This incredibly moist and easy Pineapple Heaven Cake, with its tropical flavor and luscious cream cheese frosting, is the perfect dessert for any occasion.
Hey friend! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you. There are some desserts that just feel like a warm hug, and let me tell you, this Pineapple Heaven Cake is one of them. It’s a wonderfully simple, no-fuss recipe that comes together in a snap, making it perfect for last-minute guests or when you just need a little slice of sunshine on your plate. It’s been a go-to in my family for years, and I have a feeling it’s about to become one in yours, too.
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Key Takeaways
- Unbelievably Easy: Starts with a simple cake mix, so you get a perfect result with minimal effort.
- So Much Flavor: Packed with sweet, tangy crushed pineapple for a tropical taste that’s absolutely irresistible.
- Crowd-Pleaser Guaranteed: This is the cake everyone asks for! It’s a star at potlucks, BBQs, and family get-togethers.
- Perfectly Moist: The juice ensures this cake stays incredibly moist. If you love easy, crowd-pleasing cakes, you have to try my Heaven on Earth No-Bake Cake, too!
Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Heaven Cake
- A Slice of Sunshine: The bright, tropical flavor is genuinely like sunshine in every single bite.
- That Cream Cheese Frosting! It’s rich, creamy, and has just the right amount of tang to complement the sweet cake. Trust me, it’s divine.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything bakes up beautifully in a simple 9×13 inch pan, which means easy cleanup. You know I love that!
- A “Feel-Good” Treat: Pineapple is packed with Vitamin C, so you can feel a little extra good about indulging in this delicious cake.
- Perfectly Sweet, Never Heavy: It’s a wonderfully light dessert that won’t weigh you down.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Dress it up for a holiday or keep it casual. For another no-bake dessert that’s perfect for any season, check out my Apple Cheesecake No-Bake recipe.
A Taste of Southern Hospitality
I still remember the first time I tasted this cake. It was at a summer potluck at my aunt’s house in Georgia, spread out on a long picnic table with all the classic Southern fixings. The sun was warm, the air was filled with laughter, and this simple-looking sheet cake was the star of the show. One bite, and I understood why they called it “heaven.” The combination of the moist, pineapple-infused cake and that tangy, sweet cream cheese frosting was just… well, heavenly!
It’s one of those recipes that’s been passed around on handwritten cards for generations. It’s a testament to the fact that you don’t need complicated techniques to create something truly special. This Pineapple Heaven Cake is pure comfort, a slice of home that brings back the best memories of family and good times. Every time I make it, my kitchen fills with that sweet aroma, and I’m right back at that picnic table. If you’re a fan of simple, comforting desserts, my Sweet Potato Dump Cake has that same easy, nostalgic vibe.
Ingredients for Pineapple Heaven Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to gather. Don’t worry, it’s all simple stuff!
| Ingredient | Notes / Substitutes |
| 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix | Any brand works! For a gluten-free version, use a GF yellow cake mix. |
| 4 large eggs | |
| ½ cup vegetable oil | Canola oil or melted butter works too. |
| 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained | Do not drain! The juice is key to the cake’s moisture. |
| 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened | For a dairy-free option, use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. |
| ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened | For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter stick. |
| 4 cups powdered sugar | Sift it first to avoid lumps in your frosting! |
| 1 tsp vanilla extract | The real stuff is always best. |
| ½ cup chopped pecans or toasted coconut for topping (optional) | These ingredients are also fantastic in my Traditional Bread Pudding! |
Equipment Needed
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula
- Wire rack for cooling
How to Make Pineapple Heaven Cake Step-by-Step
- Preheat & Prep: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan so nothing sticks.
- Mix the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and the entire can of undrained crushed pineapple. Using an electric mixer on low speed, mix everything together for about 2 minutes, until it’s just combined. Don’t overmix! You’ll see little bits of pineapple all through the batter; that’s exactly what you want.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be a beautiful golden brown.
- Cool it Down: Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is so important! If you try to frost a warm cake, you’ll have a melty mess on your hands. This usually takes about an hour.
- Whip up the Frosting: While the cake cools, make the heavenly frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low until it’s incorporated, then beat on medium-high for 2 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract. If you enjoy fun baking projects, you should try making these Chocolate Filled Rolled Crepes next!
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Don’t Drain the Pineapple: I know I’ve said it before, but it’s the most important tip! The juice from the canned pineapple is what makes this cake unbelievably moist.
- Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: For the smoothest, creamiest frosting, make sure your cream cheese and butter are truly softened to room temperature. It makes a huge difference.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a tougher cake, and we want this Pineapple Heaven Cake to be super tender.
