Easy Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake

I am going to show you a baking magic trick that my grandma Viola swears by. Did you know you can bake a cake without any oil, eggs, or butter? It sounds impossible, but this Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake proves it works. By mixing just a box of angel food cake mix and a can of crushed pineapple, a chemical reaction happens that creates the lightest, fluffiest, low-fat pineapple cake imaginable. It is the famous "Skinny" cake that tastes like a cheat day but is secretly guilt-free.

This juicy pineapple heaven cake recipe is surprisingly easy to make, using just simple pantry staples. Whether you're making the classic 3 ingredient pineapple cake with yellow cake mix (or in this case, angel food cake mix), juicy pineapple heaven cake with sour cream for extra richness, or pineapple heaven cake with yellow cake mix for a traditional version, this recipe delivers. It's a moist pineapple-infused cake that's perfect as a chilled make-ahead tropical dessert for summer gatherings, potlucks, or any time you want something sweet without the guilt. This easy pantry-staples dessert is one of those recipes that looks impressive but comes together with almost no effort, and it's bursting with pineapple in every single bite.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake
• Ingredients for Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake
• How to Make Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake
• My Top Tips for Perfect Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake
• Little Moments in the Kitchen
• Substitutions for Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake
• Variations on Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake
• Equipment for Making Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake
• Storage Tips for Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake
• Adam's Tip for Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake
• FAQ About Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake
• Conclusion
• Related
• Pairing
• recipe

Why You'll Love This Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake

• Only 2 ingredients for the basic version. Angel food cake mix plus crushed pineapple creates a light, fluffy cake with no oil, eggs, or butter needed. It's the ultimate guilt-free dessert.
• Incredibly moist and stays that way for days. The crushed pineapple in juice keeps this cake from ever drying out, even after sitting in the refrigerator.
• Perfect make-ahead dessert. This cake actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to soak in and meld together.

Ingredients for Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake

This recipe makes one 9x13-inch cake, serving about 12 to 15 people. It's the perfect size for family gatherings or potlucks.

What You'll Need

For the Basic 2-Ingredient Pineapple Cake:

• 1 box (16 oz) angel food cake mix
• 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained

For the Traditional Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake (Optional Richer Version):

• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
• 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup sour cream

For the Pineapple Whipped Topping (Optional):

• 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
• 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed

Optional Garnish:

• Toasted coconut flakes
• Chopped pecans
• Maraschino cherries

Why These Ingredients Matter

Angel food cake mix creates that magical reaction. When you mix angel food cake mix with crushed pineapple, the acid in the pineapple activates the leavening agents in the cake mix, creating a light, fluffy cake without any eggs, oil, or butter. It's pure baking magic.

Crushed pineapple in juice creates incredible moisture. Using the pineapple with all its juice instead of draining it is the secret to keeping this cake juicy and tropical. The juice soaks into the cake and keeps it moist for days.

Instant pudding mix thickens the whipped topping. If you're making the optional topping, the pudding mix absorbs some of the pineapple juice and creates a creamy, stable frosting that won't get runny or weepy, even when the cake sits in the refrigerator.

How to Make Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake

Step-by-Step Directions

For the Basic 2-Ingredient Pineapple Heaven Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
2. Mix the magic 2-ingredient batter. In a large bowl, combine the angel food cake mix and the entire can of undrained crushed pineapple (with all the juice). Stir gently with a wooden spoon until just combined. Don't overmix. The batter will be thick and lumpy.
3. Pour the batter into the pan. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. It will be thick, so use a spatula to smooth it out.
4. Bake the cake. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and springs back when lightly touched. The cake will puff up beautifully.
5. Cool and serve. Let the cake cool in the pan. Serve as-is for the lightest, guilt-free version, or add the optional whipped topping for a more decadent dessert.

For the Traditional Richer Version (Optional):

6. Mix the traditional pineapple cake batter. In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, one can of undrained crushed pineapple (with all the juice), eggs, vegetable oil, and sour cream. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
7. Bake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown. Cool completely.

For the Optional Pineapple Whipped Topping:

8. Make the pineapple whipped topping. In a medium bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix and the second can of undrained crushed pineapple (with all the juice). Stir until the pudding mix is dissolved and the mixture thickens slightly, about 2 minutes.
9. Fold in the whipped topping. Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the pineapple-pudding mixture until smooth and creamy. Don't overmix.
10. Spread the topping over the cooled cake. Once the cake is completely cool, spread the pineapple whipped topping evenly over the entire surface. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Quick Tip: For the absolute lightest, guilt-free cake, stick with the 2-ingredient version. For a richer, more traditional pineapple heaven cake, use the yellow cake mix version with the whipped topping.

