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Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake slice topped with pineapple chunks and dripping vanilla glaze

Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake – The Best Tropical Dessert You’ll Crave (2025)


  • Author: Joriel
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake is the sunshine-filled dessert you’ve been craving! With layers of moist cake, sweet pineapple filling, and a silky glaze, this easy recipe is a hit at barbecues, summer potlucks, and tropical-themed parties. Simple, bright, and irresistibly delicious!


Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • • 1 box yellow cake mix (or homemade equivalent)
  • • 1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice)
  • • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • • 3 large eggs
  • • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Pineapple Custard Filling:

  • • 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple (in juice, not syrup)
  • • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • • 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Glaze:

  • • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • • 2–3 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
  • • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For Garnish:

  • • Pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
  • • Optional: toasted coconut or caramel drizzle

Instructions

🍰 1. Bake the Cake:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, crushed pineapple (with juice), oil, eggs, and vanilla.
  3. Mix on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
  4. Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  5. Cool the cakes completely before assembling.

🍍 2. Prepare Pineapple Custard:

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine crushed pineapple (with juice), sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
  2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens to a custard-like consistency (about 5–7 minutes).
  3. Let the filling cool completely.

🍮 3. Make the Vanilla Glaze:

  1. Whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
  2. The glaze should be thick but pourable. Add more milk if too stiff.

🍽️ 4. Assemble the Cake:

  1. Place the first cake layer on a serving plate.
  2. Spread the pineapple custard evenly over the top.
  3. Place the second cake layer on top and gently press down.
  4. Drizzle the vanilla glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.

🍒 5. Garnish:

  1. Top the cake with pineapple chunks.
  2. Optionally, sprinkle with toasted coconut or drizzle with caramel glaze.

Notes

📌 Storage Tip:
Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best flavor, let slices rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.

📌 Make-Ahead Option:
You can bake the cake layers and prepare the custard 1 day in advance. Assemble and glaze the cake on the day of serving for optimal freshness and texture.

📌 Fresh vs. Canned Pineapple:
Fresh pineapple offers a bold, natural flavor but must be finely chopped and drained. Canned crushed pineapple (in juice, not syrup) is easier and ensures consistent moisture and sweetness.

📌 Cake Mix Shortcut:
Using a boxed yellow cake mix saves time without sacrificing flavor. For a bakery-style upgrade, replace water with pineapple juice and add an extra egg to the batter.

📌 Glaze Consistency Tip:
If your glaze is too runny, add more powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, loosen it with a few drops of pineapple juice or milk.

📌 Serving Ideas:
Top each slice with toasted coconut, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make it even more decadent.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American / Tropical Fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
  • Calories: ~385 kcal
  • Sugar: ~38g
  • Sodium: ~270mg
  • Fat: ~17g
  • Saturated Fat: ~4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: ~11g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~52g
  • Fiber: ~1g
  • Protein: ~4g
  • Cholesterol: ~55mg

Keywords: Tropical Recipes, Summer Desserts, Sheet Cake Recipes, Easy Baking, Fruit-Based Desserts, Pineapple Recipes, Crowd-Pleasers, Potluck Favorites, No-Fuss Cakes