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Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake

A moist and tender pineapple cake made with simple ingredients that delivers a tropical and sweet flavor, perfect for gatherings or weeknight desserts.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Tropical
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Ingredients
  • 1 box 15.25 oz yellow or vanilla cake mix
  • 1 can 20 oz crushed pineapple, undrained (reserve 2 tbsp juice for the glaze)
  • 1 package 3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter Use unsalted butter if you prefer less salt.
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Glaze and Toppings
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons reserved pineapple juice Reserve for a brighter glaze.
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Fresh slices pineapple slices
  • to taste cups toasted coconut flakes Toast until golden for crunch.
  • to taste cups whipped cream

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch pan, or line it with parchment for easy removal.
  2. Combine the cake mix and instant vanilla pudding in a large bowl. Add eggs, oil (or melted butter), and vanilla; whisk briefly.
  3. Stir in the entire can of crushed pineapple with its juice.
  4. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Tap the pan gently to settle the batter.
Baking
  1. Bake for 35–40 minutes. The cake is done when the edges turn golden and a toothpick in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The center should spring back slightly.
Cooling and Glazing
  1. Remove from the oven and cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  2. While the cake cools, whisk the powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons reserved pineapple juice and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla until smooth.
  3. Drizzle glaze over the cooled cake, and garnish with fresh pineapple slices, toasted coconut, and a dollop of whipped cream before serving.

Notes

Mix everything in one large bowl to cut cleanup. If the cake looks wet in the center but the toothpick shows crumbs, let it cool fully; it often sets as it cools. For a warm spice variation, stir a teaspoon of cinnamon into the batter.