Description
Indulge in the tropical delight of Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake, a moist and flavorful yellow cake infused with crushed pineapple and topped with a creamy mixture of vanilla pudding, whipped topping, and pineapple chunks. This easy-to-make dessert combines a soft cake texture with a luscious pineapple topping and optional shredded coconut for an extra touch of sweetness and tropical flair. Perfect for summer gatherings or any time you crave a refreshing, fruity treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix
- 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple in juice (undrained)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup cold milk
- 1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple (drained)
- ½ cup shredded sweetened coconut (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix cake batter: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, undrained 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix them together until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Bake the cake: Pour the prepared batter evenly into the greased baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan, which ensures the topping will not melt or slide off.
- Prepare the topping: In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until thickened, about 2 minutes. Fold in the whipped topping and drained crushed pineapple until combined.
- Assemble the cake: Spread the pineapple topping evenly over the cooled cake. Sprinkle with shredded sweetened coconut if desired for an added tropical flavor and texture.
- Chill before serving: Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and the topping to set. Serve chilled for best taste.
Notes
- For extra pineapple flavor, substitute pineapple juice for the milk when preparing the topping.
- This cake improves in flavor after sitting, so consider making it a day ahead.
- Greasing the baking dish well ensures easy removal and clean slices.
- Optional shredded coconut adds a wonderful tropical texture but can be omitted for those with allergies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg