Quick Description
This High-Protein Pineapple Sunshine Cake is soft, rich, and bursting with sweet tropical flavor. Made with yellow cake mix, vanilla pudding, eggs, milk, and crushed pineapple, it bakes into an incredibly moist dessert that melts in your mouth. It’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or anytime you need an easy, crowd-pleasing treat.
Servings & Timing
Serves: 12–15 slices
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
Cooling Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour
Ingredients List
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 box (3 oz) vanilla pudding mix (not sugar-free)
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup milk
- 1 can (16 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine:
- Cake mix
- Pudding mix
- Eggs
- Oil
- Milk
- Crushed pineapple (with juice)
- Sugar
Mix until smooth and well blended.
3. Bake
Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
4. Cool
Allow cake to cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
Calories: 340
Protein: 8g
Carbs: 52g
Fat: 13g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 36g
Benefits
- Higher Protein Dessert – eggs, milk & pudding add protein
- Super Moist Texture
- One-Bowl Recipe
- Perfect for Parties
- Beginner Friendly
Additional Notes
- Top with whipped cream or cream cheese frosting
- Add shredded coconut for extra tropical flavor
- Serve chilled for best texture
- Works great as cupcakes too
Dietary Info
High-Protein: ✅
Vegetarian: ✅
Low-Carb: ❌
Gluten-Free: ❌
Dairy-Free: ❌
Brief Introduction
This cake is one of those recipes that tastes like sunshine in every bite. It’s light, fruity, and unbelievably soft, with almost no effort required.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Preheat oven
- Mix all ingredients
- Pour into pan
- Bake
- Cool
- Slice & enjoy
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
Yellow Cake Mix:
White cake mix also works.
Vanilla Pudding:
Adds richness and moisture.
Crushed Pineapple:
Do not drain – juice is key for softness.
Milk:
Whole or 2% works best.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
Variations
- Add mandarin oranges
- Coconut pineapple version
- Lemon pineapple cake
- Pineapple upside-down style
Serve With
- Whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh fruit
- Coffee or tea
Storage & Make-Ahead
Refrigerate: 4 days
Freeze: 2 months
Reheat: microwave or enjoy chilled
FAQs
Can I use sugar-free pudding?
Not recommended for best texture.
Can I reduce sugar?
Yes, reduce by ½ cup if desired.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, tastes even better next day.
Optional Personal Story
This cake is one of those desserts that disappears before I even get a second slice. It’s simple, nostalgic, and always brings smiles.
