Pineapple Sunshine Cake -tropical flavor, extra moist with a creamy surprise inside—perfect for brightening any day!

Thank you so much for being here today! It truly warms my heart to share recipes like this Pineapple Sunshine Cake with you. This isn’t just another cake — it’s pure joy in dessert form! Light, tropical, and incredibly easy, this cake brings a little piece of sunshine straight to your kitchen. 🌞 Right after the H1, let’s get right to the focus keyword: Pineapple Sunshine Cake is a bright, moist, and flavorful dessert perfect for any time you need a sweet, sunny pick-me-up.

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What is Pineapple Sunshine Cake?

Pineapple Sunshine Cake is a vintage-inspired, delightfully moist sheet cake that’s been loved for generations. Made with yellow cake mix, crushed pineapple, and a fluffy pineapple cream topping, this easy dessert tastes like a little bite of summer — no matter the season! It’s the kind of recipe that feels like it came from Grandma’s handwritten cookbook.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

• Super simple ingredients you probably already have!
• No fancy skills needed — just mix, bake, and frost.
• Perfect for gatherings — picnics, potlucks, birthday parties, and BBQs!
• Bright, sunny flavor that’s anything but boring!!
• Make-ahead friendly — it tastes even better after chilling!

I promised you versatile, and here’s proof! Whether you dress it up with fresh fruit or serve it straight from the pan, this cake delivers happiness every time.

What Does Pineapple Sunshine Cake Taste Like?

Imagine the sweet tang of pineapple, softened by a rich, buttery cake base and topped with a fluffy cloud of tropical cream — it’s pure heaven! The crushed pineapple keeps the cake incredibly moist, while the whipped topping filling gives it a light, luscious finish. The smell when this is baking? INCREDIBLE.

Benefits of Making Pineapple Sunshine Cake

• Quick and easy: Ready in under an hour!
• Budget-friendly: Made with pantry staples.
• Customizable: Add your favorite twists!
• Crowd-pleaser: It disappears fast — you might need to make two!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 (15 oz) can crushed pineapple (with juice)
• Pineapple slices (for topping)

For the Creamy Filling:

• 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple (with juice)
• 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer (or a trusty whisk!)
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling rack
• Sharp knife (for slicing cake layers)

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

• Cake Mix: Try white cake mix if you want an even lighter flavor.
• Whipped Topping: Use homemade whipped cream for an extra decadent twist.
• Pineapple Slices: Optional, but they add a pretty tropical look! You could also use maraschino cherries for a pop of color.
• Pudding Flavor: Swap for coconut cream pudding to double down on the tropical vibes!

How to Make Pineapple Sunshine Cake Step-by-Step

1. Preheat and Prep: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Mix the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and the full can of crushed pineapple with its juice. Mix until smooth and well blended.
3. Top with Pineapple: Pour the batter into your prepared dish and arrange pineapple slices evenly on top.
4. Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Cool: Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
6. Make the Filling: While the cake cools, mix the pudding mix with the second can of crushed pineapple (juice and all!). Gently fold in the whipped topping until well combined.
7. Assemble the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, carefully slice it horizontally in half. Spread the pineapple cream filling over the bottom half, then replace the top half.
8. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving.

What to Serve with Pineapple Sunshine Cake

This cake pairs beautifully with:

• Iced tea or lemonade for a summery vibe.
• Fresh fruit salad for extra brightness.
• A scoop of coconut or vanilla ice cream for pure indulgence!

Tips for Making the Best Pineapple Sunshine Cake

• Use room temperature eggs for easier blending.
• Don’t overmix the batter — just mix until combined to keep it fluffy.
• Chill overnight if you can; the flavors deepen and get even better!
• Decorate before serving with a little extra whipped topping or a sprinkle of shredded coconut!

Storage Instructions

Store leftover cake tightly covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. It actually tastes even better after it’s had a day to soak up all the pineapple flavor!

If you need to freeze it, slice into pieces first, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

You can! Just be sure to include the juice if you have it, or supplement with a little pineapple juice from the store to keep the cake moist.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, it’s even better after it’s been chilled for several hours or overnight. Perfect for planning ahead for parties.

Can I make this into a layer cake?

Absolutely. You can bake the cake in two 9-inch round pans and stack them with the creamy filling between layers.

Conclusion

There’s something truly special about how simple ingredients can create something so memorable. Pineapple Sunshine Cake is the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep tucked away for every event, big or small. It’s tropical, light, moist, and packed with sunny flavor — a true crowd-pleaser that’s anything but boring!!

If you loved this cake, be sure to check out some of my other peachy-tropical recipes like Peach Dump Cake, Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes, or even my famous Peach Crisp!

I’d absolutely LOVE to see your version! If you make this recipe, please leave a review below and don’t forget to tag your photos on Pinterest — it makes my day to see your beautiful creations. 🍰✨

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