Pineapple Sunshine Cake: A Light, Fluffy, and Tropical Delight

Pineapple Sunshine Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion—light, fluffy, and bursting with sweet pineapple flavor! This easy cake is moist, soft, and has a tropical twist that makes it ideal for summer gatherings, potlucks, or just a sweet treat any time of year.

Made with a yellow cake mix, crushed pineapple, and a dreamy whipped frosting, this cake is refreshing, simple to make, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

✔️ Super Easy to Make – A simple one-bowl cake mix recipe!
✔️ Moist & Fluffy – Thanks to pineapple juice and eggs, this cake is extra soft.
✔️ Light & Refreshing – The perfect balance of sweet and tropical flavors.
✔️ Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for BBQs, holidays, birthdays, or just because!

The Secret to the Best Pineapple Sunshine Cake

1. Use Crushed Pineapple with the Juice

The juice keeps the cake extra moist and adds a natural pineapple sweetness.

2. Don’t Overmix the Batter

Mix just until combined—overmixing can make the cake dense instead of fluffy.

3. Let It Cool Completely Before Frosting

A cool cake absorbs the frosting better and prevents it from melting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

1 box yellow cake mix
4 eggs
½ cup vegetable oil
1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple with juice

For the Pineapple Whipped Frosting:

1 (8-ounce) container Cool Whip (or homemade whipped cream)
1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple with juice

How to Make Pineapple Sunshine Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prep the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and crushed pineapple (with juice).
Stir until just combined—don’t overmix!

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely before frosting.

Step 4: Make the Pineapple Whipped Frosting

In a medium bowl, mix vanilla pudding mix and crushed pineapple (with juice) until smooth.
Fold in Cool Whip and mix gently.

Step 5: Frost & Chill

Spread the pineapple frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving—this helps the flavors meld together!

How to Store Pineapple Sunshine Cake

🧊 Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
❄️ Freezer: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Fun Variations & Add-Ins

Want to switch things up? Try these delicious twists!

1. Coconut Pineapple Cake 🥥

Stir ½ cup shredded coconut into the batter.
Sprinkle toasted coconut on top of the frosting.

2. Pina Colada Cake 🍍🍹

Add 1 teaspoon coconut extract to the batter.
Drizzle the cake with a little rum glaze before frosting.

3. Cherry Pineapple Cake 🍒

Fold in ½ cup chopped maraschino cherries into the batter for a fun fruit burst.

4. Lighter Pineapple Cake 🍰

Swap the oil for unsweetened applesauce to make a lower-fat version.

What to Serve with Pineapple Sunshine Cake

This refreshing cake pairs perfectly with:

🥭 Fresh Tropical Fruit – Serve with mango, kiwi, or extra pineapple slices.
☕ Coffee or Tea – A great complement to the cake’s sweetness.
🍨 Vanilla Ice Cream – For an extra indulgent treat!
🍹 Pina Colada or Lemonade – A fun summer drink pairing!

Final Thoughts: A Cake That Always Brings Sunshine!

Pineapple Sunshine Cake is the ultimate easy dessert—light, fruity, and packed with tropical flavor. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a sweet craving, this cake is a guaranteed hit!

Try it out and let me know—what’s your favorite way to enjoy pineapple cake?

Save