Portuguese Pineapple Cake

Ingredients

In this Portuguese adaptation of the Hummingbird Cake, we have incorporated traditional Portuguese ingredients and flavors to give it an authentic twist. The original recipe's banana has been replaced with pineapple, which is a popular fruit in Portuguese cuisine. Additionally, we have added warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance the flavor profile, reflecting the use of spices in Portuguese desserts. The cream cheese frosting remains a classic choice, providing a creamy and tangy contrast to the sweetness of the cake. We alse have the original recipe for Hummingbird Cake, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3 large eggs 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups (450g) crushed pineapple, drained 2 cups (450g) crushed pineapple, drained
• 1/2 cup (60g) chopped walnuts 1/2 cup (60g) chopped walnuts
• Cream cheese frosting: Cream cheese frosting:
• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Toasted coconut, for garnish Toasted coconut, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1885 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 60g, 45g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.4g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. 5.
   Fold in the crushed pineapple and chopped walnuts.
6. 6.
   Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
7. 7.
   Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. 8.
   Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. 9.
   For the cream cheese frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
10. 10.
    Once the cake has cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top and sides.
11. 11.
    Garnish with toasted coconut.
12. 12.
    Slice and serve.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pineapple — Make sure to drain the crushed pineapple well to remove excess moisture and prevent the cake from becoming too wet.
• Cream cheese — Soften the cream cheese and butter at room temperature before preparing the frosting to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For added texture, you can sprinkle some additional chopped walnuts on top of the cream cheese frosting.
• If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, you can increase the amount of ground cinnamon to 1 teaspoon.
• To toast the coconut, spread it evenly on a baking sheet and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
• If you don't have a round cake pan, you can use a square or rectangular pan instead. Adjust the baking time accordingly.

Serving advice

Serve the Portuguese Pineapple Cake at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. It pairs well with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of chilled white wine.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, you can sprinkle some additional toasted coconut on top of the cream cheese frosting. You can also decorate the cake with fresh pineapple slices or edible flowers for an extra touch of elegance.