This is a super moist, tropical dessert that’s light, fruity, and practically melts in your mouth. It’s “heavenly” because it’s ridiculously easy to make (only a few ingredients!) and tastes like sunshine in cake form.Here’s the best classic version 👇
🍰 Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake
🌴 Ingredients
For one 9×13-inch cake
-
1 box yellow cake mix (or white cake mix)
-
1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained
-
3 large eggs
-
½ cup vegetable oil
For the creamy topping:
-
1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (Cool Whip)
-
1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
-
1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
-
½ cup milk (to help the topping set and stay creamy)
👩🍳 Instructions
-
Preheat the oven:
-
350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
-
-
Make the cake batter:
-
In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, the undrained can of crushed pineapple, eggs, and oil.
-
Stir until well combined — batter will be thick and a bit chunky from the pineapple.
-
-
Bake:
-
Pour batter into prepared pan.
-
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean and the top is golden.
-
Let the cake cool completely.
-
-
Make the creamy pineapple topping:
-
In a medium bowl, whisk together pudding mix and milk until slightly thickened (1–2 minutes).
-
Fold in the drained pineapple and whipped topping until smooth and fluffy.
-
-
Assemble:
-
Spread the pineapple cream mixture evenly over the cooled cake.
-
Chill at least 1 hour before serving (longer = juicier and more flavorful).
-
-
Serve:
-
Optional: top with toasted coconut, chopped pecans, or maraschino cherries for a retro twist.
-
💡 Tips for Juicy Perfection
-
Don’t drain the pineapple for the cake batter — the juice keeps it incredibly moist.
-
For an extra tangy kick, use pineapple tidbits instead of crushed pineapple in the topping.
-
Keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days — it actually gets better as it sits!
🍍 Optional Variations
-
Pineapple-Coconut Heaven Cake: Add ½ cup shredded coconut to the batter.
-
Piña Colada Version: Add 1 tsp coconut extract to the topping or a splash of rum flavoring.
-
Layered dessert: Make it in two 8-inch rounds and stack with the pineapple cream between layers.
Would you like me to give you a from-scratch version (no cake mix, all homemade) that still turns out super soft and juicy?