Pineapple-Orange Sunshine Cake
Pineapple-Orange Sunshine Cake is a vibrant, tropical dessert that combines juicy pineapple and bright orange flavors in a moist, tender cake. Perfect for any occasion, this refreshing cake bursts with citrus brightness and natural sweetness, creating an unforgettable treat that brightens any day.
- Author: Kaeli
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Can be gluten-free or dairy-free with substitutions
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/2 cup fresh pineapple juice
Add-ins
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained (reserve some juice)
Optional Topping
- Powdered sugar for dusting or glaze
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking pan. Measure all ingredients carefully. Zest and juice the oranges, and drain the crushed pineapple well, reserving some juice for the batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution and a light cake crumb.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy to incorporate air into the batter, creating a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Then add vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice, combining everything evenly for consistent flavor.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Pineapple: Alternately add the sifted dry ingredients and pineapple juice to the butter mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Fold in the drained crushed pineapple last to maintain juicy chunks.
- Bake Until Golden: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool, Glaze, and Serve: Allow the cake to cool briefly in the pan before transferring to a wire rack. Optionally dust with powdered sugar or drizzle a citrus glaze before serving for extra brightness.
Notes
- Use fresh pineapple juice and orange zest for the best flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light and tender.
- Ensure your oven is properly calibrated to avoid overbaking or dryness.
- Drain crushed pineapple thoroughly to prevent a soggy cake.
- You can use different pans such as Bundt, loaf, or round cake pans to change the cake’s appearance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10th of cake)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Pineapple cake, Orange cake, Tropical dessert, Citrus cake, Moist cake, Pineapple orange dessert