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Easy Pineapple Frosting Recipe | Tropical Buttercream in 15 Minutes



Easy Pineapple Frosting Recipe

There’s something irresistible about that first bite of tropical sweetness—especially when it’s whipped into a luscious, creamy frosting. This easy pineapple frosting brings vacation vibes straight to your kitchen, no fancy techniques required. Whether you’re frosting cupcakes for a summer party, layering it between fluffy cake rounds, or just sneaking spoonfuls straight from the bowl (no judgment), this buttercream is a quick win with big flavor. > > Looking for a cupcake pairing? Try it with our crowd-favorite Pina Colada Cupcakes—they’re a match made in tropical dessert heaven.

 

Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Frosting

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes—perfect for last-minute baking needs.
  • Tropical Flavor: Pineapple cream cheese brings a fruity tang that’s irresistible.
  • Versatile: Use it on cupcakes, cakes, bars, cookies—or even as a dip for graham crackers!
  • Pipe-Perfect Texture: Light, fluffy, and stable enough for beautiful swirls.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Holds up in the fridge or freezer beautifully—ideal for party prep.

Ingredients

  • 1 tub (8 oz / 227 g) pineapple cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar
  • 6 tbsp (90 ml) rum (optional, or use 1 tsp vanilla).

Equipment Needed

  • Electric mixer (stand or hand-held)
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Piping bag with a large round tip

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Tall swirl of pineapple buttercream frosting on a cupcake

Directions

  1. Whip the base: Combine cream cheese and butter; beat on high ~5 minutes until smooth.
  2. Add sugar: Lower speed, mix in powdered sugar until silky.
  3. Flavor twist: Add rum or vanilla; beat until combined.
  4. Lighten up: Whip on high 2–3 more minutes for fluffiness.
  5. Pipe it: Fill a bag and frost cooled cupcakes or cake layers.
  6. Store: Use now or chill for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

 

Expert Tips & Variations

  • Add 1–2 tsp pineapple juice for more tang.
  • Swap rum for vanilla for a kid-friendly version.
  • Tint with yellow or green food coloring for fun.
  • Stir in crushed pineapple bits for texture.
  • Make it vegan with dairy-free alternatives.

Kitchen Tips for the Creamiest Frosting Every Time

A silky-smooth finish starts with the right temperature. Be sure your butter and pineapple cream cheese are truly softened—not cold, not melted. Room temperature ingredients blend more evenly, making that signature fluffy texture easier to achieve. Use a stand mixer if possible, since the extra power can help trap air for a lighter result. Don’t skimp on the beating time either! A full 5 minutes of whipping builds volume and structure, which translates to those gorgeous, pipeable swirls.

If your frosting turns out a little too soft to hold its shape, just pop it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes, then rewhip. If it’s too stiff, a tablespoon of milk or pineapple juice will loosen things right back up.

 

Perfect Pairings & Occasions

Pair this frosting with classic vanilla cake, coconut cupcakes, or even a rum-spiked chocolate base for a bold twist. It’s a go-to for luaus, tropical-themed birthdays, summer potlucks, or anytime your dessert table needs a sunny upgrade. Add a cocktail umbrella for instant vacation vibes!

About Pineapples

Pineapples are clusters of berries fused around a central core—explaining the crown of leaves! They’re rich in vitamin C, manganese, and antioxidants, supporting immunity and digestion. Plus, their juicy sweetness pairs beautifully with buttercream frostings.

Mixer bowl filled with creamy pineapple buttercream frosting

Tropical Twist: Make It Your Own
Want to lean even harder into vacation mode? Fold in toasted coconut flakes, a dash of lime zest, or even a spoonful of crushed pineapple for added texture and flavor. Hosting a summer party? Try tinting half the batch soft yellow and the other half mint green, then swirl them together for a layered island look. You could even pipe this frosting onto graham cracker crust bars or use it as a filling between sugar cookies. The flavor profile is flexible, festive, and always a crowd-pleaser.

 

Storage & Make-Ahead

Store frosted cupcakes or frosting in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Bring to room temp before using. For long-term storage, freeze up to 1 month—thaw in the fridge overnight and rewhip.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I use regular cream cheese? Yes, for a milder pineapple flavor.
  • Can I skip the rum? Yes—use vanilla or leave out.
  • Pipe-friendly? Yes—great hold for piping tips.
  • Good for cakes? Perfect for cupcakes, cakes, or bars.
  • Control sweetness? Adjust sugar to taste.
  • Prep ahead? Make 2–3 days ahead and rewhip.
  • Gluten-free? Naturally GF—just match your base.

Let’s Bake Together!

Made this frosting? Tag @jonbonjovious on Pinterest or Instagram, save this recipe, and browse more sweet inspirations.

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Bowl of creamy pineapple buttercream in a mixer

Pineapple Frosting Recipe

Yield: 24 cupcakes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Looking for a burst of tropical flavor in your desserts? Try our easy pineapple frosting recipe! Perfect for cupcakes and cakes, ready in just 15 minutes!

Ingredients

  • 1 tub (8 oz) pineapple cream cheese, softened (227 g)
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (113 g)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar (480 g)
  • 6 tablespoons rum (optional, for a delightful twist) (90 ml)

Instructions

  1. Whip the Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened pineapple cream cheese and butter. Using an electric mixer, beat them on high speed for approximately 5 minutes until smooth and creamy.
  2. Incorporate the Powdered Sugar: Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese and butter mixture. Continue mixing until fully incorporated.
  3. Optional Rum Infusion: For a touch of tropical elegance, add the rum to the frosting. Blend on low speed until well combined.
  4. Whip to Fluffy Perfection: Increase the mixer speed to high and whip the frosting for a few more minutes until light, fluffy, and irresistibly smooth.
  5. Frosting Your Cupcakes: Transfer the Pineapple Paradise Frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes in a circular motion, starting from the outer edge and working your way to the center.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the cupcakes immediately or store them in an airtight container for later enjoyment.

Notes

  • For a more intense pineapple flavor, add a small amount of pineapple juice during Step 3.
  • For a non-alcoholic version, replace the rum with 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
  • Nutrition Information:
    Yield: 24 Serving Size: 1
    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 84Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 6mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 0gSugar: 18gProtein: 0g

    The Nutritional Information may not be accurate.

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    About Julee Morrison

    Julee Morrison is an author and writer with over 35 years of experience in parenting and family recipes. She’s the author of four cookbooks: The Instant Pot College Cookbook, The How-To Cookbook for Teens, The Complete Cookbook for Teens, and The Complete College Cookbook.Available on Amazon,

    Her work has appeared in The LA Times, Disney’s Family Fun Magazine, Bon Appétit, Weight Watchers Magazine, All You, Scholastic Parent & Child, and more.

    Her article "My Toddler Stood on Elvis' Grave and Scaled Over Boulders to Get to a Dinosaur" appeared on AP News, and her parenting piece “The Sly Way I Cured My Child's Lying Habit” was featured on PopSugar.

    Outside of writing, Julee enjoys baking, reading, collecting crystals, and spending time with her family. You can find more of her work at Mommy’s Memorandum.

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