If you’re searching for a show-stopping treat that delivers sunshine in every bite, look no further than Pineapple Juice Cake. This Southern-inspired favorite is bursting with tropical flavor, thanks to sweet pineapple juice both in the tender cake and the glossy glaze. The simplicity of ingredients means you can whip it up in about an hour, while the moist crumb and radiant citrus aroma will have everyone begging for seconds. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a taste of summer, this Pineapple Juice Cake is one you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Pineapple Juice Cake lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create an utterly irresistible dessert. Each component plays an essential role, from the golden crumb to the pineapple-rich glaze—so let’s break down what you need and why it matters.
- Yellow cake mix: The trusty foundation for a soft, pillowy cake with an inviting golden hue.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: Adds a boost of rich vanilla flavor and makes the cake extra moist and tender.
- Eggs: Provide the structure and lift, ensuring a light but sturdy slice every time.
- Pineapple juice: The star ingredient, infusing the batter and glaze with sweet tropical notes.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the crumb delicate and melts-in-your-mouth moist.
- Water: Balances out the richness and helps the batter come together easily.
- Vanilla extract: Deepens the dessert’s flavor, complementing the pineapple beautifully.
- Powdered sugar (for the glaze): Dissolves easily for a smooth, velvety finish that soaks into the cake.
- Unsalted butter (for the glaze): Adds lushness and helps the glaze set to a beautiful shine.
How to Make Pineapple Juice Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Bundt Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. Be generous with greasing your bundt pan—leave no nook or cranny untouched. This ensures your Pineapple Juice Cake unmolds beautifully every time, showing off all those pretty ridges.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In your largest mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, vanilla pudding mix, eggs, pineapple juice, vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat everything together for about two minutes. You’re looking for a thick, glossy, and completely smooth batter.
Step 3: Fill and Bake
Pour the luscious batter evenly into your prepped pan. Smooth out the top with a spatula for even baking. Slide it into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean and the cake is a gorgeous golden color.
Step 4: Make the Pineapple Glaze
While your cake finishes baking, whisk the powdered sugar, pineapple juice, and melted butter together. The glaze should be pourable but thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. This is where the magic (and the signature tropical tang) really happens!
Step 5: Glaze and Cool
Let the baked cake cool in its pan for about 10 minutes, then invert it onto a wire rack or serving platter. While the cake is still warm, slowly pour the glaze over the top, letting it drizzle down the sides and soak into every crevice for maximum flavor.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Give your Pineapple Juice Cake plenty of time to cool completely—the glaze will set as the cake cools, making for picture-perfect slices. Once cooled, cut into 12 generous servings and get ready to see smiles all around.
How to Serve Pineapple Juice Cake
Garnishes
Dress up your Pineapple Juice Cake with maraschino cherries, thin wedges of fresh pineapple, or even a little sprinkle of toasted coconut. A dollop of whipped cream on the side is never out of place, especially if you want something extra special for guests.
Side Dishes
For a true dessert spread, pair your cake with a fresh fruit salad or scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cake’s tangy glaze pairs well with berries, or a refreshing citrus sorbet for a sunny, laid-back vibe at any gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the cake into generous cubes and threading them onto skewers with pineapple and strawberries for tropical cake skewers at your next party. Or, go mini by baking the batter in individual bundt pans—adorably festive and perfect for sharing!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, keep your Pineapple Juice Cake covered at room temperature for up to three days. The glaze helps lock in moisture, and you’ll be amazed at how the flavors deepen over time.
Freezing
Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and tuck into a freezer-safe bag. It will keep fresh for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw at room temperature—just as moist and flavorful as the day you baked it.
Reheating
If you love a slightly warm slice, pop a piece into the microwave for about 10 seconds. The glaze melts a bit and the cake becomes impossibly tender—a little treat on a cool evening!
FAQs
Can I add crushed pineapple to the batter?
Absolutely! Fold in half a cup of well-drained crushed pineapple to the batter for juicy bursts of fruit throughout the cake. Just be sure not to add extra liquid so the texture stays right.
Do I need a bundt pan for Pineapple Juice Cake?
While a bundt pan highlights that classic look and allows the glaze to cascade beautifully, a tube pan or even two loaf pans will work in a pinch. Just adjust the baking time as needed.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, and in fact, it often tastes even better the next day! The pineapple and vanilla flavors meld beautifully as it sits, making this an ideal make-ahead dessert for parties and holidays.
Can I substitute another fruit juice?
You can experiment with orange or passion fruit juice for a different twist, but pineapple juice is the key to achieving the signature flavor that makes Pineapple Juice Cake truly unforgettable.
How do I keep the glaze from running off too quickly?
Pour the glaze slowly over the cake while it’s still warm, allowing it to soak in–using a pastry brush can help, too. The warmth of the cake helps the glaze seep into every bite!
Final Thoughts
If you love desserts that taste as joyful as they look, Pineapple Juice Cake deserves a spot in your baking rotation. Give it a try, share it with friends, and let the sweet-tart flavor transport you to the tropics—no plane ticket required!
Print
Pineapple Juice Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the tropical flavors of this moist and delicious Pineapple Juice Cake. This easy-to-make bundt cake is infused with pineapple juice and topped with a sweet glaze, making it the perfect dessert 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
- 3/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 325°F and thoroughly grease a bundt cake pan.
- Mix the cake batter: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, vanilla pudding mix, eggs, pineapple juice, oil, water, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer for 2 minutes until smooth.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 45–50 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Make the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, pineapple juice, and melted butter.
- Glaze the cake: Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then invert onto a rack. Pour the glaze over the warm cake.
- Serve: Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can use crushed pineapple in the glaze or batter for added texture.
- This cake tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded.
- Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
