If a sweet moist delicious pop of fruit brightens your day, then this pineapple sunshine cake is for you! Fruit cake recipes with pineapple are typically yellow cake recipes and this one is no different. It’s one of those easy sheet cake recipes with a tasty twist and let me tell you – it is gonna be one of your favorite cake recipes!

This pineapple sheet cake recipe is super moist and refreshing and it has so many possibilities. Swap out a few simple ingredients to make a pina colada sheet cake or a decadent rum pineapple upside down cake. I mean, it just doesn’t get much better than this!

What I Love About This Recipe

A sweet, moist, and delicious pop of fruit-loaded flavor
One of the easiest cakes you’ll ever make
This cake is a cinch to make!

Pineapple Sunshine Sheet Cake Ingredients

Cake:

Yellow Cake Mix
Crushed Pineapple
Eggs
Sugar
Vegetable Oil
Vanilla

Frosting:

Crushed Pineapple
Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
Whipped Topping

Garnish:

Pineapple Tidbits
Maraschino Cherries

How To Make Pineapple Sunshine Cake Recipe

Cake: Combine the cake mixture.
Using a handheld mixer, beat for 2 minutes.
Pour into a prepared pan and bake.
Make the frosting by combining the pineapple and pudding mix.
Mix and let it stand for 2 minutes before incorporating the whipped topping.
Fold in the whipped topping.
Spread on the cooled cake.
Garnish as desired and serve.

Pineapple Cake Recipe Notes

Cake Mix – When making this yummy pineapple cake, forget about the directions on the box. The cake mix is for flavor and convenience, but we can just forget they printed those there. We’re going to be blending the cake ingredients together all at once. It’s a bit unusual but super simple and full of flavor!
Pineapple in the cake – Remember to leave only one can of the pineapple AS IS when adding to the cake batter. You want to make sure the juice is mixed in. It adds a substantial amount of flavor. You’ll fold in another can of drained pineapple after, once your batter has been fully mixed, but before pouring it into the pan.
Pineapple in the frosting – When you mix up your frosting, DRAIN the pineapple tidbits very well. This will save your end result from becoming runny. For any garnishes, I suggest pineapple and maraschino cherries, which should be drained well too!
Pan size – You can make this cake in a 9×13 as indicated, but you can also do two 9-inch round pans to create a layer cake. You can also use a larger sheet cake pan. You might have to make more frosting, depending on how thick you want it!

Storing + Freezing + Make-Ahead

Your super sweet refreshing cake will need to be refrigerated. Even if you’re using a cake pan with a top, you’ll want to cover your cake with cling wrap to prevent drying. It’ll also help prevent your cake from absorbing other fridge odors.

How Long Can You Keep This In The Fridge? Your cake is picnic-ready and potluck approved. It’ll stay good in the fridge for up to 5 days but this full-flavored moist and tasty treat is likely to disappear long before then. Don’t be surprised if you find an empty dish where your cake used to be!
Can You Freeze This? Yes. You can toss your pineapple cake in the freezer without the icing. Just be sure it cools completely first. Slow thaw it in the fridge overnight and whip up a batch of icing before serving time. Easy Peasy!
Make-Ahead Tips: This insanely delicious cake gets better over time. I know, hard to believe! If you’re making it ahead, simply let it cool and then wrap it to prepare for storage. Freeze or refrigerate as needed and whip up the icing when the time comes.
Food Safety: If you’d like more info on food safety check out this link.

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