A rich, buttery, and ultra-moist Pineapple Cream Cheese Pound Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion. Made with real crushed pineapple, tangy cream cheese, and a touch of honey, this cake is bursting with tropical flavors in every bite. The soft and tender crumb pairs beautifully with a luscious honey buttercream frosting, making it an irresistible treat.
Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday dessert table, or just indulging in something sweet, this pound cake is guaranteed to impress. Plus, with its perfectly balanced sweetness and refreshing citrus notes from fresh lime zest, it’s not just delicious—it’s an experience.
About This Recipe
Pound cakes are a classic, but this one? It takes things to a whole new level. I wanted to create a recipe that was both comforting and indulgent while adding a tropical twist. After plenty of testing, I found the perfect combination of ingredients to create a cake that’s rich yet light, dense yet tender, and sweet without being overwhelming.
The addition of cream cheese gives this cake an ultra-moist texture, while the honey and brown sugar add a deep, caramel-like sweetness. The crushed pineapple brings a natural fruity brightness, and fresh lime juice and zest enhance the tropical flavors even more. And let’s not forget about that honey buttercream—smooth, velvety, and just the right amount of sweet!
This pound cake is incredibly versatile too! You can serve it as a simple loaf cake, dress it up with fresh pineapple slices, or even turn it into a show-stopping Bundt cake. However you choose to enjoy it, one thing’s for sure—this cake will keep you coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Cream Cheese Pound Cake
- Moist & Buttery – The combination of butter, cream cheese, and sour cream ensures a soft and rich texture.
- Tropical Flavor – Crushed pineapple, honey, and lime zest create a fresh and fruity taste.
- Perfectly Sweet – A mix of granulated sugar, brown sugar, and honey gives it a natural, deep sweetness.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and guaranteed deliciousness.
- Crowd-Pleasing Dessert – A fantastic treat for holidays, family gatherings, or just an everyday indulgence.
Equipment Needed
Before we get started, let’s make sure we have everything we need to bake the perfect Pineapple Cream Cheese Pound Cake. Having the right equipment will make the process much smoother and ensure that your cake bakes evenly.
- Stand Mixer – A stand mixer (or a hand mixer) is essential for creaming the butter, sugar, and cream cheese to achieve that fluffy texture.
- Loaf Pans – This recipe makes two loaf cakes, so you’ll need two standard loaf pans. Alternatively, you can use a Bundt pan if you prefer.
- Cooling Rack – To allow your cakes to cool properly without getting soggy on the bottom.
- Medium Mixing Bowl – For whisking the dry ingredients together before incorporating them into the batter.
Ingredients
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in creating the perfect pound cake. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need.
For the Cake:
Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups cake flour – Provides a soft and tender crumb. If you don’t have cake flour, you can make your own by replacing 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with cornstarch.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – Gives the cake just a slight lift while keeping it dense and rich.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt – Enhances all the flavors without making the cake taste salty.
Wet Ingredients:
- 1½ cups unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness and ensures a moist texture.
- 1½ cups granulated sugar – Provides sweetness and structure.
- ½ cup brown sugar – Deepens the flavor with caramel-like notes.
- ¼ cup honey – Brings a natural sweetness and a hint of floral flavor.
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature – The secret ingredient for an ultra-moist and rich cake.
- 6 large eggs, room temperature – Essential for binding the ingredients and adding structure.
- ¼ cup sour cream, room temperature – Helps keep the cake incredibly moist.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice – Adds a refreshing citrus balance.
- Zest of 1 lime – Intensifies the tropical notes in the cake.
- 1 cup crushed pineapple with juice – Provides a burst of natural pineapple flavor and extra moisture.
For the Honey Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature – The base of a rich and creamy frosting.
- ½ cup honey – Adds natural sweetness and a smooth texture.
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted – Ensures a silky consistency without lumps.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice – Adds a bright and slightly tangy flavor.
- 1 tablespoon milk – Helps achieve the perfect frosting consistency.
