Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pineapple Heaven Cake is a light, fluffy, and fruity dessert that’s incredibly easy to make and bursting with tropical flavor. With a base of moist pineapple-infused cake and a luscious whipped topping layered with crushed pineapple and pudding, it’s cool, creamy, and perfect for warm-weather gatherings or potlucks.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
boxed yellow or white cake mixingredients required on cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, and water)crushed pineapple (in juice, not syrup)instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz)whipped topping (like Cool Whip)powdered sugar (optional for garnish)maraschino cherries or coconut flakes (optional for topping)
directions
Prepare and bake the cake mix according to package instructions in a 9×13-inch pan.
Allow the cake to cool completely.
In a mixing bowl, combine crushed pineapple (with juice) and instant pudding mix. Stir until slightly thickened.
Fold in the whipped topping until fully combined and fluffy.
Spread the pineapple mixture evenly over the cooled cake.
Refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours to set and chill before serving.
Garnish with powdered sugar, cherries, or coconut if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 12–15 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesBaking time: 25–30 minutesChilling time: 2 hoursTotal time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Variations
Use a butter pecan or pineapple cake mix for extra flavor.
Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
Replace pudding with coconut cream pudding for a tropical twist.
Use fresh whipped cream instead of whipped topping for a homemade touch.
storage/reheating
Store in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days.Best served chilled. Not suitable for freezing once topped.
FAQs
Can I make this a day ahead?
Yes, it’s actually better after chilling overnight.
Do I drain the pineapple?
No, use the juice for moisture and flavor in the topping.
Can I use homemade cake?
Absolutely—any moist vanilla or yellow cake will work.
Can I make it sugar-free?
Yes, use sugar-free cake mix, pudding, and whipped topping if desired.
Is this the same as Pineapple Sunshine Cake?
They’re similar, but Pineapple Heaven Cake is richer and creamier with the pudding layer.
Conclusion
Pineapple Heaven Cake is a dreamy, fruity dessert that’s refreshingly easy to make and impossible to resist. With its moist cake base and cool, creamy topping, it’s like a taste of sunshine in every bite. Perfect for celebrations, picnics, or just a sweet escape—this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
PrintPineapple Heaven Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pineapple Heaven Cake is a light and fluffy dessert bursting with tropical pineapple flavor, layered with creamy topping and crushed pineapple. It’s easy to make and perfect for potlucks, picnics, or any sweet craving.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped 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 package directions. Pour into the prepared dish and bake as directed, usually about 25–30 minutes.
- Remove cake from oven and while still warm, poke holes all over the top using a fork or skewer.
- Pour the entire can of crushed pineapple (with juice) evenly over the warm cake. Let it soak in and cool completely.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add pudding mix and cold milk, and beat until thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Fold in whipped topping until fully combined.
- Spread the creamy mixture over the cooled cake and top with shredded coconut and chopped nuts if using.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to let the flavors meld.
Notes
- Make ahead a day in advance for even better flavor.
- Use pineapple tidbits for a chunkier texture if desired.
- Can be made without nuts and coconut for a simpler version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
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