What Is Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake?
Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake is a layered dessert made with a moist pineapple-infused cake base, creamy whipped topping, and crushed pineapple throughout. It’s light, fruity, and satisfyingly sweet—like a pineapple cloud on a plate. The texture is soft and fluffy, and the flavor is rich with real pineapple goodness.
It typically includes a yellow or vanilla cake mix, crushed pineapple, whipped cream or Cool Whip, and sometimes cream cheese or pudding for added richness.
Why You'll Love This Cake
Here’s why people are obsessed with this pineapple dessert:
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🍍 Bursting with tropical flavor
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💛 Super moist and light texture
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👩🍳 No complicated steps or baking skills required
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❄️ Perfect served cold and made ahead
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🎉 Great for parties, holidays, and casual get-togethers
This cake delivers the nostalgic comfort of a classic poke cake with a summery, fruity upgrade.
Ingredients for Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients that you may already have in your pantry or fridge:
For the Cake:
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1 box yellow or vanilla cake mix
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3 large eggs (or as directed on cake box)
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1/2 cup vegetable oil
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1 cup water
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1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained
For the Topping:
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1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
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1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (Cool Whip or homemade)
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
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Optional: Maraschino cherries, coconut flakes, or toasted pecans for garnish
How to Make Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, oil, water, and the undrained can of crushed pineapple. Mix until fully blended and slightly frothy.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake for 28–33 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
🔥 Pro Tip: Don’t overbake! The moisture from the pineapple is key to the cake’s heavenly texture.
Let the cake cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Pineapple Topping
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Fold in the whipped topping and drained crushed pineapple until evenly combined.
Step 4: Assemble & Chill
Once the cake has cooled, spread the topping evenly across the surface. Smooth with a spatula and garnish with cherries, coconut flakes, or nuts if desired.
Refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours before serving. This cake is best served cold!
Serving Suggestions
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Serve chilled with a side of fresh fruit
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Pair with tropical cocktails or lemonade for summer parties
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Cut into small squares for easy dessert buffet options
This is a great make-ahead cake for birthdays, showers, BBQs, or when you just want a sunny slice of joy.
Storage Tips
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Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4–5 days.
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Freezer: You can freeze the cake (without topping) for up to 2 months. Thaw and top when ready to serve.
The creamy topping may not freeze well, so if freezing, wait to frost.
Nutritional Info (Approx. per serving, 12 servings)
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Calories: ~310
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Fat: 15g
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Carbohydrates: 42g
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Sugar: 28g
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Protein: 3g
While this dessert isn’t exactly “light” in calories, the flavor is so fresh and airy that it feels like a guilt-free indulgence.
Variations to Try
Coconut Pineapple Heaven Cake
Add 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut into the cake batter or sprinkle on top for a Piña Colada vibe.
Pineapple Banana Twist
Mix mashed banana (about 1/2 cup) into the batter for a tropical banana bread-meets-cake hybrid.
Pineapple Angel Cake
Use angel food cake mix instead of yellow cake for a super light, cloudlike version.
Common Questions
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, but be sure to finely crush it and retain some juice for the cake batter.
Is this the same as pineapple poke cake?
Similar, but poke cakes typically involve poking holes in the baked cake and pouring pineapple juice or pudding over it. This version mixes the pineapple directly into the batter and topping.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and double-check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
The Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake is the kind of dessert that wins hearts from the first bite. With its moist, pineapple-rich cake base and creamy, dreamy topping, it’s no surprise this recipe has been lovingly passed down through generations—and now it’s ready to become your new go-to.
Whether you're hosting a summer bash or simply craving something sweet and sunny, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
📌 Save It, Share It, Bake It!
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❤️ Loved it? Share this recipe with friends!
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📌 Pin it to your Dessert or Summer Baking board.
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📝 Leave a comment below with your own twist!
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