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IntroductionÂ
This pineapple cranberry or cherry cake recipe is a sweet and fruity dessert that is easy to make and very pleasant to eat. It is a soft and moist cake filled with bright fruit flavors that make every bite feel fresh and joyful. You can use pineapple with cranberry or pineapple with cherry depending on what you like more or what you have at home. The recipe is simple and does not need expert baking skills. Even if you are new in the kitchen, you can follow this recipe with ease and get a beautiful cake. The texture is light, the taste is rich, and the smell while baking will fill your home with comfort. This cake is perfect for family time and small celebrations.
People love this cake because it mixes sweet and slightly tangy fruit flavors in one dessert. Pineapple gives a juicy and tropical taste. Cranberry gives a gentle sour touch. Cherry gives a deep sweet flavor and lovely color. When these fruits bake into the cake, they create a soft and tender crumb that feels amazing in the mouth. This cake is also loved because it uses basic ingredients that are easy to find. You do not need fancy tools or complex steps. The result looks impressive but the method is friendly for beginners. It is the kind of cake that people ask for again after the first try.
You can make this cake for many reasons and moments. It is great for tea time, birthdays, small parties, or weekend baking fun. It also works well as a comfort dessert when you want something homemade and warm. The fruit inside gives a fresher feel than plain cakes, so many people enjoy it after meals without feeling too heavy. If you like desserts that feel both sweet and lively in taste, this cake is a great choice. It also fits well when you want to share something baked with love with friends or family.
Ingredients You Will Need
For the cake batter
All purpose flour 2 cups
Sugar 1 cup
Baking powder 2 teaspoons
Baking soda half teaspoon
Salt half teaspoon
Eggs 2 large
Milk 1 cup
Vegetable oil half cup
Vanilla essence 1 teaspoon
Crushed pineapple with juice 1 cup
For the fruit layer
Fresh or dried cranberry 1 cup or pitted cherry 1 cup
Extra sugar 2 tablespoons
Corn starch 1 tablespoon
For optional topping
Butter 2 tablespoons melted
Brown sugar 3 tablespoons
Chopped nuts half cup
Whipped cream as needed for serving
Step by Step Method
First, turn on your oven and set it to 180 degrees Celsius. Let it heat while you prepare the batter. Take a round or square baking pan and grease it with a little oil or butter. Lightly dust it with flour so the cake does not stick. Keep the pan aside.
Take a large mixing bowl. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients well with a spoon so everything spreads evenly. This helps the cake rise nicely while baking.
Take another bowl. Add eggs and sugar. Mix them with a whisk or spoon until the mixture looks smooth and slightly creamy. Add the milk, oil, and vanilla essence. Mix again until fully combined. Make sure the sugar is mostly dissolved.
Now add the crushed pineapple with its juice into the wet mixture. Stir gently so it blends well. The pineapple juice adds moisture and flavor to the cake.
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet bowl. Add a little at a time and mix gently. Do not over mix. Stir just until you no longer see dry flour. Over mixing can make the cake dense instead of soft.
In a small bowl, place your cranberry or cherry. Add two tablespoons sugar and corn starch. Mix well so the fruit is coated. This helps the fruit stay spread out in the cake and not sink too much.
Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Spread it evenly with a spoon. Now spread the fruit mixture over this layer. Try to spread it evenly so each slice gets some fruit.
Pour the remaining batter over the fruit layer. Smooth the top gently. If you want a sweet crust, mix melted butter and brown sugar and pour lightly over the top. You can also sprinkle chopped nuts now if you like a crunchy top.
Place the pan in the hot oven. Bake for about 35 to 45 minutes. Baking time can change depending on your oven. After 35 minutes, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is ready.
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven. Let the cake rest for at least 15 minutes. Then gently remove it from the pan and place on a plate. Let it cool more before slicing. Serve as it is or with whipped cream.
Why This Recipe Is Special
This pineapple cranberry or cherry cake recipe is special because it brings together simple baking and rich fruit flavor. Many cakes are only sweet, but this one has layers of taste. Pineapple adds a juicy and bright flavor. Cranberry adds a light sour touch that balances the sweetness. Cherry gives a deep and pleasant sweetness and color. You can choose which fruit you prefer and still get a great result.
Another reason this recipe is special is its texture. The pineapple keeps the cake moist and soft. Even after a day, the cake stays tender if stored well. This makes it good for making ahead of time. It is also a good choice for people who do not like dry cakes.
There are also some gentle health points. Fruit adds natural flavor and some vitamins. You can reduce sugar a little if you want. You can also use whole wheat flour for part of the flour to add more fiber. Compared to very creamy desserts, this fruit cake feels lighter and fresher.
Extra Tips for Better Taste
Use fresh pineapple if possible for a more natural flavor. Chop it very small and keep some juice. If using canned pineapple, choose the one in juice instead of heavy syrup.
If you use dried cranberry, soak it in warm water for ten minutes before mixing. This makes it softer and more pleasant in the cake. For cherry, remove all seeds and cut into halves so they spread better.
Add a little orange zest or lemon zest to the batter for extra fresh flavor. It pairs very well with pineapple and berry taste.
You can add one teaspoon cinnamon to the dry ingredients if you enjoy warm spice flavor. It gives a cozy feel to the cake.
Serve the cake slightly warm with a spoon of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The mix of warm cake and cold cream tastes wonderful.
If you want a richer version, brush the top with a little honey after baking. It gives shine and a gentle sweet glaze.
Final Thoughts
This pineapple cranberry or cherry cake recipe is a friendly and flexible dessert that anyone can make at home. It uses simple steps and basic ingredients but gives a result that feels special and bakery style. The mix of soft cake and fruity bites makes it enjoyable for both kids and adults. You can change the fruit based on your taste and season. It is a lovely recipe to keep in your kitchen notebook because it works for many occasions. Bake it once and it may become one of your favorite homemade cakes.
Nutrition Details
Approximate nutrition for full cake
Calories about 2200
Carbohydrates about 320 grams
Protein about 30 grams
Fat about 90 grams
Fiber about 10 grams
Approximate nutrition per serving if cut into 10 slices
Calories about 220
Carbohydrates about 32 grams
Protein about 3 grams
Fat about 9 grams
Fiber about 1 gram
Values can change based on exact ingredients and toppings used.