The Pineapple Pudding Cake is a melt-in-your-mouth dessert that’s bursting with tropical flavor and dreamy texture. Made with simple ingredients like vanilla pudding, crushed pineapple, and sour cream, it comes together in under an hour and delivers big on taste. The cake is perfectly moist thanks to the pudding mix and crushed fruit, while the pineapple glaze seeps into every bite for a lightly tangy finish. It’s a dessert that tastes like sunshine on a plate.
This cake is ideal for casual get-togethers, Sunday dinners, or summer barbecues. It’s also easy to adapt, use gluten-free cake mix to suit dietary needs, or switch up the glaze by adding coconut flakes or swapping lemon zest for lime. Best served slightly warm or chilled, the Pineapple Pudding Cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy it plain, either way, it’s heavenly!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 box vanilla cake mix (gluten-free or regular)
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1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
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1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice)
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3 eggs
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1/2 cup vegetable oil
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1/4 cup milk
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1 tsp vanilla extract
For the glaze:
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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2 tbsp pineapple juice (from the crushed pineapple can)
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1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, vanilla pudding mix, crushed pineapple with juice, eggs, oil, sour cream, milk, and vanilla extract.
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Beat with a hand or stand mixer for 2-3 minutes until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
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Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
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Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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While the cake is cooling slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, pineapple juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
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While the cake is still warm, drizzle the glaze over the top, allowing it to seep into the sponge.
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Let it cool fully before slicing and serving for best texture.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 12 servings
All About Pineapple Pudding Cake: A Sunny Dessert Worth Savoring
When it comes to easy, crowd-pleasing desserts that burst with flavor, Pineapple Pudding Cake sits near the top of the list. Light, moist, and full of tropical flair, this cake brings together the sweetness of pineapple with the creamy richness of vanilla pudding in every bite. It’s not only simple to prepare but also perfectly versatile, ideal for summer barbecues, potlucks, family gatherings, or a cozy afternoon treat with tea or coffee.
In this post, we’ll dive deep into the story behind pineapple pudding cake, tips and tricks to perfecting it, ingredient substitutions for different diets, and how you can elevate its presentation to impress guests. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy enough for a beginner but impressive enough for a party, this is your go-to recipe.
Origins and Inspiration Behind Pineapple Pudding Cake
While the exact origins of pineapple pudding cake are unclear, it is undoubtedly inspired by the classic Southern tradition of fruit-filled cakes and pudding-based desserts. The use of instant pudding mix to add richness and moisture to cakes became popular in the mid-20th century, when boxed mixes and shortcuts in baking were embraced by home cooks. Pineapple, a fruit that evokes vacation vibes and sunny days, has always been a natural fit for dessert.
What sets this cake apart is the balance of convenience and taste. By combining store-bought pudding mix with pantry staples like crushed pineapple and cake mix, you create a cake that feels homemade and indulgent, with very little effort. The result is a golden sponge that’s light and airy with juicy bursts of pineapple and a subtle tang from the glaze.
What Makes Pineapple Pudding Cake So Special?
1. Moist Texture
The vanilla pudding mix plays a key role in giving the cake its iconic soft, tender crumb. It binds everything together while locking in moisture, ensuring that the cake stays delicious even days after baking.
2. Tropical Flavor
Crushed pineapple with its natural juices offers a sweet-tart balance and a refreshing burst in every bite. Unlike fresh pineapple, the canned version is more consistent in flavor and texture, making it perfect for baking.
3. One-Bowl Wonder
This is truly a one-bowl cake recipe. Everything goes into the bowl, gets mixed up in just a couple of minutes, and then into the oven it goes. No layers, no fuss, no complicated steps.
4. A Dessert for Every Occasion
Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream for a cozy dessert, or chill it and top with coconut flakes for a summer treat. It’s ideal for birthdays, Easter brunch, Sunday dinners, and even casual snacking.
