Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cooking Notes
- Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Pineapple Sunshine Cake is a fluffy, fruity dessert that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With crushed pineapple baked right into the cake and a light whipped pineapple frosting, every bite is filled with tropical flavor. This cake is perfect for those who love light, refreshing desserts and want something a little different from the traditional cake flavors. It’s bright, sunny, and sure to make you smile!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple in juice (do not drain)
For the Frosting:
- 1 package (8 oz) Cool Whip (or 3 cups homemade whipped cream)
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple in juice (do not drain)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Maraschino cherries
- Toasted coconut flakes
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or spray it with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and the entire can of crushed pineapple with its juice. Mix on medium speed with an electric mixer for about 2 minutes, or until well combined and smooth.
3. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.
4. Prepare the Frosting
In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix and the entire can of crushed pineapple with its juice. Stir until the pudding mix is well dissolved.
Gently fold in the Cool Whip until fully combined. The frosting should be light and fluffy.
5. Frost the Cake
Once the cake is completely cool, spread the pineapple frosting evenly over the top of the cake.
6. Garnish and Serve
If desired, garnish the cake with maraschino cherries or toasted coconut flakes for extra tropical flair. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve chilled and enjoy!
Cooking Notes
- Cake Mix: You can use either yellow cake mix or pineapple cake mix for an even more intense pineapple flavor.
- Cooling: Make sure the cake is completely cool before frosting, as the frosting can melt if spread on a warm cake.
- Frosting Consistency: Make sure the Cool Whip is thawed before folding it into the pineapple mixture to ensure a smooth, fluffy consistency.
Variations
- Pineapple Coconut Cake: Add 1/2 cup of sweetened shredded coconut to the cake batter for a coconut twist.
- Layered Pineapple Sunshine Cake: Instead of a sheet cake, bake the batter in two 9-inch round pans and layer them with the pineapple frosting in between.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: For a tangy twist, substitute the Cool Whip with 8 oz of softened cream cheese and 1 cup of powdered sugar. Whisk with the pudding and pineapple for a creamier frosting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Pineapple Sunshine Cake is perfect for making ahead. The cake can be baked and frosted up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
How do I store leftover cake?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors tend to get even better as it sits.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but you will need about 2 cups of crushed fresh pineapple and its juice. Keep in mind that fresh pineapple may have less juice compared to canned, so you might need to add a bit of extra liquid if the batter seems too thick.
Can I freeze Pineapple Sunshine Cake?
While the cake base can be frozen, it’s best to freeze it without the frosting. Wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then frost just before serving.
What can I serve with Pineapple Sunshine Cake?
This cake is delicious on its own but pairs well with fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a dollop of whipped cream.
Pineapple Sunshine Cake is a light, fluffy, and fruity dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its bright tropical flavor and creamy frosting, this cake is sure to become a favorite for summer gatherings or whenever you need a little extra sunshine in your life.
Try this recipe and bring a taste of the tropics to your table. Every bite is refreshing, delightful, and guaranteed to make you smile!
Let me know if you need more variations or additional tips for this recipe!
