Brenda Gantt Pineapple Cake Recipe

Sweet cakes with fruit can feel warm and comforting, and that is what this Brenda Gantt Pineapple Cake Recipe is all about.

It is soft, moist, and full of bright pineapple flavor with a creamy topping on top. This cake has a sweet and slightly tangy taste that feels just right, not heavy at all.

I found this recipe while scrolling through Facebook one afternoon. The comments were full of happy stories and photos from people who baked it at home. That pushed me to try it in my own kitchen, and the results made me smile from the first bite.

Brenda Gantt is a well-known Southern home baker, and her “Cooking with Brenda Gantt” videos show simple food made with care and heart.

You can bake this same cake at home by following my step-by-step Brenda Gantt Pineapple Cake Recipe. It works well for new bakers and confident ones too.

Let me show you everything needed to bake this moist pineapple cake from scratch and get great results every time.

Why Everyone Loves Brenda Gantt’s Pineapple Cake

1. Naturally Moist Texture: Crushed pineapple with its juice adds moisture right into the cake. The cake stays soft for days without syrup soaking, extra brushing, or special baking tricks.

2. Perfect Sweet and Tangy Balance: The pineapple flavor comes through clearly without overpowering the cake. The sweetness feels gentle, while the cream cheese topping adds a rich taste without feeling heavy or thick.

3. Easy Enough for Beginners: This recipe uses simple mixing steps and basic tools. The batter comes together fast, and the method is forgiving, so new bakers feel more confident.

4. Perfect for Any Occasion: This cake works well for birthdays, holidays, church events, and bake sales. It also packs nicely as a homemade gift that looks special and tastes comforting.

5. Budget-Friendly Ingredients: The recipe uses common pantry items most people already have. Affordable canned pineapple works perfectly, and there is no need for costly or hard-to-find ingredients.

Brenda Gantt Pineapple Cake Ingredients

Cake Ingredients

• Yellow Cake Mix (1 box): Any brand works. This is the base of the cake. It makes the process easier because the mix already contains the correct amounts of flour, sugar, and other dry ingredients. Can be swapped with a white cake mix or a butter cake mix; both work fine.
• Eggs (3 large): Eggs help the cake rise and hold together. They also make it soft and moist. Three large eggs are needed. Medium eggs can be used instead, but four may be required.
• Water (1 cup): Water makes the cake mix smooth and ensures proper baking. Water can be replaced with milk for a richer taste. Pineapple juice can also be used instead of water to enhance the pineapple flavor.
• Oil or Butter (1/2 cup): Oil keeps the cake moist. Butter works as well if oil is unavailable. Butter provides a richer taste, while oil makes the cake slightly softer. Melted coconut oil can be used as an alternative.
• Crushed Pineapple (1 can, about 20 oz): This ingredient gives the cake its special flavor. The pineapple with juice should be used; do not drain it. The juice soaks into the cake for extra flavor. Fresh crushed pineapple works too, but canned is easier and more consistent.

Topping Ingredients

• Cream Cheese (2 packages, 8 oz each): Cream cheese makes the topping smooth and rich. Regular cream cheese is needed, not the whipped kind. Let it soften at room temperature for easier mixing. Low-fat cream cheese can be used, but regular offers the best taste.
• Sugar (1 cup): Sugar is added to the cream cheese topping for sweetness and smooth texture. White sugar or cane sugar both work.
• Milk (1/4 cup): Milk helps the cream cheese mix become smooth. Whole milk provides the best flavor. Half-and-half or heavy cream can be used for a richer topping.
• Whipped Topping (1 container, 16 oz): This makes the topping light and fluffy. Half will be mixed with the cream cheese, and the other half goes on top of the cake. Homemade whipped cream can be used, but store-bought holds up better in the fridge.

Equipment Needed

1. 9×13 inch baking pan – this is the right size
2. Electric mixer – makes mixing so much easier
3. Mixing bowls – you need at least two
4. Wooden spoon or spatula – for spreading
5. Fork or skewer – to poke holes in cake
6. Measuring cups and spoons – to get amounts right
7. Cooling rack – helps cake cool evenly

How to Make Brenda Gantt Pineapple Cake

Step 1 | Preheat the oven

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. While the oven heats, prepare a 9×13-inch pan by greasing it with butter or cooking spray, making sure to cover the corners and edges to prevent sticking.

Step 2 | Mix the batter

In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, three eggs, one cup of water, and half a cup of oil or melted butter. Use an electric mixer to blend everything together.

Start on low speed for about 30 seconds, then increase to medium speed and mix for about two minutes, until the batter is smooth and lump-free.

Step 3 | Pour and bake

Pour the batter into the greased pan and spread it evenly to the edges with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25–28 minutes.

