Description
This tropical layer cake features a moist, oil-based sponge infused with crushed pineapple and topped with a luxurious mascarpone whipped cream. It is a sophisticated yet comforting Southern classic that delivers a perfect balance of tang and sweetness in every bite.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Granulated sugar
- Large eggs, room temperature
- Vegetable oil
- 20-ounce can crushed pineapple in juice
- Vanilla extract
- Fresh lemon juice
- Milk
- Unsalted butter
- Yellow gel food coloring (optional)
- Mascarpone cheese
- Icing sugar
- Heavy whipping cream
- Drained crushed pineapple (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F) for fan-forced or 175°C (350°F) conventional, then grease and line two 8-inch cake tins with parchment paper.
- Sift together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl and whisk until uniform.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the sugar, room temperature eggs, vegetable oil, the full 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple with juice, vanilla, and lemon juice.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a flexible spatula just until the last streak of flour disappears.
- Divide the batter between the prepared tins and bake for 30 to 33 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the filling by whisking pineapple, sugar, cornstarch, milk, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat until thickened and glossy, then stir in butter and let cool completely.
- Beat cold mascarpone, icing sugar, and vanilla until smooth, then add cold heavy cream and whip to stiff peaks before folding in the drained pineapple pieces.
- Level the cooled cake layers, stack with frosting and a pineapple filling center, then frost the exterior and decorate as desired.
Notes
To ensure the most stable frosting, make sure both your mascarpone and heavy cream are thoroughly chilled before whipping. If you find your cake layers are slightly domed after baking, use a serrated knife to level them once they are completely cool to ensure a sturdy and professional stack during assembly.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 33 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern