If you’re after a cake that practically melts in your mouth, make space in your recipe box for this Moist Pineapple Juice Cake. Imagine every slice bursting with sunny pineapple goodness, soaked in a shimmering glaze that seeps into every crumb, making it lusciously soft and rich with flavor. It’s a cake that looks like it’s straight out of a Southern family cookbook, but so simple you can whip it up any night of the week. Whether you’re making it for a summertime barbecue, a potluck, or just a midweek pick-me-up, this cake promises to brighten up any day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Moist Pineapple Juice Cake truly sing is how it transforms a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients into one irresistible treat. Each ingredient is chosen for the way it brings flavor, texture, and delicious tropical color to the finished cake!
- Yellow cake mix: The backbone of the cake, it provides a soft and tender crumb with ease.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz box): Adds richness, moisture, and a creamy vanilla undertone to every bite.
- Large eggs (4): Bind the ingredients together and give the cake its beautiful structure and volume.
- Pineapple juice (1 cup for cake, 3/4 cup for glaze): The star flavor, delivering plenty of tropical zing and unbeatable moisture.
- Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Guarantees a tender, soft cake that stays fresh for days.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens up the glaze so it soaks the cake perfectly.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Brings richness and a silky mouthfeel to the glaze.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a boost of warm, comforting vanilla flavor to the glaze.
How to Make Moist Pineapple Juice Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Bundt Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grab your 10-inch Bundt pan and grease it generously—don’t be shy here! This ensures your beautiful Moist Pineapple Juice Cake releases effortlessly after baking, showing off every ridge and swirl. You can use a nonstick cooking spray, softened butter, or a combo for extra insurance.
Step 2: Mix Up the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, instant vanilla pudding mix, four eggs, one cup of pineapple juice, and half a cup of vegetable oil. Using a hand or stand mixer, mix everything on medium speed for about two minutes, scraping down the sides as you go. You’ll end up with a thick, creamy batter that already smells like a tropical dream.
Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour the lush batter into your prepared Bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Slide it into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the top is golden brown with a springy feel. Your kitchen will be filled with the most tempting pineapple aroma!
Step 4: Whip Up the Pineapple Glaze
While your cake is in the oven, set a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, and 3/4 cup pineapple juice, stirring constantly until melted together and the sugar is completely dissolved. Let the mixture gently bubble for about 3 minutes, then take it off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This glaze is where the Moist Pineapple Juice Cake gets its signature juicy texture.
Step 5: Soak and Cool
When the cake comes out of the oven, don’t remove it from the pan just yet. Instead, poke holes all over the top using a fork or skewer to help the glaze soak deep into every nook and cranny. Carefully pour the warm glaze all over the hot cake while it’s still in the Bundt pan, allowing it to sink in. Let the cake rest for 15 to 20 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate. Trust me, the wait is worth it—for maximum juiciness!
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Let your Moist Pineapple Juice Cake cool completely before slicing. This patience pays off: the cake gets even more moist and flavorful as it sits. Serve at room temperature or chilled—either way, the tropical vibes are unstoppable.
How to Serve Moist Pineapple Juice Cake
Garnishes
Dress up your Moist Pineapple Juice Cake with just a few thoughtful garnishes: a dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes, or even a handful of fresh pineapple chunks can take the presentation from homey to showstopping. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is always welcome too!
Side Dishes
This cake is delicious enough to be the star of any dessert table, but it also plays beautifully with others. Try pairing slices with a citrus salad for extra brightness, or serve alongside lightly sweetened berries. For a Southern-inspired finale, a hot cup of coffee or strong iced tea makes the perfect companion.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to truly dazzle, serve individual slices of Moist Pineapple Juice Cake in glasses with layers of whipped cream and pineapple bits (think: tropical trifle!). You can also cube the cake and thread onto skewers with kiwi and strawberries for sweet, edible kabobs at a brunch or picnic. And for parties, cut the cake into bite-sized pieces for easy, grab-and-go treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the magic tricks of this cake is how perfectly it keeps! Wrap any leftover Moist Pineapple Juice Cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It stays moist and flavorful at room temperature for up to two days, or in the fridge for up to five days.
Freezing
Want to make ahead? Once cooled, wrap individual slices or the whole cake (unglazed or glazed) in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Pop in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready, just thaw in the fridge overnight—your cake will come out tasting just as fresh and fabulous!
Reheating
If you prefer your cake slightly warm, pop an individual slice in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This softens the glaze and amps up the tropical aroma. For larger portions, gently reheat in a low oven (around 300°F) covered loosely with foil for 10-15 minutes to keep it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple juice instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple juice is wonderful and will give your Moist Pineapple Juice Cake the brightest, most authentic pineapple flavor. Just strain it to remove any pulp for a smoother cake and glaze.
What if I don’t have a Bundt pan?
No Bundt pan? No problem! You can use a standard 9×13-inch pan, or two 8-inch round cake pans. Keep an eye on baking time, as it may need a little less time in the oven.
How far ahead can I make this cake?
This is the cake that actually gets better when made a day in advance! The flavors deepen and the texture gets even moister as the glaze seeps in, making it the perfect make-ahead dessert for any celebration or gathering.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or coconut?
Certainly! Stir in a half cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or diced coconut to the batter before baking for an extra layer of flavor and a little crunch. Just be sure not to overload the cake, as it’s already delightfully moist.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe contains no meat products and uses pantry basics, making it a vegetarian-friendly delight. Always double check your cake and pudding mixes if you’re cooking for strict vegetarians, but most major brands are suitable.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a truly crowd-pleasing dessert, don’t let this Moist Pineapple Juice Cake slip by. It brings big tropical flavor with almost no effort, and the irresistible juiciness keeps everyone coming back for “just one more” slice. Give this recipe a go and let it brighten your next gathering—the smiles and empty plates will say it all!
Print
Moist Pineapple Juice Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the tropical flavors of this Moist Pineapple Juice Cake that’s perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-make Bundt cake is infused with pineapple juice and topped with a sweet glaze for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 3.4 oz box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
Glaze:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 325°F and grease a 10-inch Bundt pan.
- Mix Cake Batter: Combine cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, 1 cup pineapple juice, and oil. Beat for 2 minutes until smooth.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan and bake for 45–50 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Make Glaze: Combine sugar, butter, and 3/4 cup pineapple juice in a saucepan. Cook until dissolved, then add vanilla.
- Glaze the Cake: Poke holes in the cake, pour warm glaze over it, and let it sit for absorption.
- Serve: Invert onto a plate after cooling and enjoy!
Notes
- Use 100% pineapple juice for best flavor.
- Cake tastes better when made a day ahead.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
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