Pineapple Crumb Cake with Pineapple Glaze Recipe

If you are craving a dessert that bursts with tropical flavor and satisfies your sweet tooth all at once, this Pineapple Crumb Cake with Pineapple Glaze Recipe is a total game-changer. Imagine a moist, tender cake made with crushed pineapple and a boxed cake mix, topped with a buttery pecan crumble that adds a perfect crunch. Then, just when you think it can’t get any better, a smooth, tangy pineapple glaze is drizzled on top to tie all the flavors together. This delightful treat is easy to make, wonderfully flavorful, and bound to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first secret to nailing this Pineapple Crumb Cake with Pineapple Glaze Recipe. What’s wonderful about this recipe is the way each ingredient plays a simple yet vital role in building layers of flavor and texture, from the juicy crushed pineapple to the crunchy pecans in the crumble topping.

• 20 oz crushed pineapple: Provides natural sweetness and moisture, making the cake incredibly tender.
• 1 box pineapple cake mix: The base mix that carries the tropical flavor and ensures a quick, foolproof cake batter.
• 3 large eggs: Helps bind the ingredients together and adds richness.
• ⅓ cup canola oil: Keeps the cake moist without overpowering the other flavors.
• ½ cup flour: Essential for the crumble topping, offering structure and contrast to the tender cake.
• ½ cup light brown sugar: Adds caramel notes to the crumble, enhancing depth.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and helps create that buttery crumb texture on top.
• 1 cup chopped pecans: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the crumble topping.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: The sweetness base of the glaze, balanced perfectly with tangy pineapple juice.
• 3 Tbsp milk: Thins and smooths the glaze to the ideal drizzle consistency.
• 3 tsp pineapple juice: Intensifies the pineapple flavor in the glaze, tying the whole cake together.

How to Make Pineapple Crumb Cake with Pineapple Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring it’s perfectly hot for baking. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick baking spray so your cake will come out cleanly and maintain its beautiful shape.

Step 2: Create the Crumble Topping

In a medium bowl, combine your light brown sugar, flour, and softened butter. Using your fingers, mix these ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This hands-on step is delightful and helps develop the perfect crumbly texture.

Step 3: Add Pecans to the Crumble

Stir in the chopped pecans to the crumble mixture. These nuts provide a toasty crunch and add a lovely contrast to the soft pineapple cake beneath.

Step 4: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, blend together the crushed pineapple (including the juice), pineapple cake mix, eggs, and canola oil until you have a smooth, tropical-scented batter. The crushed pineapple adds natural sweetness and moisture, ensuring this cake stays tender.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish. Then, generously sprinkle the pecan crumble topping all over the surface. This layering creates that iconic textural mix that makes this cake so irresistible.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Bake in your preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean, and the crumble on top has turned a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 7: Prepare the Pineapple Glaze

Allow the baked cake to cool before the final step. Then, in a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and pineapple juice until the glaze is smooth and pourable.

Step 8: Drizzle the Glaze Over the Cake

Use a spoon or fork to drizzle the pineapple glaze all over the top of the cake. This finishing touch adds a glossy, flavorful layer that elevates each bite.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

Slice your Pineapple Crumb Cake with Pineapple Glaze Recipe into squares and prepare to delight your family and friends with this tropical treasure.

How to Serve Pineapple Crumb Cake with Pineapple Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

To make your pineapple crumb cake look as good as it tastes, consider garnishing each slice with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or a few extra chopped pecans. A small sprig of fresh mint adds a pop of color and brightness that complements the tropical flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream. If you want to keep it light, fresh fruit salad with tropical touches like mango or papaya makes a refreshing side that enhances the theme without overpowering the cake’s flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the cake on a vibrant, tropical-themed platter or lined with banana leaves for a festive presentation. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, create individual mini versions of the cake in ramekins, complete with the crumble and glaze on top—perfect for parties or gifting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Pineapple Crumb Cake with Pineapple Glaze Recipe stays fresh when kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, keep it refrigerated, wrapped well to prevent drying out, up to five days.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover cake by wrapping individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can enjoy a tropical treat anytime, reheating gently when ready to serve. Frozen cake is best enjoyed within two months.

Reheating

When it’s time to enjoy your frozen or refrigerated cake, warm slices in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds to bring back that freshly baked feel, softening the crumbs and melting the glaze slightly for a real homemade experience.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of crushed pineapple from a can?

Absolutely! Using fresh pineapple adds a natural sweetness and a slightly firmer texture. Just make sure to finely chop it and drain any excess juice so your cake batter isn’t too watery.

Is it necessary to use a boxed cake mix?

No, but the boxed pineapple cake mix makes this recipe incredibly simple and foolproof. If you prefer homemade cake batter, you can substitute it with a vanilla or white cake recipe and add pineapple flavor with crushed pineapple and juice.

Can I substitute pecans with another nut or omit them?

Yes, you can swap pecans for walnuts, almonds, or even skip the nuts entirely if you have allergies or preferences. The crumble topping will still be delicious without nuts, just missing that added crunch.

How sweet is the pineapple glaze?

The pineapple glaze balances sweetness from the powdered sugar with the bright acidity of pineapple juice. It’s pleasantly sweet with a subtle tang that complements the cake perfectly without being overpowering.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Definitely! Use dairy-free butter or margarine for the crumble, and select a milk alternative such as almond or oat milk for the glaze. The cake itself is already dairy-free since it uses oil instead of butter in the batter.

Final Thoughts

My love for this Pineapple Crumb Cake with Pineapple Glaze Recipe grows every time I bake it. It’s such a delightful combination of textures and tropical flavors, and it’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for both casual family desserts and special gatherings. If you’re ready to bring a taste of sunshine into your kitchen, this recipe is a fantastic place to start. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

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