Description
Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake is a dreamy, tropical dessert bursting with fruity flavor—perfect for summer gatherings or a light, melt-in-your-mouth treat.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
For the Pineapple Topping
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple in juice (do not drain)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
For the Cream Layer
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Optional Garnish
- Toasted coconut flakes
- Chopped pecans
- Maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Mix until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and set aside.
- Make the Pineapple Topping: While the cake is baking, combine the crushed pineapple (with juice) and granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened slightly. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
- Add Pineapple Mixture: Once the cake has finished baking, use a fork to gently poke holes all over the surface. Evenly pour the warm pineapple topping over the entire cake, allowing the juices to seep in. Let the cake cool completely.
- Prepare the Cream Layer: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is fully combined.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the cream cheese-whipped topping mixture evenly over the pineapple-topped cake layer.
- Chill and Garnish: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 2 hours to set. Before serving, garnish with toasted coconut, chopped pecans, or maraschino cherries if desired. Slice and enjoy cold for the best flavor.
Notes
- You can prepare the cake a day ahead; the flavor and texture improve after chilling overnight.
- Not a fan of pecans or coconut? Leave them off or replace with your favorite garnish.
- Make sure the cake is completely cooled before adding the cream layer to prevent melting.
- Store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- For a lighter dessert, use reduced-fat cream cheese and whipped topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 63mg