Pineapple Juice Cake Recipe

A Cake That Tastes Like Sunshine

This pineapple juice cake is pure happiness. It is sweet and sunny. I always make it when I need a little cheer.

Doesn’t that smell amazing? The warm pineapple fills your whole kitchen. It reminds me of summer picnics. I still smile when I take it out of the pan.

My First Pineapple Cake

I first made this for my grandson’s birthday. He asked for a “yellow sunshine cake.” I had no idea what that was.

So I used what I had. A simple cake mix and a can of pineapple juice. He took one bite and his whole face lit up. That is why this matters. Simple food can make the best memories.

Let’s Get Baking

First, get your oven warm. Set it to 325 degrees. Grease your Bundt pan very well. This is the most important step.

Mix the cake mix, oil, juice, and eggs. Beat it for two minutes. You want it to be nice and smooth. Pour it all into your pan. Now it is ready for the oven.

What is your favorite cake to bake? Is it chocolate or something fruity like this one?

The Magic Glaze

While the cake bakes, make the glaze. It is my favorite part. You mix powdered sugar, more pineapple juice, and butter.

Warm it in a pan until the butter melts. Stir it often. This makes the cake extra moist and sweet. Fun fact: The glaze soaks into the cake through little holes you poke. This keeps every single bite delicious.

Why We Share Food

This cake taught me something. Food is not just for eating. It is for sharing stories and laughter.

That is why this matters. When you make a cake for someone, you give them a piece of your heart. It is a way to say “I care about you” without any words.

Who would you love to share a slice of this cake with?

Your Turn in the Kitchen

Now you know my sunny pineapple cake secret. It is so simple. Anyone can make it and feel like a baker.

I love hearing your stories. Tell me, what is a food that always makes you happy?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Yellow or butter cake mix	1 (15.25-ounce) box	For the cake
Vegetable oil	3/4 cup	For the cake
Pineapple juice	3/4 cup	For the cake
Large eggs	4	For the cake
Powdered sugar	2 cups	For the glaze
Pineapple juice	3/4 cup	For the glaze
Unsalted butter	4 tablespoons	For the glaze

My Favorite Sunshine Cake

I have been making this cake for years. It always reminds me of summer. The pineapple juice makes it so moist. It is like a little burst of sunshine on a plate. My grandkids call it my “happy cake.” I think that is just the sweetest thing.

Let’s get your oven ready. It needs to be at 325°F. Grease and flour your Bundt pan very well. This is the most important step. (My hard-learned tip: Get into every little nook of the pan!). A well-greased pan means your cake will pop out perfectly. Nobody wants a cake that sticks.

• Step 1: Grab a big bowl. Put in the cake mix, oil, pineapple juice, and eggs. Use your mixer to blend it all. Let it beat for about two minutes. The batter will become smooth and lovely. I love watching it come together.
• Step 2: Pour that beautiful batter into your prepared pan. Smooth out the top a little. Now, into the oven it goes. It needs to bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Your kitchen will smell amazing. It is ready when a toothpick poked in the middle comes out clean.
• Step 3: Let the cake cool in its pan. Now, make the yummy glaze. In a small pot, mix the powdered sugar, pineapple juice, and butter. Warm it up on the stove. Stir it until the butter melts. This glaze is so simple and good.
• Step 4: Here is the fun part. Poke lots of little holes all over your warm cake. I use a skinny skewer. Then, slowly pour the warm glaze over the top. Watch it disappear into the holes. This makes every single bite sweet and juicy. Let it sit for about 15 minutes.
• Step 5: The final magic trick. Place a plate on top of the pan. Then, flip the whole thing over. Gently lift the pan away. There is your gorgeous cake. I still hold my breath every single time. What’s your favorite cake to bake? Share below!

Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Dessert, Cake

Three Fun Twists to Try

This recipe is wonderful as it is. But you can also play with it. I love to get creative in the kitchen. It keeps things fun and new. Here are a few ideas I have tried over the years. My neighbor gave me the coconut one.

• Tropical Coconut Dream: Mix some shredded coconut into the batter. It adds a nice, chewy texture. It feels like you are on a beach vacation.
• Sunshine Citrus Zing: Add the zest of one lemon or orange. The little bits of zest make it so bright. It is a happy little flavor boost.
• Berry Surprise Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of raspberry jam into the batter. Then swirl it with a knife. You get pretty pink ribbons inside.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving Your Sunshine Cake

This cake is a star all by itself. But you can make it extra special. A simple dollop of whipped cream on the side is lovely. A few fresh berries make it look so pretty. For a real treat, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The ice cream melts into the cake. It is pure heaven.

What should you drink with it? A cold glass of milk is always a winner. For the grown-ups, a little sweet Moscato wine pairs beautifully. It tastes like a celebration. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Pineapple Juice Cake Fresh

This cake stays wonderfully moist. Just cover it tightly on the counter for up to three days. For longer storage, I wrap slices individually. I pop them right into the freezer.

My grandson loves finding a slice in the freezer. He says it’s a sweet surprise for after school. You can thaw a slice on the counter for an hour. Or warm it in the microwave for a few seconds.

This is a great cake to make ahead for a busy week. Having a homemade treat ready saves time and money. It also brings a little joy to an ordinary day. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Cake Troubles

Is your cake sticking to the pan? Please grease and flour the pan very well. I remember my first Bundt cake. It broke in half because I was in a rush.

A sticky cake is no fun. Taking this extra step matters. It makes your cake look beautiful and come out perfectly. Is your glaze too runny? Just add a bit more powdered sugar.

Is the cake too dense? Do not overmix your batter. Mix just until the ingredients are combined. A lighter mix gives you a softer cake. This makes the texture just right. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Pineapple Juice Cake Questions

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes! Just use a gluten-free yellow cake mix. It works just the same.

Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: Absolutely. Bake it the day before. The flavors get even better overnight.

Q: What can I use instead of vegetable oil?
A: You can use an equal amount of melted butter. It will taste a bit richer.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: I do not recommend it. This recipe fits one Bundt pan perfectly.

Q: Any fun additions?
A: Try adding a half-cup of shredded coconut to the batter. It is a lovely twist. Which tip will you try first?

A Sweet Note From My Kitchen

I hope you love making this sunny cake. It always reminds me of summer picnics. Fun fact: Pineapple juice keeps this cake incredibly moist for days.

I would be so happy to see your creation. Sharing food is one of life’s great joys. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! I love seeing your kitchen adventures.

Happy cooking!
—Fiona Brooks.