Pineapple Pecan Cream Cheese Pound Cake

A delicious and moist pound cake packed with the flavors of pineapple and pecans, this recipe is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 6 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, well-drained
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan.
• In a large bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
• Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add it to the creamed mixture.
• Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts, crushed pineapple, and chopped pecans.
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
• Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and cool completely on a wire rack.

For the Glaze:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, pineapple juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake and garnish with chopped pecans.

Popular questions:

• Can I use fresh pineapple instead of crushed pineapple?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but make sure to finely chop it to get the same texture in the cake.

• Can I omit the pecans?

Yes, you can omit the pecans or substitute them with another nut of your choice.

• Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but margarine can be used as a substitute in a pinch.

• How do I properly drain the crushed pineapple?

Place the crushed pineapple in a fine mesh sieve and press down with the back of a spoon to remove excess liquid.

• Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, this cake freezes well. Make sure it is completely cooled before wrapping tightly and freezing.

Helpful tips:

• For an extra tropical twist, add shredded coconut to the batter.
• You can glaze the cake with a cream cheese frosting instead of the powdered sugar glaze for added richness.
• To enhance the almond flavor, toast the pecans before adding them to the batter.

Expert Secrets:

• To prevent the cake from sticking to the pan, make sure to grease and flour the pan thoroughly.
• Let the cream cheese and butter come to room temperature before starting the recipe for easier mixing.
• For a more pronounced pineapple flavor, add a bit of pineapple extract to the batter.