Pineapple Heaven Cake is the kind of dessert that instantly brightens any table. With its soft cake base, sweet pineapple flavor, and creamy topping, it strikes the perfect balance between refreshing and indulgent. The first time I made this cake, I was looking for something light yet satisfying, and this recipe delivered beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Pineapple Heaven Cake is light, creamy, and incredibly easy to prepare. It combines simple pantry ingredients with crushed pineapple to create a dessert that feels both comforting and refreshing.
The cake stays moist thanks to the pineapple, and the creamy topping adds a smooth contrast to the soft base. It is not overly sweet, making it suitable for gatherings, potlucks, or casual dinners.
Another advantage is its make-ahead convenience. The flavors develop beautifully after chilling, making it an ideal dessert to prepare in advance. It also adapts easily with additions like coconut, nuts, or even a light glaze.
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Pineapple Heaven Cake: Light, Creamy, and Bursting with Tropical Flavor
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A light and luscious pineapple heaven cake made with crushed pineapple and topped with a fluffy whipped cream frosting. This moist and refreshing dessert is perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple with juice
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple (drained, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, oil, vanilla extract, crushed pineapple with juice, and sour cream. Mix until well combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow cake to cool completely.
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Spread whipped cream over the cooled cake and top with drained crushed pineapple.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Do not drain the pineapple used in the batter.
- Ensure cake is fully cooled before adding whipped topping.
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
- Toast coconut flakes for an optional garnish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour
Provides the structure for the cake while keeping it soft.
Granulated sugar
Adds sweetness and supports a tender crumb.
Eggs
Bind the ingredients and create structure.
Crushed pineapple (with juice)
The key ingredient that keeps the cake moist and adds tropical sweetness.
Vegetable oil
Ensures a soft, tender texture.
Baking soda
Helps the cake rise and remain light.
Salt
Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Vanilla extract
Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
Cream cheese
Forms the base of the creamy topping, adding richness.
Powdered sugar
Sweetens the topping smoothly.
Whipped topping or whipped cream
Creates a light and airy finish.
Toasted coconut (optional)
Adds texture and enhances the tropical profile.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir to mix evenly.
Add the eggs, crushed pineapple with its juice, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined. The batter will be slightly loose due to the pineapple juice.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top evenly.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
To prepare the topping, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar until well incorporated. Fold in the whipped topping gently to maintain a light texture.
Spread the topping evenly over the cooled cake. If desired, sprinkle toasted coconut over the top.
Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving for best results.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30–35 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour
Total time: About 1 hour 50 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to four days due to the cream cheese topping.
This cake is best served chilled and does not require reheating. It can be frozen without the topping for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator before adding fresh topping.
Variations and Customizations
Pineapple Heaven Cake is wonderfully adaptable. For a stronger tropical flavor, add shredded coconut directly into the batter. You may also fold chopped pecans or walnuts into the cake for added crunch.
For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for part of the cream cheese in the topping. I have tried this adjustment, and it maintained creaminess while slightly reducing richness.
You can also incorporate a splash of lemon juice into the topping to add brightness and balance the sweetness. For a more indulgent dessert, drizzle caramel sauce lightly over the finished cake.
If you prefer individual servings, bake the batter in cupcake tins and top each portion separately. The recipe can also be adapted to a layered cake format by dividing the batter between two round pans.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Approximate values per serving (based on 12 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 340 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 30 g |
| Sodium | 210 mg |
Values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Do Not Drain the Pineapple
The juice is essential for moisture and flavor.
Cool Completely
Ensure the cake is fully cooled before adding the topping.
Chill Before Serving
Refrigeration helps the topping set and enhances flavor.
Use Room-Temperature Cream Cheese
This ensures a smooth and lump-free topping.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple?
Yes, but include some juice to maintain moisture.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better after chilling for several hours.
Can I skip the cream cheese topping?
Yes, a simple whipped cream topping also works well.
Why is my cake dense?
Overmixing or incorrect measurements can affect texture.
Can I reduce the sugar?
You can slightly reduce it without compromising structure.
Is this cake very sweet?
It is moderately sweet with a balanced tropical flavor.
Conclusion
Pineapple Heaven Cake combines moist texture, tropical sweetness, and creamy topping into one delightful dessert. Its light yet satisfying flavor makes it perfect for gatherings or simple family meals. Easy to prepare and adaptable to your preferences, this cake truly lives up to its heavenly name.
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