Pineapple Juice Cake is a moist, tropical-flavored dessert that brings sunshine to every bite. This old-fashioned Southern classic is made with simple pantry staples and infused with the sweet, tangy richness of pineapple juice both in the batter and in the luscious glaze. The result is a buttery, tender crumb that’s bursting with tropical flavor and a shiny, sweet crust.
Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or everyday treats, this cake requires no frosting—just a warm pineapple glaze poured over the hot cake. Whether served warm or chilled, Pineapple Juice Cake is an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that tastes like a tropical getaway.
If you love moist, citrusy cakes with tropical flair, this Pineapple Juice Cake will be your new favorite dessert. It’s a Southern-style bundt cake that’s incredibly tender and bursting with pineapple flavor in every bite. The best part? It starts with a simple yellow cake mix and a few pantry staples, making it the perfect no-fuss recipe for potlucks, picnics, or Sunday suppers.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
- Moist and buttery texture that melts in your mouth
- Packed with pineapple flavor from both juice and glaze
- No fancy tools or techniques—just mix, bake, and pour
- Great for any occasion, from summer cookouts to holiday gatherings
Pineapple Juice Cake
Description
Pineapple Juice Cake is a moist, buttery bundt cake infused with the tropical flavor of pineapple juice.
Baked until golden and then drenched in a sweet pineapple glaze while warm, this cake is rich, tender, and bursting with citrusy goodness.
It’s a simple, old-fashioned Southern dessert that’s perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a sunny day treat.
The glaze soaks into the cake, creating a luscious texture and bright flavor in every bite. Best served chilled or at room temperature, this cake tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients
For the Pineapple Glaze:
Instructions
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Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan thoroughly to prevent sticking. A baking spray with flour also works well for intricate pans. -
Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, instant pudding mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and pineapple juice. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and creamy. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is fully mixed. Stir in vanilla extract if using.
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Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan. Smooth the top with a spatula and give the pan a gentle tap on the counter to remove air bubbles. Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. -
Make the Glaze
While the cake is baking, prepare the pineapple glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in pineapple juice and powdered sugar. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and heated through, but do not let it boil. Keep the glaze warm. -
Glaze the Cake
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Using a skewer or toothpick, poke small holes all over the top of the cake (which will become the bottom when inverted). Slowly pour about half the warm glaze over the cake while it’s still in the pan. Allow it to soak for 10 minutes. Carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate or cake stand. Pour the remaining glaze over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 16
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 420kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20g31%
- Saturated Fat 6g30%
- Cholesterol 60mg20%
- Sodium 320mg14%
- Total Carbohydrate 60g20%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 40g
- Protein 5g10%
- Calcium 40 mg
- Iron 1.5 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Pineapple Juice Cake is a delightfully moist, rich, and flavorful bundt-style cake that’s infused with the bright, sunny taste of pineapple juice.
It's made with pantry staples, comes together easily, and is perfect for casual get-togethers or summer celebrations.
To elevate this simple Southern classic, here are expert tips and creative serving tricks to ensure the best results and presentation.
Baking Tips for the Perfect Pineapple Juice Cake
1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients
To ensure a smooth, lump-free batter and better texture, make sure your eggs, sour cream (if using), and especially pineapple juice are at room temperature before mixing. This helps everything incorporate more evenly.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter
Whether you’re using a boxed yellow cake mix or a homemade base, mix the batter until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Use a hand or stand mixer on low-to-medium speed and scrape down the sides to ensure even mixing.
3. Grease the Bundt Pan Properly
Pineapple Juice Cake is traditionally made in a bundt pan. Use a baking spray with flour or brush the pan with butter and dust it with flour to prevent sticking. Make sure you get into all the crevices to preserve the shape.
4. Enhance Flavor with Pudding Mix
For an extra moist and rich cake, add a small box of instant vanilla pudding mix to your batter. It intensifies the tropical flavor and gives a creamy texture.
5. Don’t Skip the Glaze
The pineapple glaze poured over the warm cake is what takes it to the next level. Typically made with powdered sugar, pineapple juice, and butter, the glaze soaks into the cake, adding both flavor and moisture. Pour it slowly over the cake while it's still warm and in the pan, letting it absorb fully before flipping.
