I’m so glad you’re here—because I’ve got a dessert that’s pure sunshine on a plate. Whether you need something easy for a summer BBQ or just a sweet way to brighten your day, this Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake is exactly what it sounds like: light, luscious, and packed with juicy pineapple flavor that tastes like tropical heaven.
Let me say it right up front: Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake is an irresistibly fluffy, fruity dessert made with crushed pineapple, whipped topping, and angel food cake. It’s simple, refreshing, and honestly? It might just be the easiest “wow” cake you’ll ever make.
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What Is Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake?
It’s a no-fuss dessert made by combining crushed pineapple with fluffy angel food cake and topping it all off with creamy whipped topping. Some versions bake the pineapple right into the cake; others layer it with pudding or cream cheese topping. Mine? It’s a fuss-free hybrid of both—quick, juicy, creamy, and so good it disappears fast at potlucks and parties.
It’s called “heaven cake” for a reason!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Only a handful of ingredients
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No mixer needed
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Cool, light, and refreshing
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Perfect for warm weather
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Feeds a crowd—great for potlucks, BBQs, or holidays
What Does It Taste Like?
Sweet, tangy pineapple flavor runs through every bite, balanced by the light-as-air texture of angel food cake and the creamy cloud of whipped topping. It’s bright, not too heavy, and just the right amount of sweet. Think pineapple upside-down cake—but lighter, cooler, and easier.
Benefits of This Recipe
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Quick to prepare – Just mix, chill, and serve
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Can be made ahead – Even better the next day!
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Low in fat, high in flavor
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Versatile for customizing (see ideas below!)
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No baking required if using store-bought cake
Ingredients
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1 (15 oz) can crushed pineapple in juice (undrained)
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1 (16 oz) tub frozen whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
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1 box angel food cake mix
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Optional: 1 small box instant vanilla pudding (for an extra creamy layer)
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Optional toppings: maraschino cherries, shredded coconut, chopped pecans
Tools You’ll Need
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Mixing bowl
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Spatula or wooden spoon
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9×13 baking dish or trifle bowl
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Whisk (if using pudding mix)
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Refrigerator for chilling
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
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Make it creamier: Add a layer of whipped topping mixed with instant pudding and milk.
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Make it zesty: Add lemon zest or a splash of coconut extract for extra brightness.
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Swap the pineapple: Use crushed mandarin oranges, peaches, or tropical fruit blend.
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Go dairy-free: Use a non-dairy whipped topping and pudding alternative.
How to Make Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake
Step 1: Mix the cake
In a large bowl, combine the dry angel food cake mix with the entire can of crushed pineapple (juice included). Stir gently until well combined—the mixture will get fluffy and bubbly.
Step 2: Bake the cake
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center. Let it cool completely.
Step 3: Make it heavenly
Once the cake is cool, spread the whipped topping evenly over the top. For extra flair, add maraschino cherries, a sprinkle of coconut, or crushed nuts.
Step 4: Chill
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Optional layering version:
Mix pudding with milk and fold in whipped topping. Layer over the baked cake for a more decadent twist!
What to Serve with Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake
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Fresh fruit salad – Strawberries, kiwi, and melon pair beautifully
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Iced tea or lemonade – A refreshing drink alongside this cool treat
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Grilled chicken or pulled pork – Perfect summer dinner pairing
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Coffee or espresso – For a light dessert course after a heavier meal
Tips for Success
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Use a can of pineapple in juice, not syrup – You need the acidity and natural sweetness
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Don’t overmix the batter – Just fold gently to keep it airy
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Let it cool fully before adding topping – Or the whipped topping will melt
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Make ahead – The flavors get even better after chilling overnight
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Store in the fridge – It’s best cold and holds up beautifully
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate
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Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days
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Serve straight from the fridge—no reheating needed
Freezer
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Freezing is not recommended for whipped topping textures, but the cake base itself freezes well without topping
General Info
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
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Chill Time: 1 hour (minimum)
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Total Time: ~1 hour 45 minutes
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Servings: 12–15
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade angel food cake?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s cooled and torn into pieces or sliced for layering.
Can I skip the baking?
Yes! Use pre-made angel food cake, tear into chunks, and layer with pineapple and whipped topping like a trifle.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free whipped topping and make sure the pudding (if used) is also non-dairy.
Can I use pineapple in syrup?
It’s not recommended—it’ll be too sweet and won’t create the same texture with the cake mix.
Conclusion
This Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake is as easy as it is dreamy—sweet, fluffy, and totally irresistible. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just want something cool and tropical to brighten your day, this dessert delivers the sunshine in every bite. You’ll make it once and wonder why you haven’t been making it all along!
So grab your pineapple, whip out your Cool Whip, and treat yourself to a little slice of heaven. 🍍☁️💛
More Light & Luscious Desserts You’ll Love
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No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie
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Mandarin Orange Sunshine Cake
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Coconut Cream Poke Cake
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Strawberry Angel Food Cake Trifle
Share Your Heaven Cake!
If you made this recipe, I have to see it! Tag me @mmmrecipesblog on Instagram or pin it on Pinterest and leave a review. Your photos and feedback make this sweet little community so special!
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
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Calories: 190
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Fat: 5g
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Carbs: 32g
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Sugar: 22g
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Protein: 2g
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Fiber: 1g
Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake
- Total Time: ~1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 servings 1x
Description
Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake is an irresistibly fluffy, fruity dessert made with crushed pineapple, whipped topping, and angel food cake. It’s simple, refreshing, and honestly? It might just be the easiest “wow” cake you’ll ever make.
Ingredients
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed pineapple in juice (undrained)
- 1 (16 oz) tub frozen whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- 1 box angel food cake mix
- Optional: 1 small box instant vanilla pudding (for an extra creamy layer)
- Optional toppings: maraschino cherries, shredded coconut, chopped pecans
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the dry angel food cake mix with the entire can of crushed pineapple (juice included). Stir gently until well combined—the mixture will get fluffy and bubbly.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center. Let it cool completely.
- Once the cake is cool, spread the whipped topping evenly over the top. For extra flair, add maraschino cherries, a sprinkle of coconut, or crushed nuts.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled and enjoy!
- Optional layering version: Mix pudding with milk and fold in whipped topping. Layer over the baked cake for a more decadent twist!
Notes
Use pineapple in juice, not syrup—natural sweetness works best. Don’t overmix the batter—just fold gently. Let the cake cool fully before adding topping or it will melt. This dessert tastes even better after a night in the fridge!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake / Baked
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: pineapple, heaven cake, angel food, whipped topping, summer dessert