A toothpick or fork inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few crumbs. Remove the cake from the oven immediately when done.

Step 4 | Poke holes

While the cake is still hot, poke holes all over the top using a fork or skewer, making sure to reach the edges.

Step 5 | Add pineapple

Pour an entire can of crushed pineapple, juice included, over the cake. Spread the pineapple evenly with the back of a spoon so the juice soaks into all the holes. Let the cake sit for about five minutes while preparing the topping.

Step 6 | Prepare cream cheese mixture

In a clean mixing bowl, beat two softened packages of cream cheese with one cup of sugar until smooth and creamy, about two to three minutes. Add a quarter cup of milk and mix gently until the mixture is smooth and slightly thinned.

Fold in half of a container of whipped topping using low speed until mixed but still fluffy. Avoid overmixing.

Step 7 | Spread toppings

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pineapple layer using a spatula. Spread the remaining whipped topping over the cream cheese layer and smooth it out or create swirls for decoration.

Step 8 | Chill and serve

Cover the cake with plastic wrap, making sure it does not touch the top. Toothpicks can be inserted to hold the wrap above the topping.

Refrigerate for at least a few hours, preferably overnight, for the best texture. Cut into squares to serve and store the remaining cake in the fridge.

Pro Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Use full-fat ingredients for best results: Full-fat cream cheese and whipped topping give the cake a richer flavor and smoother texture. Low-fat versions can make the topping thinner and less creamy.
• Check oven temperature with a thermometer: Many ovens run hotter or cooler than the dial shows. An oven thermometer helps prevent overbaking or underbaking the cake.
• Cool on the counter before refrigerating: Let the cake cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the fridge. This prevents condensation from forming on the topping.
• Cut with a hot knife: Run a knife under hot water and wipe it dry between cuts. This makes clean slices and keeps the topping from dragging.

What to Serve With Pineapple Cake

This pineapple cake pairs well with simple drinks and light sides. A cold glass of milk balances the sweetness and helps cool each bite.

Hot coffee or mild tea also works well, cutting through the creamy topping. Fresh fruit like strawberries or grapes adds a clean contrast and keeps the plate light.

You can also add a small scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a creamy match.

The cake already has rich layers, so simple pairings work best. You get a balanced plate without overpowering the cake’s soft pineapple flavor.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

1. Refrigerator Storage: Store the cake covered in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and soft for up to four days. Keep it sealed to prevent drying.

2. Make-Ahead Option: This cake works well when prepared a day early. Chilling overnight helps flavors blend and improves texture.

3. Freezing Option: Freezing works best without the topping. Wrap the cooled cake tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw fully before adding topping.

Brenda Gantt Pineapple Cake Recipe FAQs

1. Why did my pineapple cake turn soggy?

A soggy cake often comes from too much liquid or underbaking. Pineapple juice needs a fully baked base to absorb correctly. Removing the cake too early leaves the center weak.

Let the cake bake until the center sets, then add the pineapple while hot so the moisture spreads evenly instead of pooling.

2. How long does pineapple cake stay fresh?

When stored covered in the refrigerator, pineapple cake stays fresh for about four days. The cream cheese topping holds well, and the pineapple keeps the cake moist. After day four, the texture may soften too much, and the topping can lose structure.

3. Why did my pineapple cake sink in the middle?

A sinking center usually points to underbaking or opening the oven door too early. The structure needs steady heat to set. Mixing too much air into the batter can also cause collapse once the cake cools.

4. Why is my pineapple cake dry?

Dry texture often comes from overbaking or using too little liquid. Measuring carefully helps avoid this issue. Oil keeps the crumb soft, so replacing it fully with butter can also lead to dryness.

5. Why is my cake too wet after baking?

Excess moisture may happen when the cake is not hot enough before adding pineapple. The heat helps the juice soak in evenly.

6. Can I bake this cake in a glass pan?

A glass pan can be used, though baking time may increase slightly. Glass heats slower but holds heat longer. Checking doneness with a toothpick helps avoid overbaking the edges.

7. Is Brenda Gantt pineapple cake moist or dense?

This cake is moist but not dense. The pineapple juice keeps it soft, while the cake mix provides structure. The crumb stays light, making slices easy to cut and serve.

8. Does this cake have a strong pineapple flavor?

The pineapple flavor is clear but gentle. It tastes fresh without being sharp. The cream cheese topping balances the fruit, keeping the overall flavor smooth and mild.

This Brenda Gantt Pineapple Cake Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves simple, delicious desserts. The combination of moist cake, sweet pineapple, and creamy frosting creates something truly special.

Try this recipe at home and see how easy it is.