This Pineapple Heaven Cake is like a vacation in every bite—light, moist, and bursting with tropical flavors. Made with crushed pineapple, creamy buttery texture, and a hint of sweetness, this cake is topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze that takes it over the top. It’s easy to make, incredibly juicy, and perfect for any occasion—from summer barbecues to cozy family dinners. Whether you’re craving something sweet or looking for a show-stopping dessert, this pineapple-packed delight will leave everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe). Let’s whip up this heavenly treat and savor every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist & Juicy: Crushed pineapple keeps the cake tender and flavorful.
- Tropical Vibes: Sweet, tangy pineapple flavor transports you to paradise.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this cake foolproof.
- Versatile: Serve as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast with coffee.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (or your favorite flavor)
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for extra richness)
- Optional: 1 tsp vanilla extract for added depth
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk (adjust for consistency)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: Shredded coconut or chopped nuts for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, crushed pineapple (with its juice), eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract (if using).
2. Mix the Batter
- Beat the ingredients together with a hand mixer or whisk for 2–3 minutes, until smooth and well combined.
- The batter will be slightly thinner than traditional cake batter due to the pineapple juice—that’s what makes it so moist!
3. Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the cake cool completely before glazing.
4. Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, whisking until the glaze is smooth and pourable. Add more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, if needed to reach your desired consistency.