Name: Moist Pineapple Dream Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: PT-488852H32M54S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box yellow cake mix; 3 large eggs; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple (with juice, divided); 1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix; 1 (8-ounce) tub whipped topping; 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional, for sweetness adjustment); 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional, for garnish); Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Moist pineapple dream cake is a simple yet impressive dessert that combines the sweetness of pineapple with a creamy frosting that’s not overly heavy. The cake stays incredibly moist thanks to the crushed pineapple, and the topping adds a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth finish. It’s easy to make with pantry staples, serves a crowd, and tastes even better chilled.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Yellow cake mix
Eggs
Vegetable oil
Crushed pineapple (with juice)
Instant vanilla pudding mix
Whipped topping
Powdered sugar (optional, for sweetness adjustment)
Shredded coconut (optional, for garnish)
Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, oil, and crushed pineapple with its juice. Mix until smooth.
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
In a medium bowl, whisk together instant pudding mix and crushed pineapple (with juice). Fold in whipped topping until smooth and creamy.
Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
Garnish with shredded coconut and maraschino cherries if desired.
Chill for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 12–15 people. Preparation takes 10 minutes, baking takes 35 minutes, and total time is about 45 minutes plus chilling.

Variations

Use white cake mix instead of yellow for a lighter version.
Add a splash of rum extract to the frosting for a tropical twist.
Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
Replace whipped topping with homemade whipped cream for a fresher flavor.
Make it a layered cake by baking in two round pans and spreading frosting between layers.

Storage/Reheating

Store cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Since the frosting contains whipped topping and pudding, it’s best served chilled. Freezing is not recommended once frosted, but you can freeze the baked, unfrosted cake for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, just make sure to finely chop it and include some juice for moisture.

Do I need to drain the pineapple?

No, the juice is important for keeping the cake moist and flavorful.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, in fact it tastes even better when chilled overnight as the flavors develop.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

Yes, but stabilize it with a little powdered sugar to help it hold up longer.

What type of pudding mix works best?

Instant vanilla pudding is classic, but you can try coconut or cheesecake flavor for variety.

Can I bake this as cupcakes?

Yes, just adjust baking time to 18–20 minutes and frost once cooled.

Is this cake served cold or room temperature?

It’s best served chilled straight from the refrigerator.

Can I make it sugar-free?

Yes, use sugar-free cake mix, pudding mix, and whipped topping for a lighter version.

What garnish works best besides cherries?

Toasted coconut, pineapple slices, or chopped nuts make excellent alternatives.

Can I use a bundt pan instead of a 9×13 pan?

Yes, just increase baking time slightly and check for doneness with a toothpick.

Conclusion

Moist pineapple dream cake is a refreshing, tropical dessert that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. With its fluffy cake, sweet pineapple flavor, and creamy topping, it’s perfect for any occasion and guaranteed to impress. Serve it chilled for a cool, dreamy treat that will brighten up any table.