Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, softened1-1/4 cups sugar, divided4 eggs, separated1 teaspoon vanilla extract1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour1 teaspoon baking powder1/4 teaspoon salt1/4 cup milk3/4 cup chopped walnutsFILLING:1 cup heavy whipping cream1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple, well drained
Preparation
In a small bowl, cream butter and 1/2 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolks and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition. Spread batter over the bottom of two greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans (batter will be about 1/4 in. thick); set aside.
In another large bowl, beat egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Spread meringue evenly over batter; sprinkle with walnuts.
Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until meringue is lightly browned. Cool in pans for 5 minutes; loosen edges of cakes from pans with a knife. Using two large spatulas, carefully remove cakes from pans; cool completely, meringue side up, on wire racks.
In a small bowl, beat cream and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Fold in pineapple. Transfer one cake layer to a serving plate, meringue side up. Carefully spread filling over meringue; top with the remaining cake layer. Store in the refrigerator.
