Tropical Pineapple Cream Cake
This delightful Tropical Pineapple Cream Cake is a luscious and easy dessert that's perfect for summer gatherings or any occasion. Combining the lightness of a yellow cake base with a rich and creamy topping of cream cheese, instant vanilla pudding, and fresh pineapple, this dessert is sure to impress your guests. Topped with fluffy Cool Whip and a sprinkle of nuts for added crunch, this sheet pan cake is both visually appealing and incredibly delicious. Serve chilled for a refreshing treat that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
10
Servings
240
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
yellow cake mix
9 ounces (Jiffy brand)
egg
1 (beaten)
water
1/2 cup (as needed)
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
instant vanilla pudding mix
3.5 ounces (dry)
milk
2 cups (as needed)
crushed pineapple
16 ounces (2 (8 ounce) cans, drained)
Cool Whip Topping
8 ounces (thawed)
nuts
to taste (chopped, for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the cake mix package. Grease a 9x11 inch glass dish.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, beaten egg, and water. Mix until smooth and well combined.
3
Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake as directed, keeping an eye on it to avoid overcooking. The cake will be thinner than a traditional cake, so check for doneness using a toothpick.
4
Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely in the dish.
5
While the cake is cooling, prepare the creamy topping. In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and dry instant vanilla pudding mix until smooth.
6
Gradually add the milk to the cream cheese mixture while continuing to beat until well combined and creamy.
7
Once the cake is cool, spread the creamy mixture evenly over the top of the cake in the glass dish.
8
Layer the drained crushed pineapple over the cream layer, followed by the Cool Whip. Spread the Cool Whip to cover the pineapple completely.
9
Sprinkle chopped nuts over the top as desired.
10
Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
29g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Tropical Pineapple Cream Cake?
It is a luscious dessert featuring a thin yellow cake base topped with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, vanilla pudding, crushed pineapple, and Cool Whip.
What type of cake mix is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifies using 9 ounces of Jiffy brand yellow cake mix.
What size baking dish should I use?
You should use a 9x11 inch glass dish that has been greased.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 240 calories.
Do I follow the instructions on the cake mix box?
No, you should follow the recipe instructions which call for mixing the cake mix with one beaten egg and 1/2 cup of water.
Why is the cake layer thinner than a normal cake?
The cake is designed to be a thin base for the heavy cream and fruit layers, using only 9 ounces of mix.
How do I check if the cake is done?
Since it is a thinner cake, check for doneness using a toothpick; it is ready when the toothpick comes out clean.
Does the cake need to be cooled before topping?
Yes, the cake must cool completely in the dish before you add the creamy topping layer.
What are the ingredients for the creamy topping?
The topping is made from softened cream cheese, dry instant vanilla pudding mix, and milk.
Can I use cook-and-serve pudding mix?
No, the recipe specifically requires dry instant vanilla pudding mix to achieve the right consistency.
Should the cream cheese be at room temperature?
Yes, the cream cheese should be softened to ensure it blends smoothly with the pudding mix without lumps.
How do I prepare the crushed pineapple?
You should use two 8-ounce cans of crushed pineapple and ensure they are well-drained before adding them to the cake.
What is the purpose of the Cool Whip layer?
The Cool Whip provides a light, fluffy top layer that covers the pineapple and holds the nut garnish.
What kind of nuts should I use for the topping?
You can use any chopped nuts you prefer, such as walnuts or pecans, to add a bit of crunch.
How long does the cake need to chill before serving?
The cake should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to set.
Is this cake served warm or cold?
This cake is a refreshing treat that should be served chilled.
Can I make this dessert in advance?
Yes, because it requires at least 2 hours of refrigeration, it is a great make-ahead dessert for parties.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 12g of fat.
How much protein is in one slice?
There is 2.5g of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving has 29g of carbohydrates.
Can I substitute the water in the cake batter?
While the recipe calls for 1/2 cup of water, some bakers use pineapple juice for extra flavor, though it may change the consistency.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy dessert and uses simple ingredients like boxed mix and instant pudding.
What makes this cake 'tropical'?
The combination of bright crushed pineapple and the creamy topping gives it a tropical flavor profile.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, but make sure it is finely crushed and drained very well to prevent the cake from becoming soggy.
How should I store leftover cake?
Leftovers should be covered with plastic wrap or a lid and kept in the refrigerator.
What order do the layers go in?
The order is: baked cake base, cream cheese/pudding mixture, drained crushed pineapple, and finally Cool Whip topped with nuts.
Do I need to beat the egg before adding it to the cake mix?
Yes, the egg should be beaten before combining it with the cake mix and water.
Can I add coconut to this recipe?
While not in the original recipe, shredded coconut is a popular addition that complements the tropical pineapple theme.
Is this a sheet pan dessert?
Yes, it is prepared and served directly from a 9x11 glass dish, making it a convenient sheet-style dessert.