A tropical delight that will transport your taste buds to a sunny paradise, Juicy Pineapple Cake is the perfect combination of sweetness, tang, and buttery goodness. Infused with vibrant pineapple juice and topped with a luscious glaze, this cake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering or celebration. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this cake is as easy to make as it is delicious.
About the Recipe
When I think of pineapple desserts, I imagine a bright, summery flavor that instantly lifts my mood. This Juicy Pineapple Cake was created to embody that feeling in every bite. It’s more than just a dessert – it’s a celebration of tropical flavors!
The best part? This recipe is made with simple ingredients and an effortless method. Using a box cake mix as a base, we enhance it with pineapple juice, adding both moisture and a zesty, tropical twist. The star of this recipe, however, is the pineapple glaze – a silky, sweet topping that seeps into the cake, ensuring it’s perfectly moist and flavorful.
This cake has been tested and loved by friends and family, and I’m sure it will become one of your favorites, too.
Reasons to Love This Pineapple Cake:
- Easy to make: Minimal prep with simple steps and ingredients.
- Moist and flavorful: The pineapple juice and glaze make it irresistibly tender.
- Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply enjoying with your family.
- Tropical twist: Brings the taste of summer to your table any time of the year.
Equipment Needed
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s ensure you have all the tools you need to make this delightful pineapple cake. Don’t worry—most of these are probably already in your kitchen!
- Mixing Bowl: To combine the batter ingredients smoothly.
- Electric Mixer: Ensures the batter is perfectly blended for a light and fluffy texture.
- Bundt Pan (10–12 cup): Gives the cake its signature shape and helps it bake evenly.
- Cooking Spray and Flour: To grease and flour the pan, preventing the cake from sticking.
- Toothpick or Skewer: Used to test for doneness and create tiny holes for the glaze to soak in.
- Small Saucepan: For preparing the rich pineapple glaze.
Having the right equipment makes this cake even easier to prepare and guarantees perfect results every time.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box yell or butter cake mix (I prefer Pillsbury for this recipe).
- ¾ cup vegetable oil – Keeps the cake moist and tender.
- ¾ cup pineapple juice – Adds natural sweetness and tropical flavor.
- 4 large eggs – Provides structure and richness to the cake.
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar – The base for a smooth and sweet glaze.
- ¾ cup pineapple juice – Brings that juicy, tropical taste to every bite.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – Adds richness and helps the glaze seep into the cake.
How to Make a Juicy Pineapple Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Cake
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). While the oven heats, grease and flour a 10–12-cup Bundt pan thoroughly to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Mix the batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, pineapple juice, and eggs. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture on medium speed for about 2 minutes, or until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the edges of the cake start to pull away from the pan.
Step 2: Prepare the Pineapple Glaze
- While the cake is baking, grab a small saucepan. Combine the powdered sugar, pineapple juice, and unsalted butter in the pan.
- Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until the butter has completely melted and the glaze is smooth.
Step 3: Glaze and Assemble
- Poke holes in the cake: Once the cake is out of the oven, let it cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes. Using a toothpick or skewer, poke small holes evenly across the surface of the cake. This will allow the glaze to seep in and infuse the cake with flavor.
- Pour the glaze: While the cake is still in the pan, pour the warm pineapple glaze slowly and evenly over the cake. Don’t worry if it seems like a lot of glaze—it will absorb beautifully, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. Let the cake cool for an additional 15–20 minutes.
- Invert the cake: Once the glaze has soaked in and the cake has cooled slightly, carefully invert it onto a serving platter. If desired, drizzle any remaining glaze over the top for extra sweetness and shine.
Tips for Success
- Don’t rush the cooling process: Allowing the cake to cool in the pan helps it hold its shape when inverted.
- Grease thoroughly: Ensure every crevice of your Bundt pan is greased and floured for a smooth release.
- Serve fresh: While this cake stores well, it’s best enjoyed within a day or two for peak flavor and texture.
FAQs and Troubleshooting
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Yes! While yellow or butter cake mix works best for this recipe, you can experiment with white cake mix for a lighter flavor.
What if I don’t have pineapple juice?
You can substitute with orange juice for a citrusy twist, but pineapple juice is key for that tropical flavor.
Why didn’t my cake release cleanly?
Bundt pans can be tricky! Make sure to grease and flour your pan thoroughly. If the cake sticks, let it cool longer before inverting, and gently tap the pan to loosen it.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Store it tightly wrapped at room temperature and glaze it just before serving for the best results.
How to Store
- At Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- In the Refrigerator: Keep the cake in the fridge for up to 5 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Freezing: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and glaze it before serving.
Enjoy your Juicy Pineapple Cake—a tropical dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious!
