Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake is sunshine on a plate—sweet, juicy, and refreshing, yet rich enough to satisfy any dessert craving. It’s easy to make with simple pantry ingredients, and there’s no need for fancy frosting skills. The pineapple adds natural moisture and tang, while the creamy topping keeps it light and dreamy. Whether you serve it chilled straight from the fridge or freshly assembled at room temperature, this dessert is guaranteed to brighten your day.
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Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake: A Tropical Dessert Dream Come True
- Total Time: 40 mins + chilling time
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake is a light, tropical-inspired dessert bursting with pineapple flavor — featuring a fluffy yellow cake base soaked in sweet pineapple juice and topped with a creamy whipped pineapple topping. Every bite tastes like sunshine!
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: eggs, oil, and water)
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple in juice, divided
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional, for garnish)
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the yellow cake mix according to the package directions, substituting the water with 1/2 cup of pineapple juice from the crushed pineapple can.
- Pour batter into the prepared dish and bake as directed on the box, usually 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow cake to cool completely in the pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining crushed pineapple (with juice) and vanilla pudding mix. Stir until thickened, then fold in the whipped topping until smooth and fluffy.
- Spread the pineapple cream mixture evenly over the cooled cake.
- Sprinkle with shredded coconut and toasted pecans, if desired.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving for the best flavor and texture.
- Serve chilled and enjoy your heavenly slice of pineapple bliss!
Notes
- For extra pineapple flavor, drizzle additional pineapple juice over the baked cake before adding the topping.
- Use sugar-free pudding and light whipped topping for a lighter version.
- Pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or fresh tropical fruit.
- Can be made a day ahead — it tastes even better after chilling overnight!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked and Chilled
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Yellow or White Cake Mix
The perfect shortcut base—light, fluffy, and ready for your tropical twist.
Crushed Pineapple (with Juice)
Adds natural sweetness, moisture, and that signature tropical flavor.
Eggs
Give the cake structure and richness.
Vegetable Oil
Keeps the cake moist and tender.
Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
Blends into the whipped topping for a creamy, flavorful finish.
Whipped Topping (Cool Whip or Homemade Whipped Cream)
Creates a light, cloud-like topping for the pineapple layer.
Powdered Sugar (Optional)
Adds sweetness and stability to homemade whipped cream.
Toasted Coconut Flakes (Optional)
Adds texture and a beautiful tropical garnish.
Cherries or Pineapple Slices (for Decoration)
A cheerful finishing touch that makes this dessert as pretty as it is delicious.
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or two 9-inch round pans. - Prepare the Cake Batter:
In a large bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, oil, and the juice from the canned pineapple (reserve the crushed fruit for later). Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth. - Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely. - Make the Pineapple Layer:
In a medium saucepan, combine the crushed pineapple with its remaining juice and ½ cup sugar (optional for extra sweetness). Simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. Cool completely before spreading over the cooled cake. - Prepare the Creamy Topping:
In a bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until slightly thickened. Fold in the whipped topping until smooth and fluffy. - Assemble the Cake:
Spread the pineapple layer evenly over the cooled cake. Top with the pudding mixture, smoothing it gently with a spatula. - Chill and Garnish:
Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes, pineapple rings, or maraschino cherries for a beautiful tropical touch. - Serve:
Slice and serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 10–12 people and takes about 45 minutes total—15 minutes prep time, 30 minutes baking time, plus 2 hours chilling time.
Storage/reheating
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s best served chilled. You can also freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months—just thaw, then add the pineapple and cream layers before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Coconut Pineapple Dream Cake
Add shredded coconut to the cake batter for an extra tropical twist.
Pineapple Cream Cheese Frosting
Replace the pudding layer with a mix of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and whipped topping for a tangier flavor.
Upside-Down Version
Layer pineapple rings and brown sugar on the bottom of the pan before adding the batter for a beautiful caramelized top.
Lemon-Pineapple Sunshine Cake
Add lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice to the batter for extra brightness.
Piña Colada Cake
Add shredded coconut and a splash of coconut milk or rum extract to the batter for a tropical cocktail-inspired version.
Angel Food Twist
Use angel food cake instead of cake mix for a lighter, airier dessert.
Berry Bliss
Add a layer of sliced strawberries or raspberries over the pineapple for extra color and flavor.
Pineapple Almond Cake
Fold chopped almonds into the batter or sprinkle over the topping for crunch.
Sugar-Free Version
Use sugar-free pudding mix and light whipped topping for a healthier option.
Mini Cakes or Cupcakes
Bake in muffin tins for individual servings—perfect for parties or potlucks.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple?
Yes, but drain it well and add a little extra sugar to maintain sweetness and moisture.
Can I use homemade whipped cream?
Absolutely—just whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla for a fresh, fluffy topping.
Do I need to refrigerate the cake?
Yes, keep it chilled to preserve the topping’s texture and flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it’s even better the next day once the flavors meld.
What can I use instead of instant pudding mix?
Use custard or a homemade vanilla pastry cream if you prefer.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes—use dairy-free whipped topping, pudding mix, and plant-based milk.
Can I add nuts?
Chopped pecans, almonds, or macadamias add a delicious crunch.
Can I reduce the sweetness?
Skip the added sugar in the pineapple layer or use unsweetened crushed pineapple.
Can I bake it in a bundt pan?
Yes—just adjust the baking time and serve with the pineapple and cream as a topping instead of a layer.
Can I use white cake mix instead of yellow?
Yes, both work beautifully depending on your flavor preference.
Conclusion
Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the taste of sunshine in every bite. With its moist, flavorful base, luscious pineapple filling, and creamy whipped topping, it’s both simple to make and stunning to serve. Every forkful delivers tropical sweetness and velvety texture, making it perfect for holidays, parties, or just when you need a little edible escape. Once you’ve tried it, this cake will become your go-to treat for every occasion—it truly is a taste of heaven.
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