This recipe provides instructions for making a delightful and incredibly moist dessert known as Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake.
True to its name, this cake is characterized by its tender crumb and the prominent, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor of pineapple.
What makes this recipe particularly appealing is its simplicity, often starting with a boxed yellow cake mix that is enhanced with undrained crushed pineapple.
The inclusion of the pineapple juice directly into the batter contributes to the cake’s exceptional moistness.
Some variations might include additional ingredients like eggs or oil to further enrich the cake. The cake is typically baked until golden brown and fragrant, and its inherent juiciness often means it doesn’t require a separate frosting, although a light dusting of powdered sugar or a simple glaze can be added.
This Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake is a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create a remarkably delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients (Based on Image and Common Variations):
- 1 box (14-16 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
- ½ cup vegetable oil (check cake mix instructions, may not be needed)
- 3 large eggs (check cake mix instructions, may not be needed)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts)
- Optional Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar + 2-3 tablespoons pineapple juice or milk
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
- 9×13 inch baking pan (or similar size)
- Measuring cups
- Rubber spatula
- Toothpick
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan (or spray with non-stick cooking spray).
- Combine Cake Mix and Pineapple: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry yellow cake mix with the entire can of undrained crushed pineapple (juice and all).
- Add Remaining Ingredients: If your recipe calls for it or if you want a richer cake, add the vegetable oil and eggs to the bowl.
- Mix the Batter: Beat the ingredients with an electric mixer on low speed until just combined, then increase the speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Be careful not to overmix. If using, fold in the chopped nuts at the end.
- Pour into Pan: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The top should be golden brown.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely (this step is optional; you can also serve it directly from the pan).
- Prepare Glaze (Optional): While the cake is cooling, if you want to make a glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of pineapple juice or milk in a small bowl until smooth and drizzable. Add more liquid if needed to reach the desired consistency.
- Frost or Dust (Optional): Once the cake is cooled (or still slightly warm), you can drizzle the glaze over the top or simply dust it with powdered sugar. You can also frost it with a cream cheese frosting or top with whipped cream if desired.
- Serve: Slice and serve the Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake. It’s delicious on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips and Variations:
- Cake Mix Variations: You can experiment with other types of cake mixes, such as white or butter pecan, for different flavor profiles.
- Fruit Variations: While pineapple is the star, you could try adding other crushed fruits like peaches or mandarin oranges (make sure they are well-drained in addition to the undrained pineapple).
- Sour Cream or Yogurt: Adding ½ cup of sour cream or plain yogurt to the batter can make the cake even more moist and add a slight tanginess.
- Coconut Flakes: Stir in ½ cup of shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
- Upside-Down Cake: You can adapt this recipe to make a pineapple upside-down cake by arranging pineapple rings and maraschino cherries in the bottom of the pan before pouring in the batter.
- Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing: This cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Enjoy this simple and incredibly moist Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake! It’s a taste of tropical paradise in every bite.
