If you are craving a dessert that bursts with tropical flavor and brings a ray of sunshine to any occasion, you are going to fall head over heels for this Pineapple Sunshine Cake Recipe. This cake is the perfect union of moist, tender yellow cake infused with the bright, sweet tang of crushed pineapple, embraced by a silky, vanilla pudding whipped topping that turns every bite into pure bliss. It’s simple to make, yet the flavors shine so brightly that it feels like a special treat every time. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying a cozy slice for yourself, this cake is guaranteed to brighten your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making this Pineapple Sunshine Cake Recipe is all about using simple, classic ingredients that work in harmony to deliver a moist, flavorful, and visually appealing dessert. Each component plays a vital role, from the yellow cake mix providing that lovely golden crumb, to the pineapple adding natural sweetness and moisture, while the whipped topping and pudding transform the frosting into a fluffy cloud of deliciousness.
- 1 box yellow cake mix: The base of the cake that makes it moist and tender with a sunny color.
- 4 large eggs: Helps bind the ingredients and adds richness.
- ½ cup vegetable oil: Ensures the cake stays soft and moist.
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple with juice: Adds natural sweetness and moisture right into the batter.
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix: Gives the frosting its creamy, luscious texture.
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip): Lightens the frosting for a fluffy, airy finish.
- 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple (drained, for frosting): Adds bright pineapple flavor and texture to the frosting.
How to Make Pineapple Sunshine Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your cake will bake evenly and release easily from the pan once it’s done.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and the entire 20 oz can of crushed pineapple with its juice. Mix everything together thoroughly until smooth and fully incorporated. This step is key to infusing the cake with juicy pineapple flavor and keeping the crumb tender.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Watching as the cake develops a golden top is so satisfying—the aroma of pineapple and vanilla will fill your kitchen, making it hard to wait!
Step 4: Cool the Cake Completely
Once baked, let the cake cool fully in the pan. This is crucial because if the cake is still warm, your frosting might melt and lose that fluffy texture we love about this Pineapple Sunshine Cake Recipe.
Step 5: Prepare the Frosting
While the cake cools, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix, the drained 8 oz can of crushed pineapple, and the whipped topping in a medium bowl. Mix until smooth, creamy, and light. The frosting is where the magic happens, adding a velvety sweetness that perfectly complements the cake.
Step 6: Frost and Chill
Spread the frosting evenly over the completely cooled cake. Pop it into the fridge for at least one hour. Chilling helps the flavors meld beautifully and firms up the frosting for clean, perfect slices.
How to Serve Pineapple Sunshine Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Top your Pineapple Sunshine Cake with toasted shredded coconut or chopped nuts for a delightful crunch and an extra burst of tropical flair. A sprinkle of fresh pineapple pieces or a few maraschino cherries on top can also brighten the presentation and add freshness.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. For a refreshing contrast, serve with a small bowl of fresh berries or a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Pineapple Sunshine Cake Recipe in individual glass parfait dishes, layering cake pieces with frosting and pineapple chunks for an elegant twist. Alternatively, cut into cute mini squares and arrange on a colorful platter for parties. Presentation is half the fun, and this cake adapts beautifully!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Pineapple Sunshine Cake covered tightly in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 4 days. In fact, this cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake, but for the best results, freeze it without the frosting. Wrap the unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and then frost as usual.
Reheating
This cake is best served chilled, so reheating is not recommended. Instead, allow refrigerated or thawed cake to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before slicing to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple can be used, but be sure to finely crush it and drain any excess juice to prevent making the batter or frosting overly watery.
Is this cake gluten-free?
This recipe uses a standard yellow cake mix, which typically contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute with a certified gluten-free yellow cake mix.
Can I use homemade frosting instead of the pudding and whipped topping mix?
You certainly can! However, the pudding and whipped topping mix gives the frosting its unique light and fluffy texture that pairs perfectly with the pineapple flavor.
How many servings does this cake yield?
This Pineapple Sunshine Cake Recipe serves about 12 generous slices, making it great for families or small gatherings.
What is the best way to cut and serve this cake?
Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water and wiped dry to cut clean slices. Serving chilled slices helps maintain the frosting’s structure and enhances the refreshing pineapple flavor.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Pineapple Sunshine Cake Recipe. It’s one of those desserts that feels like a warm hug wrapped in tropical sunshine, effortless to make yet impressive enough to impress guests or treat yourself. Give it a go and bring a little slice of joy to your table—you won’t regret it!
Print
Pineapple Sunshine Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pineapple Sunshine Cake is a moist and delicious tropical dessert made with yellow cake mix, crushed pineapple, and a light whipped topping frosting infused with vanilla pudding and pineapple. This easy-to-make sheet cake is perfect for warm-weather gatherings or any occasion where a sweet, fruity treat is appreciated. It’s baked to golden perfection, cooled, frosted, and chilled to create a refreshing dessert that’s best served cold.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple with juice
Frosting
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple (drained)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and the entire 20 oz can of crushed pineapple with its juice. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan to room temperature before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: While the cake cools, blend together the instant vanilla pudding mix, drained 8 oz can of crushed pineapple, and whipped topping in a medium bowl. Mix until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the prepared frosting evenly over the top of the cake.
- Chill Before Serving: Place the frosted cake in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour. This helps the flavors meld and the frosting set.
Notes
- For an extra layer of texture and flavor, sprinkle shredded coconut or chopped nuts on top of the frosting before chilling.
- This cake is best served cold and tastes even better the next day as the flavors intensify.
- Ensure the cake is fully cooled before frosting to prevent the whipped topping from melting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