5. Customizable for Dietary Needs
Need a gluten-free option? Just use a gluten-free cake mix. Want to cut back on sugar? Use a sugar-free pudding mix and unsweetened pineapple. The base recipe is very forgiving and easy to adapt.
Ingredient Breakdown & Substitutions
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients and their roles in the recipe:
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Vanilla Cake Mix: The foundation of the cake. You can use any brand you prefer, gluten-free or standard. Yellow cake mix also works well.
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Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Adds rich flavor and moisture. Make sure it’s the instant variety, not the cook-and-serve version.
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Crushed Pineapple (with juice): Brings natural sweetness and tropical flavor. The juice is essential to the moist texture, so don’t drain it!
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Eggs: Help bind the ingredients and provide structure.
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Vegetable Oil: Adds richness and moisture. You can also use melted butter or a healthier oil like avocado oil.
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Sour Cream: Offers a slight tang and extra moisture. Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute.
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Milk: Adds creaminess. You can substitute with any dairy-free milk like almond or coconut milk.
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Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor profile of the pudding and pineapple.
For the glaze:
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Powdered Sugar + Pineapple Juice: The glaze is simple yet impactful. It enhances the pineapple flavor and adds a beautiful sheen to the top.
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Lemon Zest: Optional, but it adds a citrusy brightness that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Tips for the Perfect Pineapple Pudding Cake
1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients:
Room temperature eggs and dairy help the batter blend smoothly, resulting in an even texture and proper rise.
2. Don’t Overmix:
Mix the batter just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
3. Grease Well:
Use parchment paper or generously grease your baking dish to prevent sticking, especially if you’re using a glass or ceramic dish.
4. Glaze While Warm:
Pouring the glaze over a slightly warm cake allows it to soak in better, adding flavor and keeping the sponge moist.
5. Chill Before Serving (Optional):
Though delicious when warm, chilling the cake enhances the flavors and makes it easier to slice neatly.
Presentation Ideas
Want to make your pineapple pudding cake stand out? Here are a few ideas:
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Top with Toasted Coconut Flakes for a tropical flair.
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Serve with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
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Add Fresh Pineapple or Berries as a garnish for pops of color.
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Drizzle with White Chocolate or dust with extra powdered sugar for elegance.
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Cut into Squares and Serve in Cupcake Liners for grab-and-go events or bake sales.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
To Store:
Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Use plastic wrap or an airtight container to retain moisture.
To Freeze:
Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and enjoy cold or reheat slightly.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
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Quick and easy
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Requires minimal ingredients
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Versatile and customizable
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No mixer required (but helpful)
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Can be made gluten-free
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Great make-ahead dessert
When to Serve Pineapple Pudding Cake
This cake is a go-to for:
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Summer BBQs: Cool, fruity, and refreshing
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Easter or Mother’s Day Brunch: Light and elegant
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Weeknight Desserts: No time-consuming steps
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Potlucks & Bake Sales: Easy to transport and serve
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Holiday Tables: A non-traditional but welcome treat alongside pies and cookies
Make It Your Own
Don’t be afraid to get creative! Consider these delicious add-ins:
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Chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
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Shredded coconut for a tropical twist
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A touch of rum extract for a piña colada vibe
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Mini chocolate chips for a fun, sweet contrast
You can also bake this in a Bundt pan for a beautiful circular presentation, just be sure to grease it extra well and adjust baking time accordingly (Bundt cakes usually need 45–50 minutes).
Conclusion
Pineapple Pudding Cake is the kind of dessert that feels like sunshine on a plate. It’s simple enough to make on a whim, but elegant enough to serve at special occasions. The combination of tangy pineapple and creamy pudding mix creates an ultra-moist texture that practically melts in your mouth. With a few pantry staples and less than an hour of your time, you’ll have a tropical treat that pleases every palate.
Whether you’re baking for a crowd, prepping for a weekend gathering, or just satisfying a sweet craving, this cake checks all the boxes: flavor, texture, ease, and presentation. Give it a try and make it your own, you just might find it becomes your new signature dessert.