Introduction
Pineapple Pecan Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a rich, buttery Southern dessert that perfectly blends tropical sweetness with classic comfort. Combining tangy cream cheese, juicy pineapple, and crunchy pecans, this pound cake offers a moist texture and irresistible flavor in every slice. Whether served at holidays, family gatherings, church suppers, or weekend brunches, this cake always steals the spotlight.
Pound cakes have long been a staple of Southern baking. Their dense yet tender crumb and rich buttery flavor make them a favorite for celebrations and everyday treats alike. By adding cream cheese, the cake becomes even richer and softer, while pineapple adds moisture and a bright tropical note that balances the richness beautifully.
The chopped pecans provide a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with pineapple. Together, these ingredients create a cake that feels elegant enough for special occasions yet comforting enough to enjoy with a cup of coffee on a quiet afternoon.
One of the best things about this cake is how well it keeps. In fact, many bakers believe pound cakes taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen and develop. Whether topped with a simple glaze, dusted with powdered sugar, or served plain, Pineapple Pecan Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a dessert you’ll want to make again and again.
If you love Southern baking with a tropical twist, this cake deserves a permanent place in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
🍍 For the Pound Cake
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2½ cups granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pineapple extract (optional)
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, well drained
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup sour cream
🍍 For the Pineapple Glaze
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons pineapple juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Garnishes
- Toasted pecans
- Pineapple tidbits
- Toasted coconut flakes
- Powdered sugar
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan thoroughly, making sure every groove is coated to prevent sticking.
Set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
Set aside.
This ensures the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add sugar and continue beating for 4–5 minutes until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in vanilla extract and pineapple extract if using.
This step creates the rich and tender structure that pound cakes are known for.
Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients
Alternate adding the flour mixture and sour cream to the batter.
Begin and end with the flour mixture.
Mix only until combined.
Gently fold in:
- Crushed pineapple
- Chopped pecans
Be careful not to overmix.
The batter should be thick, creamy, and full of texture.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan.
Spread evenly.
Bake for 75–85 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes before removing.
Cool completely before glazing.
Variation
1. Pineapple Coconut Pecan Cake
Add 1 cup shredded coconut to the batter for tropical flavor.
2. Pineapple Walnut Cake
Replace pecans with walnuts.
3. Pineapple Rum Pound Cake
Add 2 tablespoons dark rum to the batter.
4. Caramel Pineapple Cake
Drizzle caramel sauce over the finished cake.
5. Pineapple Cheesecake Pound Cake
Increase cream cheese to 12 ounces for extra richness.
6. Pineapple Almond Cake
Add almond extract and sliced almonds.
COOKING Note
- Drain pineapple thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
- Use room-temperature ingredients for smooth mixing.
- Toast pecans for deeper flavor.
- Do not overmix after adding flour.
- Cool completely before glazing.
- Grease the Bundt pan well to prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Pineapple Pecan Cream Cheese Pound Cake:
- With coffee or tea
- Topped with whipped cream
- Alongside vanilla ice cream
- Garnished with toasted coconut
- At holiday gatherings
- During brunch celebrations
- For birthdays and family reunions
- As an afternoon dessert
The tropical pineapple flavor pairs beautifully with creamy toppings and warm beverages.
Tips
- Use canned crushed pineapple for convenience and consistency.
- Pat pineapple dry with paper towels to remove extra liquid.
- Toast pecans before adding for richer flavor.
- Let the cake rest overnight for enhanced taste.
- Store tightly covered to maintain moisture.
- Freeze slices individually for easy desserts later.
- Use high-quality vanilla extract for the best flavor.
Prep Time:
25 minutes
Cooking Time:
80 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour 45 minutes
Nutritional Information
Per Slice (Approximate)
Calories: 530
Protein: 6g
Sodium: 230mg
Carbohydrates: 60g
Sugar: 42g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Fiber: 2g
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple?
Yes. Finely chop and drain it well before using.
Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Why is my pound cake dense?
Overmixing or inaccurate measurements may lead to a dense texture.
Do I have to use pineapple extract?
No. It simply enhances the pineapple flavor.
Can I substitute walnuts for pecans?
Yes. Walnuts work wonderfully in this recipe.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. The flavor improves after resting overnight.
Why did my cake stick to the pan?
The pan may not have been greased and floured thoroughly.
Conclusion
Pineapple Pecan Cream Cheese Pound Cake is the perfect marriage of Southern comfort and tropical flavor. Rich cream cheese, juicy pineapple, crunchy pecans, and buttery pound cake come together to create a dessert that is moist, flavorful, and unforgettable.
Whether you’re serving it at a holiday table, sharing it with loved ones, or enjoying a slice with coffee, this cake delivers homemade warmth and bakery-quality flavor in every bite. Once you taste it, you’ll understand why this delicious pound cake quickly becomes a family favorite. 🍍🥜🍰✨
Print
🍍🥜 Pineapple Pecan Cream Cheese Pound Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Description
Pineapple Pecan Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a rich, buttery Southern dessert that perfectly blends tropical sweetness with classic comfort. Combining tangy cream cheese, juicy pineapple, and crunchy pecans, this pound cake offers a moist texture and irresistible flavor in every slice. Whether served at holidays, family gatherings, church suppers, or weekend brunches, this cake always steals the spotlight.
Ingredients
🍍 For the Pound Cake
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2½ cups granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pineapple extract (optional)
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, well drained
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup sour cream
🍍 For the Pineapple Glaze
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons pineapple juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Garnishes
- Toasted pecans
- Pineapple tidbits
- Toasted coconut flakes
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan thoroughly, making sure every groove is coated to prevent sticking.
Set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
Set aside.
This ensures the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add sugar and continue beating for 4–5 minutes until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in vanilla extract and pineapple extract if using.
This step creates the rich and tender structure that pound cakes are known for.
Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients
Alternate adding the flour mixture and sour cream to the batter.
Begin and end with the flour mixture.
Mix only until combined.
Gently fold in:
- Crushed pineapple
- Chopped pecans
Be careful not to overmix.
The batter should be thick, creamy, and full of texture.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan.
Spread evenly.
Bake for 75–85 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes before removing.
Cool completely before glazing.
Notes
- Drain pineapple thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
- Use room-temperature ingredients for smooth mixing.
- Toast pecans for deeper flavor.
- Do not overmix after adding flour.
- Cool completely before glazing.
- Grease the Bundt pan well to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 80 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g