Pineapple Heaven Cake is a dreamy, tropical dessert made with crushed pineapple, fluffy whipped topping, and a soft, moist base — all finished with a creamy, fruity topping that melts in your mouth. The beauty of this cake? It’s ultra easy, uses simple ingredients, and tastes like sunshine in every bite.
⏱ Prep & Cook Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Bake time: 25–30 minutes
- Chill time: 1–2 hours (optional but recommended)
- Total time: ~45 minutes + chilling
- Servings: 12–15
🥘 Equipment
- 9×13” baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Spatula
- Oven
🧂 Ingredients
| Layer | Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 🍰 Cake Base | Yellow cake mix (boxed) | 1 box (15.25 oz) |
| Eggs | 3 | |
| Vegetable oil | ½ cup | |
| Crushed pineapple (with juice) | 1 can (20 oz) | |
| 🥥 Topping | Whipped topping (Cool Whip) | 1 tub (8 oz), thawed |
| Instant vanilla pudding mix | 1 box (3.4 oz) | |
| Crushed pineapple (with juice) | 1 can (20 oz) | |
| Cream cheese (softened) (optional) | 4 oz (for tangier topping) | |
| 🍒 Garnish (opt) | Toasted coconut, cherries, nuts | To taste |
🍍 Ingredient Notes
- Cake mix: Yellow cake works best, but white or pineapple cake mix are also great.
- Pineapple: Do not drain — you want all the juice!
- Cool Whip: Can sub with stabilized whipped cream if desired.
- Pudding mix: Instant only — do not prepare it, just add dry.
- Cream cheese: Optional for a richer topping.
🔪 Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13” baking dish.
2. Mix the cake batter
In a large bowl, mix cake mix, eggs, oil, and 1 can of crushed pineapple (with juice). Mix until well combined (by hand or mixer).
3. Bake the cake
Pour into prepared baking dish and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely.
4. Make the pineapple cream topping
In a bowl, mix:
- The second can of crushed pineapple (with juice)
- The dry pudding mix
- (Optional) Softened cream cheese, for a tangy twist
Fold in Cool Whip until smooth and creamy.
5. Top the cooled cake
Spread the pineapple cream mixture evenly over the cooled cake.
6. Chill & garnish
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld and topping set.
Garnish with toasted coconut, maraschino cherries, or chopped pecans if desired.
🧮 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Est. 15 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~260 |
| Fat | ~11g |
| Carbs | ~38g |
| Sugar | ~27g |
| Protein | ~2g |
| Fiber | ~1g |
| Sodium | ~250mg |
Values vary based on brand of ingredients and portion size.
💡 Tips & Variations
✅ Tips
- Use the juice! It keeps the cake ultra moist and gives that pineapple punch.
- Chill before serving — makes the topping firmer and cake more refreshing.
- Toast your coconut for added texture and flavor.
🔄 Variations
- Pineapple Coconut Heaven Cake: Add ½ cup shredded coconut to the cake batter or topping.
- Pineapple Angel Food Version: Use angel food cake instead for a lighter, fluffier version.
- Pineapple Upside-Down Casserole Cake: Layer pineapple rings and brown sugar at the bottom before baking.
- Tropical Boost: Add mandarin oranges or crushed mango to the topping.
