Description
Pineapple Paradise Cake is a tropical dessert that’s light, fluffy, and bursting with the sweet, refreshing flavor of pineapple. With its soft cake texture and a sweet pineapple topping, this cake is the perfect treat to enjoy year-round. Ideal for summer gatherings or any occasion that calls for a delicious, easy-to-make dessert. It’s sure to transport your taste buds straight to paradise!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (or 2 cups of homemade cake mix)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained (reserve juice for topping)
For the Pineapple Topping:
- 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the Whipped Topping (optional):
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan. - Make the Cake Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions. Combine the cake mix, oil, eggs, water, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. - Add the Pineapple to the Batter:
Gently fold in 1 cup of crushed pineapple into the cake batter, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. - Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. - Make the Pineapple Topping:
While the cake is cooling, prepare the pineapple topping. In a saucepan, combine the remaining crushed pineapple (with juice), granulated sugar, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a simmer. Continue simmering for about 5 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly. - Top the Cake:
Once the cake has cooled, pour the pineapple topping evenly over the cake. Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top, if using. - Prepare the Whipped Topping (optional):
For an extra touch, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream on top of the cake or serve it on the side. - Serve:
Slice the cake and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or enjoy it on its own. The combination of pineapple and cake is a true taste of paradise!
Notes
- For extra pineapple flavor, you can also add shredded coconut to the cake batter or sprinkle on top before serving.
- This cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days if it has a whipped topping, or at room temperature for up to 2 days if without.
- If you prefer, you can make the cake from scratch using your favorite homemade yellow cake recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg