Pineapple Juice Cake is a moist, tender, and sunshine-sweet dessert that brings tropical flavor straight to my kitchen. This simple bundt-style cake uses pineapple juice for both the batter and the glaze, giving it a bright, tangy finish and an irresistible golden color that makes every slice feel like a celebration.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how easy this cake is to make—no fuss, just simple ingredients and big flavor. The pineapple juice adds moisture and a natural sweetness that makes the crumb soft and flavorful without needing any frosting. The warm pineapple glaze poured over the hot cake soaks in beautifully, creating a glossy, sticky top that’s truly addictive.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Yellow cake mix
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Instant vanilla pudding mix
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Eggs
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Vegetable oil
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Pineapple juice (canned or fresh)
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Granulated sugar
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Unsalted butter
directions
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I preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease and flour a bundt pan thoroughly.
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In a large mixing bowl, I combine the cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and pineapple juice. I mix until smooth and well blended.
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I pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
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I bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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While the cake bakes, I prepare the glaze: in a small saucepan, I heat pineapple juice, butter, and sugar over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture just comes to a simmer.
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When the cake is done, I let it cool for 5–10 minutes in the pan, then poke holes in the top with a skewer or toothpick.
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I slowly pour the warm glaze over the cake, letting it soak in. I let the cake cool completely in the pan before inverting it onto a serving plate.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 12–14 slices.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 45–50 minutes
Cool time: 1 hour
Total time: about 2 hours
Variations
Sometimes I add a pinch of ground ginger or coconut extract to the batter for extra tropical flair. I’ve also topped the finished cake with toasted coconut or a light pineapple glaze drizzle. If I want to use crushed pineapple, I mix a few tablespoons into the glaze or fold it lightly into the batter.
storage/reheating
I store the cake at room temperature, covered tightly, for up to 3 days. It stays moist thanks to the glaze. For longer storage, I refrigerate it for up to 5 days or freeze slices wrapped individually for up to 2 months. To reheat, I microwave a slice for 15–20 seconds to bring back its warm, soft texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple juice?
Yes, I’ve used fresh pineapple juice with great results. Just make sure to strain it first to remove any pulp for a smooth texture in the cake and glaze.
Do I have to use a bundt pan?
Not necessarily. I’ve baked this in a 9×13-inch pan or two loaf pans. I just adjust the baking time and keep an eye on it for doneness.
Why add pudding mix?
The instant pudding adds moisture, structure, and a richer flavor. It helps the cake turn out dense yet soft, with a velvety crumb.
Can I skip the glaze?
Technically, yes—but I wouldn’t. The glaze is what sets this cake apart, soaking in and creating a sweet, tangy finish that’s hard to beat.
What can I serve with this cake?
I like it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A fresh fruit salad or pineapple chunks on the side also make a great pairing.
Conclusion
Pineapple Juice Cake is one of those wonderfully nostalgic desserts that’s simple, sweet, and full of sunshine flavor. I love how moist and tender it is, with that luscious glaze bringing everything together. Whether I’m baking for a potluck, a party, or just to brighten my week, this cake always delivers.
Print
Pineapple Juice Cake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12–14 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pineapple Juice Cake is a bright and moist bundt cake infused with sweet pineapple juice in both the batter and glaze, delivering tropical flavor in every tender, golden bite.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup pineapple juice (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for glaze)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for glaze)
- 3/4 cup pineapple juice (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan thoroughly.
- In a large bowl, combine cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, oil, and pineapple juice. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While cake bakes, prepare glaze: In a saucepan, heat sugar, butter, and pineapple juice over medium heat until sugar dissolves and mixture simmers.
- Let cake cool in pan for 5–10 minutes. Poke holes in top with skewer.
- Slowly pour warm glaze over cake. Let cake cool completely in pan before inverting onto serving plate.
Notes
- Add ground ginger or coconut extract for tropical flair.
- Top with toasted coconut or pineapple glaze drizzle for decoration.
- Fold in crushed pineapple for added texture.
- Use fresh pineapple juice (strained) if preferred.
- Can be baked in a 9×13 pan or loaf pans—adjust baking time accordingly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
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