EASY PINEAPPLE SUNSHINE CAKE

This cake is the tropical getaway your taste buds have been begging for—so grab a slice, kick back, and let the sweet pineapple vibes wash over you.

 

 

It’s funny, when the snow is falling the hardest, I want to make something that reminds me of Summer! Aloha! Who says you can’t have a dessert in the winter that normally would be served on a hot, sunny day!

It couldn’t get any easier than this recipe.  You start with a cake mix with some eggs, oil, and a can of crushed pineapple. The crown of glory is the cool whip, pudding mixture instead of frosting.  It’s not going to win any beauty contests, but it’s good.

 

 

 

 

This Pineapple Sunshine Cake is the dessert you need to take to parties, BBQ’s, or just when you feel like it. 

EASY PINEAPPLE SUNSHINE CAKE

🛒 Ingredient Rundown

We’re keeping it real simple with a mix-and-match brigade of pantry heroes and one or two fridge VIPs:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple with juice

For the Fluffy Pineapple Icing

• 1 container (8 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 1 small box instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple with juice

Pro Tip: Don’t eyeball the juice—keep it all in! That extra pineapple liquid elevates every bite with natural sweetness and moisture.

EASY PINEAPPLE SUNSHINE CAKE

👩‍🍳 Let’s Bake This Beauty

1. Preheat & Prep
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Lining is the cheat code for easy removal—no more scraping cake bits from the pan at the end.
2. Mix the Magic—Cake Batter Edition
   In a large bowl, whisk together the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and the entire can of crushed pineapple with its juice. Whisk until the batter is smooth and slightly glossy, about 30 seconds. Overmixing triggers gluten; stir only until the dry mix disappears.
3. Bake to Golden Perfection
   Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs. Your kitchen should smell like a slice of sunshine now.
4. Cool & Chill
   Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack—at least 1 hour. Hot cake + icing = meltdown city. Patience here yields that perfect, sliceable layer.
5. Whip Up the Cloud—Icing Time
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the thawed whipped topping, vanilla pudding mix, and second can of crushed pineapple (juice included!). Whisk until silky and lump-free. If you see lumps, give it another 15 seconds of vigorous whisking.
6. Spread & Set
   Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the icing over the top in an even layer. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour—overnight if you can wait that long. This rest time lets the pudding stabilize and the flavors meld.
7. Slice & Serve
   Lift the cake out by the parchment, transfer to a cutting board, and slice into 12 generous pieces. Top with extra pineapple tidbits, a dusting of coconut, or a fresh mint leaf for a pop of color. Voilà—paradise on a plate!

📊 Calorie Count & Nutritional Facts

(Per slice — makes 12 slices)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350 kcal
Total Fat	14 g
• Saturated Fat	5 g
Carbohydrates	40 g
• Sugars	30 g
Dietary Fiber	1 g
Protein	4 g
Sodium	210 mg

These numbers are estimates based on typical brands. Your mileage (and macros) may vary.

 

 

EASY PINEAPPLE SUNSHINE CAKE

🌺 Ingredient Spotlight

• Yellow Cake Mix: Our backstage MVP. It saves time and keeps texture foolproof.
• Crushed Pineapple & Juice: Infuses moistness and natural sweetness. Don’t discard the juice—use it!
• Whipped Topping & Instant Pudding: Creates cloud-like fluff for the ultimate creamy finish. No mixer needed.

EASY PINEAPPLE SUNSHINE CAKE

🔥 Cooking Tips to Slay

• Always measure your flour-based mixes with a light hand; scoop-and-level avoids too much flour.
• No food processor? No problem—just use a whisk and elbow grease.
• Warm cake wants to melt icing. Always cool fully on a wire rack.
• Chill time is non-negotiable. It firms the layers and improves sliceability.
• Keep excess pineapple juice nearby to thin the icing if it gets too thick—one teaspoon at a time.
• For extra flair, toast a handful of shredded coconut in a dry pan over medium heat until golden. Sprinkle on top.
• Line the pan with foil instead of parchment if you prefer lifting the whole cake out in one giant slab.
• Use a serrated knife with gentle sawing motion for neat edges. Clean knife between cuts for picture-perfect slices.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—though let’s be real, it vanishes fast.
• Want a breeze of mint? Add finely chopped fresh mint to the icing for herbal brightness.

