Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake Recipe

 

Ingredients 

• 1 box (14-16 ounces) yellow cake mix
• 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained  
• ½ cup vegetable oil (check cake mix instructions, may not be needed)
• 3 large eggs (check cake mix instructions, may not be needed)
• Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts)
• Optional Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar + 2-3 tablespoons pineapple juice or milk

Equipment:

• Large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
• 9×13 inch baking pan (or similar size)
• Measuring cups
• Rubber spatula
• Toothpick

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan (or spray with non-stick cooking spray).  
2. Combine Cake Mix and Pineapple: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry yellow cake mix with the entire can of undrained crushed pineapple (juice and all).
3. Add Remaining Ingredients: If your recipe calls for it or if you want a richer cake, add the vegetable oil and eggs to the bowl.
4. Mix the Batter: Beat the ingredients with an electric mixer on low speed until just combined, then increase the speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Be careful not to overmix. If using, fold in the chopped nuts at the end.
5. Pour into Pan: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
6. Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The top should be golden brown.
7. Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely (this step is optional; you can also serve it directly from the pan).
8. Prepare Glaze (Optional): While the cake is cooling, if you want to make a glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of pineapple juice or milk in a small bowl until smooth and drizzable. Add more liquid if needed to reach the desired consistency.
9. Frost or Dust (Optional): Once the cake is cooled (or still slightly warm), you can drizzle the glaze over the top or simply dust it with powdered sugar. You can also frost it with a cream cheese frosting or top with whipped cream if desired.
10. Serve: Slice and serve the Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake. It’s delicious on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips and Variations:

• Cake Mix Variations: You can experiment with other types of cake mixes, such as white or butter pecan, for different flavor profiles.
• Fruit Variations: While pineapple is the star, you could try adding other crushed fruits like peaches or mandarin oranges (make sure they are well-drained in addition to the undrained pineapple).
• Sour Cream or Yogurt: Adding ½ cup of sour cream or plain yogurt to the batter can make the cake even more moist and add a slight tanginess.