- Zest of 1 lime – Infuses the frosting with a fresh citrus aroma.
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt – Balances the sweetness.
Optional Garnish:
- ½ cup fresh pineapple, sliced – For an elegant finishing touch.
Now that we have everything we need, it’s time to start baking!
How to Make the Perfect Pineapple Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Baking this pound cake is straightforward, but to achieve the best results, it’s important to follow each step carefully. From mixing the batter to baking and frosting, I’ll guide you through every detail to ensure your cake turns out perfectly moist and flavorful.
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Before anything else, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two loaf pans with non-stick cooking spray or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, preventing any clumps in the batter. Set this aside while we move on to the wet ingredients.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and honey on medium speed for about 2 minutes. The mixture should become light and fluffy as the sugar dissolves.
Next, add in the cream cheese and mix for another 1-2 minutes until smooth and fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything blends evenly.
Step 3: Add the Eggs & Flavor Enhancers
Now, it’s time to add the eggs. Mix them in one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps maintain a stable and smooth batter. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to keep everything uniform.
Once the eggs are fully mixed in, add the sour cream, vanilla extract, lime juice, and lime zest. These ingredients not only enhance the cake’s flavor but also contribute to its moist and rich texture.
Step 4: Incorporate the Pineapple & Dry Ingredients
Gently fold in the crushed pineapple along with its juice using a spatula. This step is key to infusing the cake with real pineapple flavor and keeping it from drying out.
Now, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Set the mixer to low speed and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—some small streaks of flour are okay, as they will continue blending as the cake bakes.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared loaf pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your cake is ready. If the batter is still wet, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes and test again.
Step 6: Cool the Cakes
Once fully baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely before adding the frosting. This step is crucial—if the cakes are too warm, the frosting will melt and lose its texture.
How to Make the Honey Buttercream Frosting
A rich and creamy honey buttercream is the perfect finishing touch for this Pineapple Cream Cheese Pound Cake. It adds just the right amount of sweetness and enhances the tropical flavors with hints of honey and fresh lime.
Step 1: Whip the Butter and Honey
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the unsalted butter and honey on medium speed for about 2 minutes. This step helps create a light and airy texture.
Step 2: Add the Powdered Sugar and Liquids
Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and mix on low speed until fully incorporated. Once combined, add the milk, fresh lime juice, lime zest, and kosher salt. Increase the speed to high and beat for 3 minutes until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Step 3: Adjust the Consistency (If Needed)
If the frosting feels too thick, add a splash of milk (½ to 1 tablespoon) to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, add a little more sifted powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
Assembling the Pineapple Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Now that the cake has cooled completely and the frosting is ready, it’s time to put it all together!
- Spread the Frosting: Using an offset spatula, spread a generous layer of honey buttercream over the top of each loaf cake.
- Decorate (Optional): Garnish with fresh pineapple slices or an extra sprinkle of lime zest for a beautiful presentation.
- Serve at Room Temperature: This cake tastes best when served at room temperature, as the flavors are more pronounced, and the texture remains soft and buttery.
FAQs & Troubleshooting
Why is my cake dry?
A dry pound cake usually results from overbaking or using too much flour. Make sure to measure your flour correctly using the spoon-and-level method and check for doneness at the 1-hour mark.
Can I use a Bundt pan instead of loaf pans?
Yes! You can bake this cake in a Bundt pan instead of two loaf pans. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may need a little extra time in the oven.
How should I store the cake?
- Room Temperature: Store the cake tightly wrapped for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it unfrosted in an airtight container. Frost just before serving for the freshest taste.
Final Thoughts
This Pineapple Cream Cheese Pound Cake is truly a treat worth making. From its buttery, moist crumb to the perfectly sweet honey buttercream, every bite is bursting with tropical flavors. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because you’re craving something sweet, this cake is guaranteed to be a hit!
Enjoy baking, and don’t forget to share your experience with this delicious recipe!