EASY PINEAPPLE SUNSHINE CAKE

🌈 Recipe Variations for Extra Flair

1. Coconut Paradise
   Fold ½ cup shredded sweetened coconut into the batter and sprinkle a coconut-crowned rim on the icing. Coconut + pineapple = beach vibes.
2. Berry Tango
   Replace half the second can of pineapple with macerated strawberries or raspberries. The tart-sweet combo is next-level.
3. Chocolate Hibiscus Twist
   Gently swirl in 2 tablespoons of good-quality melted white chocolate into the icing. Top with dried hibiscus petals for a floral pop.
4. Tropical Upside-Down Style
   Layer pineapple rings in the bottom of the pan, pour brown sugar over them, then spoon the batter on top. Flip after baking for a show-stopping reveal.
5. Mango Madness
   Use 1 can crushed pineapple + 1 cup diced fresh mango in both batter and icing. It’s like a mini-vacation in your mouth.
6. Keto-Friendly Swerve
   Swap to a sugar-free yellow cake mix, sugar-free instant pudding, and a full-fat whipped topping made with heavy cream and a keto sweetener.
7. Mini Heaven
   Bake this as cupcakes—line a tin with 24 liners, reduce bake time to 18–20 minutes, and pipe on the icing for adorable handheld bites.

EASY PINEAPPLE SUNSHINE CAKE

🥂 Serving Suggestions & Pairings

• Pair with a tall glass of pineapple-infused sparkling water for a zero-proof toast to summer.
• Slide a scoop of coconut or vanilla bean ice cream alongside for a decadently chill combo.
• Garnish with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers to up your Instagram game.
• Serve with tropical fruit skewers—think pineapple chunks, mango cubes, and kiwi slices—for a full-on fruit fiesta.

EASY PINEAPPLE SUNSHINE CAKE

⏰ Make-Ahead & Storage

• Make-Ahead: Bake and ice the cake up to 24 hours in advance. Keep covered in the fridge. Flavors deepen overnight.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature for 10 minutes before serving, or pop a slice in the microwave for 8–10 seconds for that just-baked feel.

EASY PINEAPPLE SUNSHINE CAKE

💭 Final Thoughts

Listen, life is short—eat dessert first, especially when it’s this effortless and crowd-pleasing. This Pineapple Paradise Cake is your golden ticket to instant summer vibes. It’s proof that box mixes can become chef-worthy when you add a dash of creativity and a whole lot of pineapple juice.
Whether you’re corralling kids for a slice, impressing neighbors at a block party, or simply treating yourself on Taco Tuesday (why not, right?), this cake is your secret weapon. It’s light enough to follow a spicy dinner yet sweet enough to satisfy any sugar craving.
And let’s talk leftovers. If by some miracle there are any, you’ll wake up the next morning to a dreamy breakfast situation: frosting cozy on cake, pineapple pearls peeking through.

So rally your inner baker, raid that pantry, and get ready to slice into sunshine. This Pineapple Paradise Cake is more than dessert; it’s a mood, a vibe, and a celebration in every forkful. Bake boldly, decorate creatively, and tag us with your tropical masterpiece. Your taste buds (and your Instagram feed) will thank you. Let’s make every day feel like a getaway—one slice at a time!

EASY PINEAPPLE SUNSHINE CAKE

LET ME KNOW HOW IT TURNS OUT FOR YOU!

Leave me a comment below and let me know how this Easy Pineapple Sunshine Cake recipe works for you. Did you love it? Or did you mix it up? If you have a question about any part of the recipe, we are here for you! Tag us on Instagram! 

 

 

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