Pineapple Cake with Nut Crumble – A Tropical, Sweet, and Nutty Treat

Pineapple Cake with Nut Crumble – A Tropical, Sweet, and Nutty Treat

Pineapple cake with nut crumble is a delightful dessert that combines the tropical sweetness of pineapple with the rich, buttery crunch of a nutty crumble topping. The juicy pineapple chunks add moisture and a burst of flavor, while the nut crumble topping provides the perfect contrast in texture, giving each bite a satisfying crunch.

This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether you're serving it as a special treat for family or friends or enjoying a slice with your afternoon coffee. The sweetness of the pineapple and the warmth of the nuts make it a comforting yet refreshing dessert, ideal for both summer and year-round enjoyment.

In this recipe, we’ll guide you through making this tropical pineapple cake with a nut crumble topping, share some tips for getting the perfect texture, and suggest some creative variations you can try to make it your own.

Ingredients

For the Pineapple Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups fresh pineapple, chopped into small chunks (or canned pineapple, drained)

For the Nut Crumble Topping:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup chopped mixed nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for added warmth)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking. Set the pan aside while you prepare the batter.

2. Make the Pineapple Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or beat by hand with a whisk. Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Stir in the vanilla extract, and then sift in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined. Add the milk, and stir until smooth. Finally, fold in the chopped pineapple. The pineapple will add moisture and flavor to the batter, so make sure it’s evenly distributed.

3. Prepare the Nut Crumble Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, chopped nuts, and cinnamon (if using). Use a fork or your fingers to mix everything together until it forms a crumbly texture. The butter should be well incorporated into the flour and sugar, but you want to keep the mixture crumbly, not smooth.

4. Assemble the Cake: Pour the pineapple cake batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the nut crumble topping evenly over the top of the batter. The crumble will form a beautiful, crunchy topping as the cake bakes.

5. Bake the Cake: Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The edges should be golden brown, and the topping should be crisp and slightly caramelized.

6. Cool and Serve: Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and serve. This cake is perfect on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Tips for Success

• Pineapple: Fresh pineapple is the best option for this cake, as it adds natural sweetness and moisture. If you use canned pineapple, make sure to drain it well to avoid excess liquid in the batter.

• Texture: For a lighter, fluffier cake, you can use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. However, all-purpose flour works perfectly well for this recipe and will give the cake a nice texture.

• Nut Crumble Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts. Walnuts, pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts all work well in this recipe. You can even mix different nuts for a more complex flavor.

• Serving Suggestions: This cake is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it by serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. It’s also great with a cup of tea or coffee.

Health Benefits of Pineapple, Nuts, and Cinnamon

Pineapple: Pineapple is packed with vitamin C, which supports the immune system and promotes healthy skin. It’s also rich in antioxidants and bromelain, an enzyme that aids digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Nuts: Nuts are a great source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They help support heart health, boost brain function, and provide essential vitamins and minerals. Depending on the nuts you use, they may also contain antioxidants that help protect against oxidative stress.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a warming spice with many health benefits. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and may help regulate blood sugar levels, making it a great addition to any baked treat.

Variations and Customizations

• Add Coconut: For a tropical twist, consider adding shredded coconut to the nut crumble topping or mixing it into the cake batter. The coconut will pair beautifully with the pineapple and add extra texture.

• Make it Gluten-Free: To make this cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You may need to adjust the liquid content slightly depending on the type of flour blend you use.

• Vegan Version: To make this cake vegan, replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based milk (such as almond or coconut milk) and a dairy-free butter alternative.

• Add Spices: If you love spices, try adding ground ginger or nutmeg to the batter for an extra layer of warmth and complexity.

Conclusion

Pineapple cake with a nut crumble topping is a delicious and indulgent dessert that combines the tropical sweetness of pineapple with the rich, nutty crunch of the crumble topping. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating a special event, or simply enjoying a sweet treat at home. Easy to make and highly customizable, this cake will become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures that make this cake both comforting and refreshing!