Iona'S Sunday Cake
A vibrant layered cake featuring tropical flavors of pineapple and bananas, topped with Cool Whip and cherry pie filling, perfect for summer gatherings and celebration desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix cake mix as directed on the package and bake for 20 minutes on a large cookie sheet.
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Combine banana instant pudding, milk, and softened cream cheese; beat until thick and well blended.
- Spread the pudding mixture evenly over the cooled cake.
- Layer well-drained crushed pineapple over the pudding layer.
- Arrange thinly sliced bananas on top of the pineapple.
- Cover the bananas with Cool Whip.
- Spoon cherry pie filling over the Cool Whip layer.
- Sprinkle chopped walnuts on top.
- Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can use a sugar-free cake mix and pudding, along with low-fat cream cheese. Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in your pudding mixture. For added texture, consider folding in some chopped nuts or shredded coconut with the pineapple layer. If you prefer a different flavor, try substituting the crushed pineapple with diced peaches or pears.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is perfect for brunch or as a dessert at family gatherings. Serve it chilled, and consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent touch. It also goes well with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad to balance the sweetness. For a festive twist, serve alongside a slice of Pumpkin Bread (Low Cholesterol).
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's best to avoid freezing this cake, as the texture may change when thawed. If you need to reheat, allow it to come to room temperature before serving; the flavors meld beautifully, making it a delightful treat even after a day or two.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Iona'S Sunday Cake contains roughly 300 calories, with 6g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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, this cake can be made a day in advance. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve. The flavors will deepen and improve overnight, making it an excellent option for parties or gatherings.
What can I use instead of Cool Whip?
If you prefer not to use Cool Whip, you can substitute it with freshly whipped cream. Just whip heavy cream with a little sugar until soft peaks form. This will give you a richer flavor and a homemade touch that complements the cake beautifully.
Is there a way to make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free cake mix instead of standard cake mix. Be sure to check that the pudding mix is also gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy Iona's Sunday Cake without any dietary concerns.
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).