Servings & Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Dietary Tags: Crowd-Friendly, Kid-Friendly

πŸ“ Ingredients

  • Yellow cake mix

  • Pineapple slices (canned, drained)

  • Unsalted butter, melted

  • Brown sugar

  • Crushed pineapple (with juice)

  • Instant vanilla pudding mix

  • Cold milk

  • Whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

πŸ”ͺ Instructions

  1. Prep the pan

    • Preheat oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C).

    • Pour melted butter into a greased 9×13″ baking dish.

    • Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the butter and arrange pineapple slices on top.

  2. Make the batter

    • Prepare the yellow cake mix according to package directions, replacing the water with crushed pineapple and its juice.

    • Pour the batter over the pineapple slices in the pan.

  3. Bake the cake

    • Bake for 35–40 minutes or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

    • Let the cake cool completely.

  4. Mix the creamy filling

    • In a bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and cold milk until thickened.

    • Fold in the whipped topping.

  5. Assemble

    • Slice the cake horizontally and spread the creamy filling between the layers or simply frost the top.

  6. Chill & serve

    • Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor and texture.

πŸ’‘ Notes & Tips

  • Want extra pineapple flavor? Brush some pineapple juice on the cake layers before adding the cream.

  • Make ahead: Cake and filling can be made a day in advance and assembled before serving.

  • No pudding? Vanilla yogurt can be a quick swap in the filling.

πŸ“Έ Step-by-Step Guide

(Blog photo suggestions: butter/sugar layer β†’ pineapple slices β†’ batter poured over β†’ baked cake β†’ pudding whipped β†’ assembly)

Tip: For cleaner slices, chill the cake fully before cutting.

πŸ₯„ Ingredient Insights & Swaps

Ingredient Notes:

  • Cake mix: Yellow cake holds up well to the juicy pineapple.

  • Butter & brown sugar: Creates a caramelized base.

  • Crushed pineapple: Adds moisture and natural sweetness.

  • Instant pudding & whipped topping: Keeps the filling light and airy.

Swaps & Variations:

  • Lower-fat version: Use light whipped topping and sugar-free pudding mix.

  • Fruit swap: Try peaches or mandarin oranges instead of pineapple for a fun twist.

  • Dietary note: Gluten-free cake mix works well here if needed.

🎨 Flavor Variations & Serving Ideas

Flavor Ideas:

  • Add a sprinkle of toasted coconut for a tropical flair.

  • Mix a little rum or coconut extract into the pudding for a pina colada vibe.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve chilled with fresh berries on the side.

  • Pair with iced tea or a light sparkling wine.

🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead

  • Storage: Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

  • Freezing: Not recommended once assembled (the creamy filling doesn’t freeze well).

  • Make-Ahead Tip: Bake the cake up to 2 days ahead and assemble when ready to serve.

πŸ”Ž Nutrition & W-W Points (per serving estimate)

Calories: ~280 kcal | Carbs: 35g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 13g

W-W Points (per slice, based on 12 servings):
➑️ 9 Points (standard ingredients: regular cake mix, pudding, whole milk, regular Cool Whip, butter)
➑️ 6 Points if you use sugar-free pudding, light whipped topping, light butter, and 1% milk.

Note: For exact W-W points, input your ingredient brands into the W-W app to confirm based on your plan.

Allergens: Milk, Egg, Wheat (check cake mix for specific allergens)

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this as cupcakes?
A: Yes! Layer a small pineapple slice at the bottom of each cupcake liner and bake according to cupcake instructions.

Q: What if I can’t find crushed pineapple?
A: Dice pineapple rings or chunks finely and include some juice.

Q: Can I skip the creamy filling?
A: Absolutelyβ€”the cake is moist enough to enjoy without it if preferred.

πŸ“ The Story Behind the Recipe

This recipe is a family reunion classic that has made appearances at nearly every summer gathering. It combines the nostalgic taste of pineapple upside-down cake with a creamy surprise layer that guests loveβ€”plus, it’s easy enough to throw together even on busy days.

By Admin

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *