Pineapple Heaven Cake is a luscious and moist dessert bursting with tropical pineapple flavor. This easy-to-make cake combines a light and fluffy texture with a creamy topping, making it a crowd-pleaser for any gathering. Whether served at a summer barbecue, family dinner, or holiday party, it’s sure to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Requires simple ingredients and minimal prep.
- Bright and Refreshing: Packed with tropical pineapple flavor.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, parties, and celebrations.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better after chilling.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Yellow cake mix
- Eggs
- Vegetable oil
- Crushed pineapple (with juice)
- Vanilla pudding mix
- Milk
- Cool Whip (or whipped cream)
- Optional toppings: toasted coconut, chopped nuts, or maraschino cherries
Directions
- Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions, replacing the water with pineapple juice from the crushed pineapple can. Fold in half of the crushed pineapple.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Make the Topping: In a large bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and milk until thickened. Gently fold in the Cool Whip and the remaining crushed pineapple.
- Assemble: Spread the topping evenly over the cooled cake.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with toasted coconut, chopped nuts, or maraschino cherries if desired.
- Chill: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Serves 12-16 people
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Variations
- Coconut Delight: Add shredded coconut to the cake batter for extra tropical flavor.
- Pineapple Upside-Down Heaven: Layer sliced pineapples and maraschino cherries at the bottom of the dish before adding the batter.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix.
- Cream Cheese Topping: Substitute Cool Whip with a mixture of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and whipped cream.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: This cake is best served cold and does not require reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, but you’ll need to blend it to create a similar texture and ensure it has enough juice for the recipe.
2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cake tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld in the fridge.
3. Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes, white or angel food cake mix works well as a substitute.
4. How do I toast coconut?
Spread shredded coconut on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Can I use homemade whipped cream?
Yes, substitute Cool Whip with freshly whipped cream for a more natural topping.
6. What’s the best way to serve this cake?
Serve chilled, straight from the fridge, for a refreshing treat.
7. Can I skip the pudding mix?
The pudding mix adds creaminess, but you can use stabilized whipped cream or mascarpone cheese as an alternative.
8. Can I add other fruits?
Yes, diced mango, mandarin oranges, or strawberries make excellent additions.
9. How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
Grease the pan thoroughly or line it with parchment paper before baking.
10. Can I use sugar-free ingredients?
Yes, sugar-free cake mix, pudding mix, and whipped topping can be used for a lighter version.
Conclusion
Pineapple Heaven Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the tropical sweetness of pineapple with a creamy, fluffy topping. Its ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing taste make it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Serve up a slice of this heavenly cake, and let the refreshing flavors transport you to a tropical paradise!
PrintPineapple Heaven Cake
Pineapple Heaven Cake is a light, tropical dessert that’s incredibly moist and bursting with pineapple flavor. Topped with a fluffy whipped cream and pineapple topping, this easy cake is perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to potlucks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 oz or 432 g) yellow cake mix
- 1 can (20 oz or 567 g) crushed pineapple, with juice
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) vegetable oil
For the Topping:
- 1 can (20 oz or 567 g) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 package (3.4 oz or 96 g) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 container (8 oz or 225 g) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
- In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, crushed pineapple (with its juice), eggs, and vegetable oil. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake the Cake:
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the cake cool completely in the pan.
- Make the Topping:
- In a medium bowl, mix the drained crushed pineapple with the instant vanilla pudding mix until combined.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping until smooth.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Spread the pineapple topping evenly over the cooled cake.
- Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to set the topping. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle shredded coconut or chopped nuts on top of the cake before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Substitute yellow cake mix with white cake mix for a slightly different flavor.