golden, and a long skewer inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs. -
Fry to Golden Perfection: Fry the fillets for about 3–4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy, working in batches as needed.
Cool and Frost: Transfer the pan to a wire rack and cool the cake completely. Meanwhile, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually, then beat in vanilla until smooth and spreadable. Fold in the remaining ½ cup pecans. Spread frosting over the cooled cake, edge to edge. For another sweet tray-bake to keep in your rotation, bookmark these buttery bars: Carmelitas.
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Drain and Serve: Transfer the fried fillets to a wire rack to drain and serve hot.
Slice and Enjoy: Cut the frosted cake into squares. The crumb is plush, the pineapple is bright, and the pecans give each bite a gentle crunch. If you crave more fruit-forward cakes, explore this easy favorite next: Easiest-Ever Pineapple Cake (5 Ingredients).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes






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