Right so this one's a bit of a classic actually. Pineapple cake. It's not trendy. It's not viral. It's not covered in gold leaf or doing anything fancy. But you know what? Sometimes classic just works. Sometimes you want something that reminds you of something. Birthdays when you were little. Afternoon tea at your nan's. That sort of thing. Someone came in last week and asked if we did it. Older bloke. Maybe seventy. Said his wife loved pineapple cake and he wanted to surprise her with something nice. Made me think actually. We should probably have this on the menu more often. So here it is. Vanilla sponge first. Nice and light. Fluffy. Nothing too heavy because the pineapple's doing quite a lot. Then we soak it. Just a tiny bit. With pineapple juice from the tin actually. Waste not want not. Keeps everything moist and adds that little extra hit of flavour. Then the buttercream. Now this bit's important. It's vanilla buttercream but with crushed pineapple mixed through. Not too much. Just enough so you get little bits of pineapple in every bite. Slightly tangy. Slightly sweet. Works perfectly. Between the layers? More crushed pineapple. Drained first obviously. Don't want it too wet. Just little chunks of pineapple so every slice gets some. On top we keep it simple. Smooth buttercream. Then a ring of pineapple pieces. Sometimes a glacé cherry in the middle if I'm feeling traditional. Looks proper old school. Like something from a bakery years ago. Who's buying these slices? Older folk. The ones who grew up on this sort of thing. Honestly? People who find chocolate too heavy. This is lighter. Anyone feeling a bit nostalgic. People who've had a long day and want something comforting. Me sometimes. With a cup of tea. Hits the spot. If you're in Bromley just pop in and grab one. They're usually about. Or if you want a few slices for something order online and we'll have them ready. Collection or local delivery whatever works. One thing I should mention. The pineapple makes the cake really moist. Like properly moist. That's a good thing obviously but if you're someone who likes dry crumbly cake this might not be your one. Each to their own. Also the pineapple on top might go a bit soft after a day. Still tastes fine. Just not as firm. Best eaten within a day or two. Right. That's the pineapple slice done. Classic. Simple. Proper comfort food.
