Bright, cheerful, and delightfully easy to make, this Pineapple Sunshine Cake is a classic crowd-pleaser. With its light, moist texture and refreshing tropical flavor, it's perfect for spring and summer gatherings — or anytime you want a sweet pick-me-up. The magic lies in the simplicity: a yellow cake base enhanced with pineapple juice and topped with a creamy, fruity whipped frosting.
Whether you're bringing dessert to a potluck, celebrating a birthday, or just treating your family, this sunshine cake brings smiles with every bite. And best of all, it uses pantry-friendly ingredients and comes together with minimal effort!
Why You’ll Love Pineapple Sunshine Cake
- Light and fluffy: Perfectly moist with a soft crumb.
- Tropical flavor: Pineapple in both cake and frosting adds a refreshing zing.
- Easy to make: Starts with a box mix and uses only a few ingredients.
- Feeds a crowd: Bakes in a 9x13 pan — great for potlucks.
- Make-ahead friendly: Even better the next day!
- Kid-approved: Sweet, fruity, and fun to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix – Your favorite brand works.
- 4 large eggs – Room temperature for best texture.
- ½ cup vegetable oil – Keeps the cake tender.
- 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple with juice – Do not drain; the juice adds flavor and moisture.
For the Frosting:
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed – Light and fluffy.
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix – Adds creaminess and structure.
- 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple with juice – Undrained; mixes right into the frosting.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Cake:
- Preheat the oven:
- Set oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking dish or use nonstick spray.
- Mix the batter:
- In a large bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, oil, and undrained crushed pineapple.
- Use a hand mixer or whisk to beat the mixture until well combined and smooth (about 2–3 minutes).
- Bake the cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely:
- Remove the cake from the oven.
- Let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before frosting.
Make the Frosting:
- Combine pudding and pineapple:
- In a medium bowl, mix the dry pudding mix with the undrained crushed pineapple.
- Stir until fully blended; the mixture will begin to thicken.
- Fold in whipped topping:
- Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until light and fluffy.
- Do not overmix to keep the texture airy.
- Frost the cake:
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
- Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Chill the cake:
- Cover and refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving.
- This allows the flavors to meld and the frosting to set.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve chilled: Best served cold from the fridge.
- To store: Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- To make ahead: Can be made a day in advance — frosting keeps the cake moist.
- To freeze: Freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 2 months; add frosting after thawing.
Helpful Notes
- Add extra flair: Garnish with maraschino cherries, toasted coconut, or pineapple slices.
- Use pineapple in syrup: For a sweeter version, though juice-packed pineapple is more common.
- Don’t overmix: Gently fold the frosting to keep it fluffy.
- Let it rest: Overnight chilling makes the flavor even better.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
You can, but make sure to finely crush it and include enough juice for moisture. - Can I make this with white cake mix?
Yes, but the yellow cake mix gives it a richer flavor. - Is there a substitute for whipped topping?
You can use homemade stabilized whipped cream, though texture may differ slightly. - Do I need to refrigerate the cake?
Yes, because of the whipped topping and pudding in the frosting. - Can I make cupcakes with this recipe?
Absolutely! Bake in lined muffin tins for 18–22 minutes, then frost individually.
Final Thoughts
Pineapple Sunshine Cake is the kind of dessert that instantly brightens your table — and your mood. It’s light, fluffy, and full of sweet tropical flavor that makes it perfect for warm-weather occasions or anytime you want a dessert that’s cheerful and easy.
With simple steps, store-bought shortcuts, and delicious results, this cake is one you’ll come back to again and again. Whether for a party or just a sweet midweek treat, it’s always a ray of sunshine.
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