Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cake
A tropical-inspired layered cake featuring creamy filling, crushed pineapple, and whipped topping, perfect for celebrations and gatherings that love sweet, fruity flavors with a rich texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bake the yellow cake mix in a greased and floured 11 x 16-inch jelly roll pan at 350°F for 15 minutes or until done.
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Cream together the cream cheese, vanilla instant pudding, and milk until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled cake.
- Sprinkle the well-drained crushed pineapple over the cream cheese layer.
- Spread a large container of Cool Whip over the pineapple layer.
- Garnish the top of the Cool Whip with chopped nuts and coconut.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. If you don't have vanilla instant pudding, you can use any flavor you prefer, such as butterscotch or banana. To enhance the tropical taste, try mixing in some shredded coconut into the cream cheese layer. This cake can also be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free yellow cake mix.
Serving Suggestions
This Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cake is perfect for potlucks or summer gatherings. Serve it alongside fresh fruit or a light salad, such as Great Grandmother'S Western Salad, to balance the sweetness. For a festive touch, add a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top before serving. It pairs beautifully with Toffee Treats for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the texture, avoid freezing this cake, as the whipped topping may separate upon thawing. If reheating is necessary, serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cake contains roughly 1008 calories, with 16g protein, 113g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (51% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (43% of the Daily Value), and calcium (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 700mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cake a day in advance. Just ensure that you store it covered in the refrigerator. However, it's best to add the Cool Whip topping just before serving to keep it fresh and fluffy.
What can I substitute for Cool Whip?
If you prefer a homemade option, you can whip heavy cream with a bit of powdered sugar and vanilla extract to create your own whipped topping. This will give you a fresher taste and a more stable topping for your cake.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cake is suitable for vegetarian diets as it contains no meat or meat byproducts. Just ensure that the cake mix and other ingredients are labeled vegetarian, as some mixes may contain gelatin or other non-vegetarian additives.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).