A Moist, Tropical Dessert Bursting with Sunshine Flavor!
If you love old-fashioned Southern desserts that are rich, moist, and easy to make, this Pineapple Juice Cake is about to become your new favorite! 🌞 With a tender, buttery crumb soaked in a sweet pineapple glaze, this cake brings a burst of tropical flavor to every bite.
It’s made with simple ingredients — yellow cake mix, pineapple juice, and a few pantry staples — yet the result tastes bakery-fresh. The secret lies in the glaze: a warm, syrupy mixture poured over the cake while it’s still hot, locking in all that juicy flavor and creating an irresistibly moist texture.
Whether you’re hosting a Sunday dinner, summer picnic, or holiday gathering, this cake will shine as the centerpiece of your dessert table. 🍰✨
🍍 Why You’ll Love Pineapple Juice Cake
✅ Super Moist: The pineapple juice glaze soaks right into the cake.
✅ Tropical Flavor: Every bite is bursting with sweet, tangy pineapple.
✅ Simple Ingredients: Starts with a boxed cake mix — no stress!
✅ Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for potlucks, Easter, or Sunday dessert.
✅ Make-Ahead Friendly: Even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
🧺 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup pineapple juice (from the can or bottle)
- ⅔ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but recommended)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ¾ cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons butter
👩🍳 How to Make Pineapple Juice Cake
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
Grease and flour a Bundt pan (or use baking spray with flour).
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Cake mix
- Eggs
- Pineapple juice
- Oil
- Vanilla extract
Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes while you prepare the glaze.
Step 4: Make the Pineapple Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine:
- Pineapple juice, powdered sugar, and butter.
Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the glaze is slightly thickened (about 2–3 minutes).
Step 5: Soak & Serve
While the cake is still warm, poke holes all over the top using a skewer or fork.
Slowly pour the warm glaze over the cake, letting it soak in.
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before inverting onto a serving plate.
Drizzle any remaining glaze over the top for extra shine and sweetness. 🍰✨
🍋 Optional Toppings
Want to take your Pineapple Juice Cake to the next level? Try these fun ideas:
🍍 Toasted Coconut: Sprinkle on top for a tropical crunch.
🍒 Maraschino Cherries: Add color and old-fashioned flair.
🥥 Cream Cheese Frosting: Spread a thin layer for richness.
🍊 Citrus Zest: A little lemon or orange zest brightens the flavor.
💡 Tips for Perfect Results
✅ Use real pineapple juice — not syrup from canned fruit — for the best flavor.
✅ Don’t overmix the batter; mix just until smooth for a light texture.
✅ Let the glaze soak in while the cake is warm to keep it ultra-moist.
✅ Store covered at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
🎂 Storage & Make-Ahead
- Room Temperature: Keeps for up to 4 days covered tightly.
- Refrigerator: Store up to 7 days (bring to room temp before serving).
- Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
This cake tastes even better the next day — the pineapple flavor intensifies and the glaze keeps it deliciously soft.
🌺 Variations to Try
🍫 Pineapple Coconut Cake: Add ½ cup shredded coconut to the batter.
🍋 Pineapple Lemon Cake: Replace half the pineapple juice with lemon juice for a tangy twist.
🥕 Pineapple Carrot Cake: Stir in ½ cup grated carrots for tropical flair.
🍰 Pineapple Poke Cake: Bake in a 9×13 pan and poke holes before adding glaze for a classic style dessert.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
Serve this sunny cake as a dessert after grilled chicken, barbecue, or seafood — it’s the perfect sweet finish to a summer meal.
It also pairs beautifully with:
- Fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream 🍦
- Fresh pineapple slices 🍍
- A cup of coffee or sweet tea ☕
🌞 Southern Charm in Every Slice
Pineapple Juice Cake is the kind of dessert that feels like a hug from grandma — warm, sweet, and full of homemade goodness.
It’s moist, buttery, and bursting with that sunny pineapple flavor that makes every bite irresistible.
This old-fashioned favorite has been loved for generations across the South — simple, reliable, and downright delicious.
Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck, serving it at Easter, or baking it “just because,” this cake will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!). 💛
⚖️ Nutrition (Approx. per slice)
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 14g
- Carbs: 45g
- Sugar: 30g
- Protein: 3g
(Values may vary depending on ingredients used.)
✨ Final Thoughts
This Pineapple Juice Cake is a sunshine-filled dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat. With its soft, buttery crumb and golden glaze that seeps into every bite, it’s the kind of cake that brings joy to any occasion — from summer picnics to Christmas dinners.
Simple ingredients. Big flavor. A taste of the tropics in every forkful. 🍍💛
Bake this once, and it’ll become a cherished go-to recipe in your kitchen — guaranteed!
Print
Pineapple Juice Cake 🍍
Ingredients
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 blend)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup pineapple juice (unsweetened)
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup crushed pineapple, well-drained (optional, for extra moisture)
For the glaze (optional):
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp pineapple juice
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or loaf pan (or line with parchment).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat eggs, then mix in pineapple juice, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until just combined. Fold in crushed pineapple if using.
- Pour batter into the pan and bake 30–35 minutes (round) or 45–50 minutes (loaf), until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Make the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, 1 tbsp pineapple juice, and vanilla. Add more juice for thinner consistency.
- Let cake cool 10 minutes. Poke holes all over with a skewer. Drizzle warm glaze over the top—it will soak in beautifully!
- Cool completely before slicing.
✨ Serve as-is or with whipped cream and fresh fruit!
💡 Make ahead: Store covered at room temp for up to 4 days.
PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time : 15 mins , Cook Time : 35 mins , Total Time : 50 mins , Servings : 10 slices , Calories : 210 , Net Carbs: 28g , Fats: 8g , Protein: 3g