This Pineapple Sunshine Cake is the perfect thing for an Easter Dessert or a tasty treat for a summer picnic. This bright cake is topped with a super light cool whip frosting!
DO YOU LIKE PINEAPPLE? THEN ALSO CHECK OUT:
If you’re looking for a fun, light cake that will spread happiness to all who consume it, look no further! Okay, that might sound a little bit dramatic…. But seriously, Pineapple Sunshine Cake is just one of these great dishes that can make you feel a little bit better just by LOOKING at it!
I Need A Recipe With A Little Sunshine In It!
As I’m sitting here in the middle of a Midwest January, I feel like I haven’t seen the sun in months. Literally, it’s probably been over a week! It is going to be 39 degrees and rainy today. I’d honestly rather that it just snow, at least THAT would be pretty! So, I’m in the mood for a recipe that will make me think of brighter days to come. In fact, that’s what comfort food is all about, right? This Pineapple Sunshine cake is the DEFINITION of comfort food!
I’ve Been Loving Cake Mix Recipes!
And, like many of the great comfort food recipes on our website, it really only takes a handful of ingredients. And I’d bet you already have a lot of these ingredients in your kitchen! Lately, I’ve really been into making dessert recipes that start out with a simple box of cake mix. For instance, I’ve made these Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies that are perfect for Valentine’s Day. This Crack Cake recipe is dangerously addictive! And these Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies are tons of fun for a girls Birthday party or any other bright occasion!
I used to think that cake mixes were for…. well… making a cake. But you can also use them as a base for so many other fun desserts. This Pineapple Sunshine Cake Recipe starts off with just a box of simple cake mix! And it doesn’t get much more complicated from there!
Pineapple Sunshine Cake Mix
While this is an easy recipe to make, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it is a QUICK recipe. There is a lot of “cooling” involved. So, it you are planning to make this for a party, you want to make sure that you have plenty of time to make it early.
I use half of the can of my crushed pineapple to put into my whipped topping. For this recipe, I describe mixing the pineapple in with the topping. This worked for us but you could also keep it to the side and then sprinkle it on top for a slightly different look and feel. Either will work!
How To Store Your Pineapple Sunshine Cake?
This is a chilled dessert that should be kept cold. So make sure you use an airtight container and store it in your refrigerator.
I hope this recipe for Pineapple Sunshine Cake makes your day a little brighter. I’d LOVE to know what you think of the recipe. Please give me your feedback in the comments. Thanks and enjoy!

Pineapple Sunshine Cake
Ingredients
- 1 box 15.25 oz, yellow cake mix
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup oil
- 1 can 20 oz, crushed pineapple (do not drain)
- 1 small tub 8 oz, whipped topping, thawed
- 1 small package 3.4 oz, instant vanilla pudding
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350 and grease a 9x13 baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
-
In a large bowl, add cake mix, eggs, oil and half the can of crushed pineapple. Mix well by hand until all items are combined.
-
Pour into prepared pan.
-
Bake for 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Set aside to cool completely.
-
Set aside to cool completely.
-
In a large mixing bowl, add remaining pineapple, whipped topping and vanilla pudding. Mix well.
-
Refrigerate for 1 hour.
-
Spread onto the top of the cake and serve or refrigerate until ready to serve.
-
Refrigerate any leftover cake in an airtight container.
Recipe Notes
I use half of the can of my crushed pineapple to put into my whipped topping. For this recipe, I describe mixing the pineapple in with the topping. This worked for us but you could also keep it to the side and then sprinkle it on top for a slightly different look and feel. Either will work!
Wendy says
May be a dumb question but do you make the vanilla pudding first or just put the powder into the cool whip?
Kathy says
Just the powder.
Jodie Roberts says
Just made this today and it was very very good!!!
Kathy says
I am so glad you enjoyed it!
Nicole Krause says
What size pan?
Kathy says
9 x 13
Carolyn D. says
This is the Yummiest recipe & my go too recipe anytime I need a quick easy dessert! It is become a quite frequent request favorite from friends & family for gatherings and there are Never any leftovers from a 9×13 pan! Thank you for sharing!!
Kathy says
I am so happy you enjoyed it. Thank you for coming back and sharing!
Heidi Adams says
Delicious! Was a hit!
Bibi says
Can I make it layered?
Kathy says
We haven’t tried that but I don’t see why not!