🔄 Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in sour cream and vanilla extract.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the crushed pineapple to keep the batter airy.
5. Add Pineapple Chunks:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Scatter pineapple chunks evenly over the batter, pressing them in lightly.
6. Bake:
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, pineapple juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled cake, letting it drip down the sides.
🌟 Tips for the Perfect Pineapple Loaf Cake:
- Drain the Pineapple: Too much juice can make the cake dense.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix until ingredients are just combined to keep the crumb tender.
- Add Zest: A bit of lemon or lime zest can enhance the tropical flavors.
🍰 How to Serve and Store:
Serving:
This cake is delightful warm or at room temperature. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
Storing:
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 2 months.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just make sure to chop it finely and drain any excess juice.
2. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, swap the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
3. How can I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut oil instead of butter and a dairy-free yogurt in place of sour cream.
🏝️ A Bite of Tropical Paradise: Final Thoughts
This Pineapple Loaf Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a little slice of tropical paradise. The juicy pineapple bits, combined with the buttery crumb and pineapple glaze, make it a treat that’s hard to resist. Whether it’s for a family gathering or a quiet afternoon snack, this cake promises to be a hit.
So why not preheat your oven and bring a taste of the tropics to your kitchen today? 🌴🍍💕