Description
Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake is a moist and flavorful tropical dessert that combines the tangy sweetness of crushed pineapple with a creamy vanilla pudding topping. Perfectly spiced with a hint of coconut and nutty crunch, this cake is a delightful treat for any occasion and especially refreshing during summer.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple in juice (undrained)
Topping
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese (softened)
- 1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup cold milk
- 1 (8-ounce) tub whipped topping (thawed)
Optional Garnishes
- 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- Maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Make the Batter: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and the entire can of crushed pineapple with its juice. Mix until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 28 to 32 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when done. Then, allow the cake to cool completely.
- Prepare the Topping: While the cake cools, beat the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth. Add the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk, and beat again until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy.
- Incorporate Whipped Topping: Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and fluffy, creating a luscious topping.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cake has fully cooled, spread the cream cheese topping evenly over the surface. If desired, sprinkle the sweetened shredded coconut and chopped nuts over the top.
- Garnish and Chill: Add maraschino cherries for a festive and colorful garnish. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld and the topping set before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute the yellow cake mix with white or pineapple-flavored cake mix for a different twist.
- Enhance the tropical flavor by adding a splash of coconut extract to the cream cheese topping.
- This cake tastes even better the next day after chilling overnight, allowing the flavors to deepen.
