Why I Love This Easy Pineapple Cake

This cake is a delightful creation inspired by TikTok! I often find myself encouraged to experiment in the kitchen when I come across enthusiastic recipe videos. One such TikTok featured a charming recipe dubbed the “Pineapple Sunshine Cake” by Baylee. Upon watching, my mouth watered with anticipation, prompting me to make my version.

In this adapted recipe, we begin with a super-simple doctored cake mix that incorporates crushed pineapple for a consistent tropical flavor. The cake is crowned with a cloud-like frosting composed of pineapple, Cool Whip, and fluffy marshmallow, making it a perfect summer treat! If you’re seeking a cake that offers delightful sweetness without being overly rich, this pineapple cake is the answer. It’s light, refreshing, and ideal for summer gatherings or intimate family dinners.

What I adore about this cake is its simplicity. You can easily prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge, making it a convenient option to bring to summer parties. Trust me, it’s bound to impress your friends and family!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe requires just a handful of ingredients, easily found at your local grocery store:

• 1 (15.25 ounce) yellow cake mix
• 1 (3.4 ounce) box of instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 (20 ounce) can of crushed pineapple (do not drain)
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 (8 ounce) tub of thawed Cool Whip
• 1 (7 ounce) jar of marshmallow fluff

Ensuring the pineapple remains undrained is crucial, as its juice contributes to the cake’s lightness and flavor.

How to Make My Easy Pineapple Cake

Ready to dive into the details of this easy pineapple cake? Follow these straightforward steps:

Preparing the Cake

This recipe yields a delightful 9×13-inch sheet cake perfect for slicing and sharing. To get started:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix with the majority of the vanilla pudding mix, whisking until evenly mixed.
3. Use half of the crushed pineapple in the batter and save the other half for the frosting. Add the eggs and vegetable oil, then mix thoroughly using an electric mixer until smooth and combined. The batter will have a thicker consistency than typical cake batter.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center. Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack.

Creating the Frosting

While the cake cools, let’s prepare that fantastic frosting:

1. In a separate bowl, mix together the Cool Whip and marshmallow fluff until well combined.
2. Incorporate the reserved pudding mix with the leftover crushed pineapple, and fold this mixture into the fluffy Cool Whip. Stir gently until fully integrated.
3. Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Refrigerate for a minimum of three hours before serving.

And just like that, you have created a delightful pineapple cake that is perfect for any occasion!

Storage Tips

For optimal freshness, store any leftover cake in the refrigerator, where it will stay delicious for up to three days. Since this cake needs to chill for at least three hours before serving, it’s an excellent idea to prepare it the night before your event and simply keep it in the fridge until it’s time to enjoy.

If you’d like to freeze portions of the cake, slice it, place the pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and freeze until firm (about 1-2 hours). Then transfer the slices to an airtight container, where they can be stored in the freezer for up to a month. For more tips on freezing cakes, feel free to reference my comprehensive freeze guide.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an approximation of the nutritional value per slice (1 piece):

• Calories: 288
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 43mg
• Sodium: 261mg
• Potassium: 108mg
• Sugar: 34g
• Fiber: 1g

Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on specific brands and ingredient variations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple! Just make sure to crush it to the same consistency as the canned version. Remember to retain a little juice for moisture.

How can I make this cake healthier?

To create a healthier version, consider using a sugar-free cake mix and pudding, as well as reduced-fat Cool Whip. You can also substitute applesauce for oil to lower fat content.

Can I add other fruits to this cake?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other fruits like chopped strawberries or shredded coconut to enhance the flavor and texture of the cake.

What occasions is this cake suitable for?

This pineapple cake is versatile and perfect for any summer gathering, birthdays, barbecues, or simply as a refreshing dessert to enjoy at home.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! You can swap the yellow cake mix for a gluten-free version. Be sure to check the other ingredients for hidden gluten as well.