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Delicious Southern Pineapple Sunshine Cake with pineapple and frosting

Southern Pineapple Sunshine Cake

Creamy, juicy, and downright comforting, Southern Pineapple Sunshine Cake is the kind of dessert that brings sunshine to any table.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Ingredients
  • 1 box yellow cake mix Use a standard boxed mix.
  • 1 cup milk For cake batter.
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs Room temperature if possible.
Pudding Ingredients
  • 3 cups milk For pudding mixture.
  • 1 can crushed pineapple Undrained.
  • 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix
Topping Ingredients
  • 1 cup whipped topping
  • to taste maraschino cherries For garnish.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • 9x13-inch Baking Dish

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 1 cup of milk, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat until well combined and smooth, about 1–2 minutes.
  3. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  4. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  5. Allow the cake to cool for 10–15 minutes.
  6. In another bowl, combine the remaining 3 cups of milk with the instant vanilla pudding mix. Whisk for about 2 minutes until thickened.
  7. Stir in the crushed pineapple into the pudding mixture. Poke holes all over the warm cake, then pour the pudding-pineapple mixture over the cake.
  8. Spread the whipped topping over the pudding layer.
  9. Garnish with maraschino cherries as desired.
  10. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

Chilling is essential for the pudding to set and for the flavors to meld.