If you’re ready to bring a bright burst of tropical sunshine to your dessert table, Pineapple Juice Cake is about to become your new obsession. This moist, golden Bundt cake is soaked in a sweet-tart pineapple glaze that seeps into every bite, making it incredibly tender and packed with fruity flavor. With an easy mix-and-pour preparation and a flavor that transports you straight to a warm, breezy paradise, this showstopper is a favorite for both family gatherings and simple weeknight treats — and no one will guess how easy it is to whip up!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Pineapple Juice Cake so irresistible? It all starts with a handful of easy pantry staples and a carton of pineapple juice. Each ingredient is chosen for the sweet, sunny flavors and perfect texture they give to this classic cake.
- Yellow Cake Mix: Brings lightness and a rich vanilla base, making the cake fluffy without any fuss.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Adds extra moisture and helps the cake remain incredibly soft and tender.
- Eggs: Bind everything together while adding richness and structure.
- Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake is exceptionally moist with a delicate crumb.
- Pineapple Juice: Infuses the entire cake with juicy, tropical sweetness and a golden hue.
- Powdered Sugar: Creates that signature silky glaze that soaks in for even more flavor.
- Pineapple Juice (for glaze): Doubles down on the fruity aroma and punch in the crowning finish.
How to Make Pineapple Juice Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Bundt Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and generously greasing a Bundt pan. This step is crucial—Bundt pans can be notorious for sticking, and you don’t want to lose even a crumb of that beautiful cake. Whether you use baking spray or the classic butter-and-flour combo, get into every nook and swirl.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
Grab your largest mixing bowl and combine the yellow cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and a full cup of pineapple juice. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer set to medium speed, beating for about 2 minutes until the batter looks luscious, smooth, and well combined. The magic starts here—the pudding mix and pineapple juice work together for extra moisture and flavor.
Step 3: Bake
Pour the dreamy batter into your prepared Bundt pan and smooth the surface for an even rise. Slide it into the oven and let the Pineapple Juice Cake bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the kitchen smells like a tropical bakery.
Step 4: Cool and Invert
When the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest in its pan for 10 minutes. This little patience break helps the cake pull away from the pan, making it much easier to turn out onto a wire rack without breaking. Once ready, invert the cake onto the rack and let the warm steam escape.
Step 5: Glaze the Warm Cake
While your cake is still warm, whisk together the powdered sugar and 3 tablespoons of pineapple juice to create a glossy glaze. Drizzle it all over the cake and watch as it soaks into the warm sponge. This glaze is what makes Pineapple Juice Cake extra special—it’s sweet, tart, and irresistible.
How to Serve Pineapple Juice Cake
Pineapple Juice Cake Garnishes
This cake is gorgeous all on its own, but a few thoughtful garnishes can really make it pop. Try scattering fresh pineapple chunks or toasted coconut flakes over the glaze as it sets. Even a bit of grated lime zest or maraschino cherries can add color and a dash of celebration to your finished dessert.
Side Dishes
Since Pineapple Juice Cake is so moist and fruity, it pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a big spoonful of whipped cream. For a truly tropical spread, serve alongside a bowl of fresh berries or a fruit salad filled with mango, kiwi, and more pineapple.
Creative Ways to Present
One slice and you’ll see why this Bundt cake turns heads, but you can have fun presenting it, too. Try cutting the cake into generous wedges and serving each on a platter lined with banana leaves, or arrange bite-sized cubes on small skewers with pineapple chunks for a party-friendly finger food option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pineapple Juice Cake keeps surprisingly well. Simply cover any leftover slices with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The sugary glaze helps lock in moisture, so every slice stays tender.
Freezing
If you want to save leftovers for later (or prep ahead for a busy week), wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store them in the freezer. The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months and still taste remarkably fresh when thawed at room temperature.
Reheating
To enjoy Pineapple Juice Cake warm, microwave a slice for about 10 seconds. The glaze melts just enough to feel extra decadent—like a bakery treat enjoyed straight from the oven.
FAQs
Can I add crushed pineapple to the batter?
Absolutely! For even more pineapple flavor and a little extra texture, add about 1/2 cup of well-drained crushed pineapple to the batter before baking. Just be sure to drain it thoroughly so your cake doesn’t become too dense.
Can I use homemade cake mix instead of boxed?
If you have a favorite homemade yellow cake mix recipe, feel free to substitute it here. Just be mindful of the volume and weight to match the standard 15.25 ounces in the box version for best results.
Is there a dairy-free version?
It’s simple to make Pineapple Juice Cake dairy-free—just make sure your cake mix and pudding mix are dairy-free, and follow the same method. The cake is still ultra-moist thanks to the oil and pineapple juice.
What’s the best way to prevent sticking in a Bundt pan?
Grease the pan generously, paying extra attention to all the creases and curves. Use a pastry brush if needed, and consider dusting with a bit of flour after greasing for added insurance. Letting the cake cool for 10 minutes before inverting also helps a lot!
Can I substitute other citrus juices?
Yes! If you’re looking to mix things up, orange juice makes a delightful swap for pineapple juice, offering a different but equally sunny flavor profile. Try experimenting with what you have on hand.
Final Thoughts
Baking Pineapple Juice Cake is always a joy—the kind of treat that brings smiles and a taste of vacation to any table. If you love easy recipes with big, beautiful flavor, don’t wait: give this one a try, and watch it become an instant classic in your home!
Print
Pineapple Juice Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the tropical flavors of this moist and flavorful Pineapple Juice Cake. With a hint of citrus sweetness from pineapple juice and a simple glaze, this easy Bundt cake is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup pineapple juice
Glaze:
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons pineapple juice
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 325°F and thoroughly grease a Bundt pan.
- Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, vanilla pudding mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and 1 cup of pineapple juice. Beat until smooth.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Glaze: Cool the cake for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack. Combine powdered sugar and 3 tablespoons of pineapple juice for the glaze. Drizzle over the warm cake.
Notes
- For extra pineapple flavor, add ½ cup of crushed pineapple (drained) to the batter.
- Try using orange juice for a citrus twist!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 31g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
