Old Fashioned Pineapple Cake

Name: Old-Fashioned Pineapple Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2 eggs; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking soda; 20 ounce can crushed pineapple with juice (in heavy syrup); 3/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional); 8 ounces cream cheese (softened); 1/4 cup butter (softened); 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 1/4 cup walnuts to sprinkle on top (optional)

ByJennifer Osterholt UpdatedMay 23, 2025

This post contains affiliate links.

This old-fashioned cake recipe has plenty of crushed pineapple in each bite and is coated with a delicious cream cheese icing.

Also known as Amish Cake and The Best Cake recipe, this one came from my grandma’s recipe box and is found in countless church cookbooks.

Delicious piece of square pineapple cake with homemade cream cheese frosting on a white plate with a fork and the full cake pan in the background.

An Old-Fashioned Cake Recipe

This homemade cake looks common, but has a hefty flavor and surprising texture as each piece has a generous amount of crushed pineapple.

Our family’s favorite part of the old fashioned pineapple cake is the delicious homemade cream cheese icing. The walnuts are optional.

We’ve been making a variety of classic cakes from this Mississippi Mud Cake to Pumpkin Cream Puff Cake and Earthquake Cake. It’s fun to have so many dessert options that are quick to whip up.

Server lifting a piece of grandma's old fashioned pineapple cake out of a 9x 13" dish full on a yellow and white plaid napkin.

We tend to prefer cakes made in a 9 x 13″ pan with a lid for ease of storage, being able to stack other food on them in the refrigerator and how quick they are to make.

Recently we were craving this cake and made it to serve at the local shelter along with our Chicken Noodle Soup for a Crowd. This was a popular meal combination that was highly complimented.

Ingredients Needed

Eggs
Sugar
Flour
Baking soda
Vanilla
Walnuts
Crushed pineapple in heavy syrup
Cream cheese
Butter
Powdered Sugar

Ingredients to make pineapple cake are a can of crushed pineapple, sugar, flour, powdered sugar, cream cheese, butter, baking soda, eggs and vanilla on a wooden counter top.

If you enjoy this recipe be sure to try our Old-Fashioned Pineapple Icing too!

Step By Step Instructions

Mix together a #2 can or large can or undrained crushed pineapple, sugar, vanilla and eggs. Stir until well blended.

Sugar, vanilla and crushed pineapple in a white mixing bowl.

Can of crushed pineapple in heavy syrup in a bowl of cake batter.

Add remaining cake ingredients and mix well.

Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Combine all icing ingredients except walnuts and spread icing on a cooled cake. Sprinkle walnuts on top if desired.

Thick layer of cream cheese frosting on a simple old fashioned pineapple cake in a 9x13 glass dish on a yellow and white plaid napkin.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Set the cream cheese out on the counter about two hours before making the frosting
Only spread frosting on a cool cake or it will melt
The pineapple cake will start to look a little crisp on the outside edges, but ensure the center is baked through before removing from the oven. Use a toothpick to test doneness.

Moist piece of pineapple cake with a coarse texture and light citrus flavor with a fork ready to pick up a bite coated with cream cheese frosting.

Other Easy Cake Recipes

Originally published on October 6, 2018 and updated on April 9, 2025.

Collage of old fashioned "the best cake" recipe with nuts and cream cheese icing

Categories:

Cakes, Desserts, Recipes,

Jennifer Osterholt

I share how to make life easier while raising a busy family! From delicious desserts to easy dinners and simple breakfast recipes. I’m here to make your time in the kitchen more efficient while building confidence!