Little Moments in the Kitchen

The first time Grandma Viola showed me this recipe, Adam was skeptical. He watched her dump the entire can of crushed pineapple, juice and all, into the angel food cake mix and said, "Grandma, that's it? Where are the eggs? Where's the butter?" She smiled and said, "That's the magic trick, sweetheart. Sometimes the simplest things work the best. Trust me."

When we pulled it out of the oven all golden and puffy, he couldn't believe it. "Wait, it actually worked? It looks like a real cake!" He took one bite after it cooled and his eyes went wide. "This is SO light! It's like eating a cloud that tastes like pineapple! And you're telling me there's no butter in this?" Grandma Viola laughed and said, "That's why we call it the Skinny Cake. You can have two pieces and not feel guilty. It's my favorite baking magic trick."

If you love light, fruity desserts like this, you'll also want to try our Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Tacos. They're another crowd-pleaser.

Substitutions for Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake

• Angel food cake mix: Use yellow cake mix if you want a richer, more traditional version (add eggs, oil, and sour cream as listed in the optional version).
• Crushed pineapple: Use pineapple tidbits if you want bigger chunks of fruit, but make sure they're in juice, not syrup.
• Instant vanilla pudding: Try instant coconut cream pudding for an even more tropical topping.
• Whipped topping: Use freshly whipped heavy cream sweetened with powdered sugar if you prefer homemade.

Variations on Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake

• 3 Ingredient Pineapple Cake with Yellow Cake Mix: Use a box of yellow cake mix instead of angel food cake mix, plus one can of crushed pineapple. No eggs, oil, or anything else needed. It will be slightly richer than the angel food version but still incredibly easy.
• Pineapple Heaven Poke Cake: After baking the 2-ingredient cake, poke holes all over the warm cake with a wooden spoon handle, then pour a mixture of sweetened condensed milk and reserved pineapple juice over the top. Let it soak in before adding the whipped topping.
• Old Fashioned Pineapple Heaven Cake Recipe: Use the traditional yellow cake mix version and add ½ cup toasted coconut and ½ cup chopped pecans to the batter before baking for extra texture.
• Pineapple Heaven Pound Cake: Make this in a bundt pan instead of a 9x13 pan using the 2-ingredient method. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes and drizzle with a pineapple glaze made from powdered sugar and pineapple juice.
• Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake with Cake Mix and Pudding: Use the traditional yellow cake mix version and fold instant vanilla pudding mix directly into the batter before baking for an extra moist, rich cake.

If you love easy desserts with tropical flair, try our Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake. It's another simple showstopper.

Equipment for Making Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake

• 9x13-inch baking pan: The standard size for this recipe that serves a crowd.
• Mixing bowl: One large bowl for mixing the simple batter.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For gently stirring the angel food cake mix and pineapple together.
• Can opener: For opening that can of crushed pineapple.
• Electric mixer (optional): Only needed if you're making the traditional richer version with eggs and oil.

Storage Tips for Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake

• Refrigerator: Store covered with plastic wrap or foil for up to 5 days. The 2-ingredient version can sit at room temperature for a day, but refrigeration keeps it fresher longer.
• Freezer: The basic 2-ingredient cake freezes well for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. The version with whipped topping doesn't freeze well.
• Make-ahead tip: Make the cake up to 2 days in advance. It actually tastes better after sitting as the pineapple flavor soaks in and develops.
• Serving tip: Serve cold or at room temperature. Both ways are delicious.

For more indulgent desserts, check out our Homemade Churros. They're perfect for any occasion.

FAQ About Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake

Conclusion

Go ahead and have that second slice, you literally can't afford not to! I hope this magical, 2-ingredient wonder becomes your new favorite way to satisfy a sweet tooth without weighing yourself down.

If you try this juicy pineapple heaven cake recipe, let me know how it turns out! And if you come up with any fun variations, I want to hear about it. For more easy desserts that everyone loves, check out our Chocolate Mousse Brownies. Tag me on social media or leave a comment below. Happy baking, and enjoy every juicy, heavenly, guilt-free bite!

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake:

recipe