Pineapple Cream Cheese Pound Cake

 


Ingredients:

For the Cake:


2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

8 oz cream cheese, softened

3 cups granulated sugar

6 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp lemon extract (optional, but adds great flavor)

1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained (reserve juice for glaze or other uses)

1/4 cup pineapple juice (optional, for added pineapple flavor)

For the Pineapple Glaze (optional):


1/4 cup pineapple juice

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven:


Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).

Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan (or use a tube pan). You can also use non-stick cooking spray with flour for easy removal.

Mix the Dry Ingredients:


In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese:


In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and cream cheese on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).

Gradually add the sugar, beating until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Add the Eggs:


Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon extract (if using).

Add the Pineapple:


Gently fold in the crushed pineapple and pineapple juice (if using) into the batter. Be careful not to overmix, just combine until evenly distributed.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:


Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in small batches, alternating with a few tablespoons of pineapple juice (if desired). Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Bake the Cake:


Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes (depending on your oven) or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

If the top begins to brown too quickly, tent the cake with aluminum foil and continue baking.

Cool the Cake:


Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Glaze (Optional):


In a small saucepan, combine the pineapple juice and powdered sugar. Stir over medium heat until smooth.

Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top for a sweet, glossy finish.