Description
Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake is a delightful and moist yellow cake infused with crushed pineapple and instant vanilla pudding for extra flavor and texture. Topped with whipped cream mixed with pineapple, shredded coconut, and maraschino cherries, this easy-to-make dessert is perfect for summer gatherings or anytime you crave a tropical treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Batter
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple in juice (do not drain)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
Topping
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple (drained)
- 1/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional)
- Maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, undrained 20 oz can of crushed pineapple, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and dry instant vanilla pudding mix. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is baked through.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This ensures the topping will not melt when applied.
- Prepare Topping: In a medium bowl, gently fold together the whipped topping and the drained 8 oz can of crushed pineapple until evenly combined.
- Top the Cake: Spread the pineapple whipped topping evenly over the cooled cake. Sprinkle with sweetened shredded coconut, if using, and garnish with maraschino cherries as desired.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to set the topping and enhance flavors. For best results, chill overnight before serving.
Notes
- This cake improves in flavor and texture after chilling overnight.
- You can substitute the vanilla pudding mix with coconut or pineapple-flavored pudding for a more tropical twist.
- For a nutty twist, consider adding chopped macadamia nuts to the topping.
- If you prefer less sweetness, use light whipped topping and reduce the amount of shredded coconut.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
