If you’re craving a moist and flavorful cake that combines the tropical sweetness of pineapple with the creamy richness of sour cream, look no further than this Pineapple Sour Cream Loaf Cake. This easy-to-make cake is the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, with a soft crumb and a light glaze that adds the perfect finishing touch. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack, this cake will quickly become a family favorite.
Made with simple ingredients like unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and crushed pineapple, this recipe is both delicious and easy to prepare. The addition of sour cream makes the cake incredibly tender and moist, while the pineapple glaze adds a burst of extra flavor that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Pineapple Sour Cream Loaf Cake
To make this delectable loaf cake, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp pineapple juice
Why These Ingredients Work Together
- Unsalted Butter: Provides a rich, creamy base that helps create a soft and moist crumb in the cake. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall salt content in the recipe.
- Granulated Sugar: This is the primary sweetener in the recipe, helping to balance the tanginess of the sour cream and pineapple.
- Eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the cake. They also contribute to the cake’s light and airy texture.
- Sour Cream: The addition of sour cream makes the cake incredibly tender and moist. It also adds a subtle tanginess that complements the sweetness of the pineapple.
- Crushed Pineapple: Pineapple adds moisture, flavor, and a natural sweetness that makes this cake irresistibly delicious. Draining the pineapple helps keep the cake from becoming too wet.
- Powdered Sugar & Pineapple Juice: This simple glaze, made from powdered sugar and pineapple juice, adds a glossy, sweet finish to the cake.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Pineapple Sour Cream Loaf Cake
Follow these easy steps to bake a perfectly moist and flavorful pineapple loaf cake:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan to ensure the cake comes out easily once it’s baked. A standard 9×5-inch loaf pan works best for this recipe.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the following dry ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Mixing these dry ingredients ensures an even distribution of the leavening agents and salt throughout the batter.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes or until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, resulting in a light and tender cake.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter-sugar mixture. Be sure to beat well after each addition to ensure the eggs are fully incorporated into the batter. Then, add the vanilla extract and continue to beat until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the sour cream. Begin by adding a third of the dry ingredients, followed by half of the sour cream. Repeat this process, ending with the dry ingredients. Mix each addition until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
Step 6: Fold in the Pineapple
Once the batter is combined, gently fold in the drained crushed pineapple. Be sure to fold it in gently to avoid deflating the batter. The pineapple adds both flavor and moisture, making this loaf cake extra tender and delicious.
Step 7: Pour the Batter and Bake
Pour the prepared batter into the greased loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so be sure to start checking at the 50-minute mark.
Step 8: Cool and Glaze the Cake
Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and pineapple juice until smooth.
Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top, allowing it to set and soak into the cake for added sweetness.
Tips for the Best Pineapple Sour Cream Loaf Cake
- Drain the Pineapple Well: It’s important to drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly before adding it to the batter. This prevents the cake from becoming too wet and ensures the right texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a dense cake. Mix the ingredients just until combined to keep the texture light and fluffy.
- Add a Pinch of Cinnamon: For a warm, spiced flavor, consider adding a 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: To achieve the best texture, ensure that your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them combine more easily and creates a smoother batter.
- Make It a Bundt Cake: If you prefer a different shape, you can bake this recipe in a bundt pan for a more elegant presentation. Just make sure to adjust the baking time as needed.
Serving Suggestions
This Pineapple Sour Cream Loaf Cake is perfect for a variety of occasions:
- For Breakfast: Serve a slice with a cup of coffee or tea for a delicious and satisfying start to the day.
- As a Dessert: This moist and flavorful cake makes a great ending to any meal, especially when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- For Special Occasions: Bring this loaf cake to family gatherings, picnics, or holiday celebrations. Its tropical flavor and tender texture will impress everyone.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a moist and delicious cake that’s simple to make and packed with tropical flavor, this Pineapple Sour Cream Loaf Cake is the perfect choice. The combination of pineapple, sour cream, and a light glaze makes it a standout dessert or snack. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of coffee or serving it at a family gathering, this cake is sure to become a favorite.
With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a cake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Give it a try today, and treat your friends and family to a slice of paradise!