Pineapple Cake

This beautiful pineapple cake begins with a doctored white cake mix layered with cream cheese and crushed pineapple filling and topped with a smooth coconut pineapple-infused frosting.

Why this recipe works

Now, we’ve all heard of pineapple upside down cake. But have you ever tried a regular pineapple cake? Sweet, fluffy, and delectable are a few words to describe it. We’re doctoring up a simple white cake mix to make this impressive dessert.

Pineapple and coconut meld together like two peas in a pod and these two tropical flavors are always a hit when paired together in a dessert. This combo screams spring and summer of course, but pineapple cake is really popular during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter as well. It’s truly a year-round cake that complements every dessert table it meets.

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

CAKE – You’re going to need a white cake mix for this recipe, in which we will be adding instant vanilla pudding as well as pineapple juice to really ramp up the flavor profile. Be sure to grab instant vanilla pudding – you will just need the dry pudding mix and not the ingredients listed on the back of the box. All the ingredients you need for the cake portion are listed below in the recipe card. You can certainly use an instant pineapple pudding mix or even the cheesecake flavor in place of vanilla if you’d like.

How to Make Pineapple Cake

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

1. Grease two 8 or 9 inch round cake pans.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C.)
3. With an electric mixer, mix together cake mix, dry pudding mix, eggs, oil, vanilla, and pineapple juice. Start on a low speed until all ingredients are moistened and then turn up to medium. Beat for approximately 2 minutes.
4. Pour batter evenly between the two greased pans.
5. Bake 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean in the center. Cool 10-15 minutes before turning out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
6. To make the filling, beat cream cheese until light and creamy. Add powdered sugar and coconut extract. Once completely combined, set aside in the refrigerator.
7. Beat heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into cream cheese mixture.
8. Make the icing by creaming the butter with an electric mixer. Add powdered sugar, coconut extract, and reserved pineapple juice until desired consistency is reached.
9. Once cakes are completely cooled, cut them in half horizontally. Place one bottom cake on a plate or cake stand.
10. Add filling and spread evenly. Sprinkle crushed pineapple on top of filling.
11. Add another layer of cake and do the same. Repeat with the third layer and top with a cake top. Place in fridge for approximately 30 minutes to set slightly.
12. Add icing to the cake and spread evenly over the entire top and sides. Sprinkle coconut on top. Garnish with additional coconut or pineapple slices or chunks if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Yes, you can freeze this pineapple cake. Allow your cake to fully cool off, I’d recommend flash-freezing it for an hour or two. After flash freezing, take it out of the freezer and wrap it in plastic wrap, followed by a wrapping of tinfoil then place it back n the freezer. When you are ready to thaw the cake, immediately after taking it out of the freezer, unwrap it. This will keep the plastic wrap from sticking to the frosting. Your cake should last around 3-4 months kept in the freezer.

You can store your cake in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Yes, you can make pineapple cake a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

Pineapple cake is amazing year-round. Serve it alongside your holiday dessert spread for Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas. Enjoy the fruity tropical flavors during the warmer months or whip it up as a birthday cake for the pineapple lover in your life. Optionally dress the cake up with a fun design made with coconut shavings and pineapple chunks or serve as is!

More Pineapple Recipes

• Pineapple Dream Dessert
• Easy Pineapple Salsa
• Pineapple Yogurt Dessert
• Pineapple Upside Down Cake
• Pineapple Spinach Smoothie Bowl
• Pineapple Quick Bread
• Pineapple Upside Down Cake in Cast Iron Skillet

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