Sunny Tropical Pineapple Paradise Cake Recipe for Sweet Escapes

Sweet bakery enthusiasts adore this tropical pineapple paradise cake that brings sunshine to every slice.

Caribbean flavors dance through each moist layer of delectable goodness.

The recipe blends rich textures with bright, tangy notes that awaken your senses.

Ripe pineapples infuse natural sweetness into every crumb of this delightful dessert.

Creamy frosting complements the fruity base, creating a harmonious blend of tropical magic.

Bakers of all skill levels can easily master this crowd-pleasing treat.

Prepare to transport your taste buds to a sun-soaked island with one remarkable cake.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 12

Ingredients for Pineapple Paradise Cake

• Yellow Cake Mix: Provides a quick and reliable foundation for the tropical dessert, ensuring a soft and fluffy texture.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add richness to the cake's structure, choose fresh, room-temperature eggs for best results.
• Vegetable Oil: Creates moisture and tenderness, helping the cake stay soft and preventing dryness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor, adding depth and warmth to the cake's profile.

• Crushed Pineapple: Introduces natural sweetness and tropical tang, select ripe, juicy pineapple for maximum flavor intensity.

• Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch pan ensures even baking and perfect cake height, use a light-colored metal pan for optimal heat distribution.

Tools to Build This Tropical Cake Treat

• Large Mixing Bowl: Roomy vessel for combining all cake ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk or Electric Mixer: Perfect for blending cake batter without lumps.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Sturdy pan for even baking and classic rectangular cake shape.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise tools for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Spatula: Helpful for scraping batter from bowl and ensuring no ingredients are left behind.
• Oven Mitts: Essential for safely handling hot baking dish.

Your Steps to Making Pineapple Paradise Cake

• Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350 degrees and get your baking dish ready by giving it a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.

• Create Magical Batter

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and combine your cake mix with juicy crushed pineapple, eggs, oil, and a splash of vanilla. Whisk everything together until the mixture looks smooth and dreamy, with no lumpy surprises hiding inside.

• Pour and Spread

Transfer your luscious batter into the prepared baking dish, making sure to spread it evenly so every bite will be perfectly consistent and delightful.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top turns a beautiful golden brown.

• Cool and Serve

Once baked, pull the cake out and let it cool down completely. This waiting time allows the flavors to settle and makes cutting easier. Slice into squares and serve this tropical treat that’ll transport your taste buds to a sunny paradise.

Flavorful Additions & Icing Tips

• Moisture Magic: Drain pineapple slightly but keep some juice to ensure the cake remains incredibly moist and tender without becoming soggy.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular cake mix with a gluten-free alternative to make this recipe friendly for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Tropical Topping Twist: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes or chopped macadamia nuts on top for extra crunch and authentic Hawaiian flavor profile.
• Cream Cheese Drizzle: Whip up a quick cream cheese glaze by mixing softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of pineapple juice for a decadent finishing touch.
• Vegan Transformation: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based cake mix and oil to create a completely dairy-free and egg-free version of this tropical dessert.

Serving Up a Slice of Sunshine

• Tropical Brunch Delight: Serve slices alongside fresh coconut yogurt and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for a vibrant morning breakfast experience.
• Elegant Dessert Plating: Garnish each slice with a dollop of whipped cream, a mint leaf, and a small wedge of fresh pineapple for an Instagram-worthy presentation.
• Summer Potluck Star: Bring this cake to outdoor gatherings, pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or as part of a colorful dessert spread that screams sunshine and celebration.
• Afternoon Tea Treat: Cut into smaller squares and serve with tropical herbal tea, creating a light and refreshing afternoon snack that transports you to a beachy paradise.

How to Store This Dreamy Pineapple Dessert

• Smart Portioning: Slice the cake into individual servings and wrap each piece separately in plastic wrap for easy grab-and-go treats throughout the week.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining its moisture and freshness. Always cover completely to prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Freezing Technique: Wrap the entire cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cake stays delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Quick Serving Tips: Let refrigerated cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying to enhance its soft texture and bring out the full pineapple flavor.

Tropical Pineapple Paradise Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Tropical paradise cake celebrates sweet pineapple flavors with rich, moist layers of Caribbean-inspired delight. Creamy frosting and caramelized fruit toppings invite you to savor a slice of sunshine.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 can (20 oz / 567 g) crushed pineapple in juice
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 package (8 oz / 227 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 container (8 oz / 227 g) whipped topping, thawed
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut (toasted, optional)
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• Maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Calibrate the oven to a precise 350F (175C), creating an ideal baking environment for the tropical dessert.
2. Pan Setup: Meticulously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring a seamless cake release after baking.
3. Batter Creation: Blend cake mix with crushed pineapple, incorporating its vibrant juice, creating a moist foundation for the dessert.
4. Ingredient Integration: Whisk eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract into the mixture, generating a silky, well-incorporated batter that promises rich flavor and smooth texture.
5. Baking Technique: Pour the luminous mixture into the prepared pan, spreading evenly to guarantee uniform baking and consistent golden coloration.
6. Oven Transformation: Position the pan centrally in the preheated oven, allowing heat to circulate and transform the batter into a delectable cake with a tantalizing tropical essence.
7. Doneness Verification: After approximately 35-40 minutes, assess cake readiness by inserting a toothpick into the center – a clean extraction indicates perfect baking.
8. Cooling Process: Remove from oven and let the cake rest completely, allowing its internal structure to stabilize and flavors to harmonize before potential frosting or garnishing.

Notes

• Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for cake mix, pineapple, and other ingredients to maintain the perfect moisture balance and texture.
• Fold Gently: Mix ingredients with a light hand to prevent overmixing, which can create a dense, tough cake instead of a tender crumb.
• Check Oven Temperature: Verify your oven’s actual temperature with a separate thermometer to ensure accurate baking and prevent under or overbaking.
• Moisture Management: Drain pineapple slightly but retain some juice to keep the cake moist and prevent excess liquid from making the cake soggy.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 336
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg