Preheat and Prepare: First, preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C Fan / Gas Mark 4). Grease and line a 23cm (9-inch) square cake tin with baking parchment. I find learning the proper way to line a cake tin makes life so much easier.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the plain flour, bicarbonate of soda, salt, and light brown soft sugar. Breaking up any lumps in the sugar now will ensure an even texture later.

Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl or jug, lightly beat the eggs, then whisk in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract until well combined.

Bring it all Together: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. What works best for me is to stop mixing the moment I can no longer see streaks of dry flour. A few lumps are perfectly fine and expected.

Fold in the Pineapple: Gently fold in the entire tin of undrained crushed pineapple, juice and all. The mixture will look quite wet, but don't worry – this is what makes the cake so wonderfully moist.

Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into your prepared tin and level the top with your spatula. Bake for 40-45 minutes. To check if it's done, insert a skewer into the centre – it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.

Cool Completely: Let the cake cool in the tin for 15 minutes before carefully turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. It must be 100% cool before you even think about frosting it!

Make the Frosting: While the cake cools, make the frosting. In a large bowl, use an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer to beat the softened butter until pale and creamy. Add the room temperature cream cheese and beat again until smooth.

Finish the Frosting: Gradually add the sifted icing sugar on a low speed, mixing until incorporated before adding more. Once all the sugar is in, add the vanilla extract and beat on medium-high for 2-3 minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth.

Decorate and Serve: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. If you like, sprinkle over some toasted coconut flakes or chopped pecans. Slice and serve!