Imagine biting into a soft, moist cake that’s bursting with juicy pineapple flavor, topped with a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth frosting that makes you feel like you’re living in dessert paradise. That’s what Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake is all about! This cake is the kind of dessert that makes everyone gather around the table and ask for seconds (or thirds). It’s sweet, tropical, and oh-so-fluffy—just pure bliss in every bite.
This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner, a summer barbecue, or just because you deserve a little slice of heaven. The pineapple adds a refreshing burst of juiciness, while the light frosting balances it all out. It’s the kind of dessert that feels both indulgent and refreshing at the same time—what could be better?
Why You’ll Love Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake
Tropical Vibes in Every Bite
This cake is like a vacation in your mouth! The pineapple adds such a fresh, juicy flavor that transports you straight to a tropical paradise. It’s perfect for summer, but really, who needs a season to enjoy something so delicious?
Moist and Fluffy
The cake itself is incredibly soft and moist, with just the right amount of fluffiness. Thanks to the pineapple, it’s got that extra juiciness that makes every bite feel light yet indulgent. No dry cakes here!
Easy to Make
Even though it tastes like a five-star dessert, this cake is surprisingly easy to whip up. The recipe is simple and straightforward, so you don’t have to be a pro baker to impress your friends and family.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a special gathering, or just want to treat yourself, this cake fits the bill. It’s versatile, crowd-pleasing, and never fails to wow people.
Coconut and Pineapple Magic
If you love the flavor combo of coconut and pineapple, this cake brings them together beautifully. It’s like eating a tropical dream.

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Ingredients in Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake
All-Purpose Flour
Flour forms the base of your cake and gives it structure. It works perfectly with the pineapple to create that moist, tender crumb.
Baking Powder
This little ingredient helps the cake rise and gives it that light, airy texture we all love.
Sugar
Sugar adds sweetness and helps the cake achieve its golden brown color as it bakes.
Butter
Butter makes everything better, right? It’s key to the cake’s richness and flavor, contributing to its softness and moisture.
Eggs
Eggs are essential for binding the ingredients together and giving the cake its structure. They also add to that perfect texture.
Pineapple
The star of the show! The pineapple gives the cake its juicy, tropical flavor, making it incredibly moist and flavorful.
Vanilla Extract
A touch of vanilla helps balance the tropical pineapple with its warm, sweet undertones. It’s the perfect flavor complement.
Sour Cream
Sour cream makes the cake even more moist and adds a little tang to balance out the sweetness. It helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Coconut Flakes
For that extra tropical touch, coconut flakes are sprinkled into the cake batter and also added to the frosting for some extra texture and flavor.
Powdered Sugar
Powdered sugar is key to making that smooth, creamy frosting. It gives the frosting that perfect consistency, making it spread beautifully over the cake.
Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Set this aside for later.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
Add the Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then add the sour cream and vanilla extract, and mix until everything is well combined.
Add the Pineapple
Stir in the crushed pineapple (with juice) and coconut flakes. This is where the magic happens! The pineapple will make the cake incredibly moist, and the coconut adds a wonderful tropical flavor.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your cake.
Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Make the Frosting
While the cake is cooling, make the frosting. In a bowl, beat the powdered sugar, butter, and coconut flakes together until smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add a little pineapple juice (a tablespoon at a time) until you reach your desired consistency.
Frost the Cake
Once the cake is completely cool, spread a generous amount of frosting between the two layers of cake. Then, cover the top and sides with frosting. Garnish with extra coconut flakes or pineapple chunks for that extra tropical flair.
Serve and Enjoy
Once frosted, let the cake set for a few minutes so the frosting firms up slightly. Slice, serve, and enjoy this tropical delight!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12-16
Calories per serving: ~320-350 (calories may vary depending on specific ingredients used)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
How to Serve Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake
This cake is a treat all on its own, but here are a few ways you can serve it up:
With Fresh Fruit
Pair a slice of this cake with some fresh tropical fruit like sliced mango, kiwi, or strawberries for a refreshing contrast.
