Hawaiian Pineapple Cake (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
03 - 2 teaspoons baking soda
04 - ½ teaspoon fine sea salt

→ Wet Ingredients

05 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
06 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
07 - 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained

→ Frosting

08 - 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
09 - ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
10 - 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar, sifted
11 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
12 - ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt until uniformly blended.
03 - Create a well in the dry mixture; add eggs, vanilla extract, and undrained crushed pineapple. Stir gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
04 - Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the surface.
05 - Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.
06 - Transfer pan to a wire rack and allow the cake to cool thoroughly before applying frosting.
07 - Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing slowly at first, then increasing speed until frosting is fluffy.
08 - Spread frosting over the cooled cake evenly. Optionally, sprinkle chopped nuts on top. Slice to serve.

# Notes:

01 - Use crushed pineapple with juice to maintain natural sweetness and moisture without draining. Ensure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.