Serving Tricks & Creative Ideas
1. Cool Before Slicing
After removing the cake from the pan, allow it to cool for at least 30–45 minutes. Cutting it too early can cause it to crumble or fall apart since it's very moist.
2. Top with Tropical Flair
Although it’s delicious on its own, you can serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of toasted coconut, or a few chunks of fresh pineapple on the side. These little extras enhance the tropical experience.
3. Serve with Ice Cream or Sorbet
For a summer dessert twist, serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or coconut sorbet. The cold contrast with the warm, syrupy cake is indulgent and refreshing.
4. Make Mini Versions
If you're hosting a party or gathering, consider making Pineapple Juice Cake as mini bundt cakes or cupcakes. This not only shortens baking time but also offers an adorable and easily shareable presentation.
5. Reheat Gently for Leftovers
This cake stays moist for days, but if you want to enjoy it warm again, microwave individual slices for about 10 seconds. It revives the texture and flavor beautifully.
6. Drizzle Extra Glaze Before Serving
If you reserved some glaze or made extra, warm it slightly and drizzle over the slices just before serving for added decadence.
Ideal Serving Size
- A standard bundt cake yields about 12–16 slices, depending on how thick you cut them.
- For small gatherings or potlucks, slice thinner pieces — the cake is rich and moist, so smaller portions are satisfying.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh pineapple juice if you can—it adds brighter, more natural flavor.
- Add crushed pineapple to the batter for extra fruit texture. Use about ½ cup and reduce juice slightly to balance.
- For a tropical twist, mix in a bit of coconut extract or shredded coconut into the batter.
- Make mini pineapple cakes using a muffin tin or mini bundt pan—just adjust baking time to 20–25 minutes.
- Want it dairy-free? Use dairy-free butter in the glaze and check that your pudding mix is dairy-free.
Storage
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. It tastes even better the next day as the glaze continues to soak in!
You can also freeze slices by wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing in a zip-top bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a quick dessert.
Best Time to Serve
Pineapple Juice Cake is a year-round treat, but it’s especially wonderful in the spring and summer months thanks to its tropical brightness. It pairs beautifully with fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or just a warm cup of tea.
Final Thoughts
This Pineapple Juice Cake is one of those "grandma-approved" recipes that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
The soft, buttery crumb and tangy-sweet glaze are downright addictive. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, brunch, or just because—it’s a cake that disappears fast.
It is a no-fuss dessert with big flavor. With its buttery texture and tropical tang, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser.
By using these tips and serving tricks, you can transform this simple cake into a standout dessert that’s perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, Sunday brunches, or even holiday tables.
Whether you’re baking it for the first time or have made it before, these little details make a big difference.
So go ahead, grab that can of pineapple juice and preheat the oven. A sunny slice of this cake awaits!
Pin this recipe to share with your friends and followers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pineapple Juice Cake?
Pineapple Juice Cake is a moist and flavorful bundt-style cake made with yellow cake mix and pineapple juice instead of water, giving it a tropical twist. A buttery pineapple glaze is poured over the warm cake, soaking into every bite for extra flavor and richness. It's easy to make, deliciously sweet, and perfect for potlucks, brunches, or summer desserts.
Can I use fresh pineapple juice instead of canned?
Yes! Fresh pineapple juice can be used and may even enhance the flavor. However, make sure to strain out any pulp for a smoother consistency, especially for the glaze. Canned pineapple juice is typically sweeter and more consistent in taste, so if you use fresh, consider adjusting the sugar slightly to match the desired sweetness.
How do I store Pineapple Juice Cake, and how long does it last?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If refrigerated, it can last for up to 5–6 days. For best flavor and texture, let it come to room temperature before serving. The cake also freezes well — wrap slices individually and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Can I make this cake without a bundt pan?
Absolutely! While a bundt pan gives it a classic shape, you can bake it in a 9x13-inch pan or two 8-inch round pans. Just adjust the baking time — start checking for doneness around 25–30 minutes for a sheet cake. The texture and flavor remain delicious regardless of the pan used.