With Whipped Cream
Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or coconut whipped cream for an added creamy touch.
At a BBQ or Picnic
This cake is perfect for outdoor events. Serve it up at a BBQ, picnic, or pool party to wow your guests.
With Ice Cream
A scoop of coconut or vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the tropical flavors of this cake.
Additional Tips
Don’t Skip the Pineapple Juice
Use the juice from the crushed pineapple in both the cake and frosting—it adds extra moisture and flavor. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference!
Chill the Cake Before Frosting
Make sure the cake is completely cooled before you frost it. Frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt and slide off.
Add More Coconut
Feel free to get creative! Add extra coconut flakes to the frosting or sprinkle some on top of the cake for more texture and flavor.
Storage Tips
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also refrigerate it to make it last a little longer, but it’s best served at room temperature for the best texture.
Make Mini Cakes
If you prefer mini cakes, you can make individual layers using smaller cake pans or even cupcake tins. Just be sure to adjust the baking time.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
A1: Yes, you can! Just make sure to finely chop the fresh pineapple and drain any excess juice. Canned pineapple is often more tender, but fresh pineapple will work just fine.
Q2: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. Frost right before serving for the best results.
Q3: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A3: Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the texture and make any necessary adjustments.
Q4: Can I freeze this cake?
A4: Absolutely! You can freeze the cake layers before frosting. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge before frosting and serving.
Q5: Can I use dairy-free ingredients for this cake?
A5: Yes! Substitute dairy-free butter, sour cream, and coconut flakes for their regular counterparts to make this cake dairy-free.
Q6: Can I add nuts to this cake?
A6: Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a nice crunch to the cake. Simply fold them in with the pineapple.
Q7: Can I use store-bought frosting?
A7: While homemade frosting adds a special touch, store-bought frosting will work in a pinch. Just be sure to choose a coconut-flavored frosting to complement the tropical vibe.
Q8: How can I make this cake more flavorful?
A8: You can add a bit of rum or rum extract to the frosting or cake batter for a fun, extra tropical twist.
Q9: How can I make this cake more colorful?
A9: Add bright, tropical fruit garnishes like sliced strawberries, kiwi, or even edible flowers for a beautiful touch.
Q10: Can I make this cake as a sheet cake?
A10: Absolutely! You can bake the cake in a 9×13-inch pan. Just adjust the baking time, as it may take a bit longer to cook through.
Conclusion
Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake is a dessert that takes you straight to tropical paradise with every bite. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something sweet and refreshing, this cake is sure to impress. With its soft, moist texture, tropical pineapple flavor, and creamy coconut frosting, it’s a slice of heaven you’ll want to enjoy again and again. Enjoy every bite of this deliciously dreamy cake!
Print
Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes + chilling time
- Yield: 12–16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake is a moist and delicious cake made with a tropical twist of pineapple, creating a delightful and refreshing treat. The cake is infused with pineapple flavor and topped with a luscious creamy frosting, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion, especially summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix (or homemade yellow cake recipe)
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained and juice reserved
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for extra moisture)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 2 cups heavy cream (for frosting)
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, drained crushed pineapple (reserve the juice for later), vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until smooth and creamy.
- Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. Then, poke holes all over the top of the cake using a fork or skewer.
- Slowly pour the reserved pineapple juice over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes and make the cake even juicier.
- Spread the creamy frosting over the top of the cake once it has cooled completely.
- If desired, sprinkle shredded coconut on top for added texture and tropical flavor.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve chilled and enjoy this juicy, tropical treat!
Notes
- If you prefer a more intense pineapple flavor, you can add some extra pineapple juice to the batter.
- You can substitute whipped cream for the frosting if you prefer a lighter, fluffier topping.
- This cake can be made a day in advance for better flavor as it will allow the juices to soak into the cake even more.
- For extra texture, you can add chopped nuts or maraschino cherries as a garnish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 75mg