- Toast Your Nuts: If you’re using pecans or coconut on top, take a few extra minutes to toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat. It deepens their flavor and adds a wonderful crunch. That’s a game-changer!
- Patience with Cooling: Seriously, let the cake cool all the way. It ensures the frosting glides on perfectly. If you’re a fan of classic baked goods, my Strawberry Rhubarb Pie is another must-try.
What to Serve With Pineapple Heaven Cake
This cake is fantastic all on its own, but if you want to dress it up, here are a few ideas:
- A scoop of classic vanilla bean ice cream.
- A dollop of fresh whipped cream.
- A simple cup of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk.
- For a summer party, serve it alongside another citrusy favorite like my Easy Key Lime Cake Recipe.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Because of the cream cheese frosting, you’ll want to store this cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. You can serve it chilled right from the fridge or let it sit on the counter for about 20 minutes to take the chill off before serving.
Nutrition Facts
The nutritional information provided below is an estimate calculated using the ingredient data from the USDA and is based on a serving size of 1/12th of the total cake. The actual values may vary depending on the specific products and brands you use.
| Nutrition Facts | Amount Per Serving |
| Calories | 481 |
| Total Fat | 25.1g |
| Saturated Fat | 12.2g |
| Cholesterol | 87mg |
| Sodium | 392mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 60.5g |
| Total Sugars | 45.3g |
| Protein | 4.8g |
Disclaimer: This nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods.
FAQs About Pineapple Heaven Cake
What kind of cake is served in heaven?
While nobody knows for sure, a cake called “heavenly” is always light, delicious, and feels like a special treat! This Pineapple Heaven Cake, with its moist texture and sweet pineapple flavor, definitely fits the bill for a dessert that feels out of this world.
What alcohol is in a pineapple upside-down cake?
A traditional pineapple upside-down cake doesn’t contain alcohol. However, some modern recipes add a bit of dark rum or bourbon to the brown sugar topping to give it a richer, more complex flavor.
How many calories are in pineapple heaven cake?
The number of calories in a slice of Pineapple Heaven Cake can vary depending on the exact ingredients, but you can generally expect it to be around 450-500 calories per slice. It’s a wonderful indulgence for a special occasion!
What does pineapple cake symbolize?
Pineapples have long been a symbol of hospitality and warmth. Serving a pineapple cake is a wonderful way to welcome guests and share a moment of sweet friendship, making it a perfect dessert for any gathering.
What does an upside-down pineapple mean on a cruise ship?
You might have heard this one! On cruise ships, an upside-down pineapple on a cabin door has become a humorous, unofficial symbol used by swingers to signal they’re open to meeting other like-minded couples. It’s more of a funny myth than a widespread practice!
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you and your loved ones enjoy every last crumb of this Pineapple Heaven Cake. It’s a recipe that’s filled with happy memories for me, and I hope it creates some for you, too. I can’t wait to see your photos and hear how it turned out! If you’re looking for another show-stopping dessert, my Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie is always a huge hit.
Happy Baking!
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The Ultimate Pineapple Heaven Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: bake
- Cuisine: American, Southern
Description
A wonderfully moist and simple cake with a tropical twist, topped with a rich and creamy homemade cream cheese frosting. This easy, from-a-mix recipe is perfect for any gathering and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 box yellow cake mix
4 large eggs
½ cup vegetable oil
1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
½ cup butter, softened to room temperature
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and the entire can of undrained crushed pineapple.
Using an electric mixer on low speed, beat the ingredients for about 2 minutes, just until everything is well combined. Do not overmix.
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Place the pan on a wire rack and let the cake cool completely before frosting.
To Make the Frosting:
While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, about one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until it’s incorporated.
Add the vanilla extract. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for 2-3 minutes, until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth.
Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top, slice, and serve.
Notes
Do Not Drain the Pineapple! The juice from the can is the secret ingredient that makes this cake incredibly moist.
Room Temperature is Key: For the smoothest, creamiest frosting, make sure your butter and cream cheese are truly softened to room temperature before mixing.
Cool Completely: Don’t rush the cooling process! Frosting a warm cake will result in a soupy, melted mess. Patience is key!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 481 kcal
- Sugar: 45.3 g
- Sodium: 392 mg
- Fat: 25.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 12.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 60.5 g
- Protein: 4.8 g
Keywords: pineapple heaven cake, pineapple dessert, easy cake recipe, sheet cake, potluck dessert, pineapple cake from mix, southern dessert