This pineapple cake is super easy to make and so bright and fruity! It features fluffy cake mixed with sweet, juicy pineapple for a taste that’s hard to resist.
Honestly, this cake is like a little slice of sunshine! I love it as a quick dessert, and it always puts a smile on my face—who can say no to pineapple goodness?
With just a few steps, I can bake this delicious treat in no time! Plus, it’s great for sharing with friends and family—everyone loves it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Cake Mix: This is the base of your cake, providing sweet flavor and a moist texture. If you’re looking for a healthier version, you can use a sugar-free cake mix or even make a homemade cake mix using flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Crushed Pineapple: Using undrained crushed pineapple adds moisture and natural sweetness. If you don’t have crushed pineapple, you can switch to diced pineapple, but be sure to add a little extra juice to maintain moisture.
Powdered Sugar: This sugar is essential for the frosting’s creamy texture. For a healthier option, you could use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute, like powdered erythritol, which is great for making it lower in carbs.
Whipped Topping: The Cool Whip adds lightness and fluffiness. If you prefer a natural option, homemade whipped cream is a fantastic substitute—just whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Remember that it can be a bit less stable than Cool Whip.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure My Cake Comes Out Perfectly Moist?
Getting a moist cake can be tricky, but with some key steps, it can be easy! Using the crushed pineapple undrained keeps the cake full of flavor and moisture. Here’s how to help it along:
- Mix your ingredients until just combined—this prevents the cake from becoming tough.
- Be careful not to overbake! Check with a toothpick at 25 minutes; if it comes out clean, it’s done! Overbaking can lead to dryness.
- Let it cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and makes it easier to slice.
How to Make The Original Easiest Pineapple Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, undrained
For The Frosting:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Additional crushed pineapple for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cake will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake, plus 30 minutes to chill afterward. So, overall, you’ll need about 1 hour and 10 minutes before you can enjoy this tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish so your cake won’t stick!
2. Mix the Cake Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and the undrained crushed pineapple. Mix everything together with a whisk or a spoon until well combined and there are no lumps. It’s helpful to make sure it’s all blended nicely!
3. Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into your greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the oven for about 25-30 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center—the toothpick should come out clean when the cake is ready!
4. Prepare the Frosting:
While the cake is baking, let’s get the frosting ready! In a separate bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until it’s smooth. Once that’s done, fold in the whipped topping and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined.
5. Cool the Cake:
After the cake is done baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. This is an important step so that the frosting doesn’t melt!
6. Frost the Cake:
Once the cake is totally cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Make it nice and smooth—everyone loves a beautifully frosted cake!
7. Garnish and Chill:
If you’d like, you can garnish the top with some additional crushed pineapple. Now, cover the cake and stick it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will enhance the flavor and make the texture perfect.
Enjoy your delicious Easiest Pineapple Cake with family and friends!
Can I Use a Different Cake Mix Flavor?
Absolutely! You can swap the yellow cake mix for other flavors like white, pineapple, or even coconut cake mix for a fun twist. Just keep the ratios the same, and follow the same steps for mixing and baking!
What If I Don’t Have Vegetable Oil?
No worries! You can substitute vegetable oil with canola oil, melted butter, or even unsweetened applesauce for a healthier option. If using applesauce, reduce the amount slightly to about 1/4 cup, as it’s moister than oil.
How Should I Store Leftover Pineapple Cake?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You might want to place a layer of plastic wrap directly on top of the frosting to keep it fresh. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze the cake (without frosting) by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months!
Can I Make This Cake Without Eggs?
Yes! You can make an egg-free version by using a flaxseed egg or applesauce. For each egg, mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes, or substitute with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce. This will keep your cake moist and delicious!
