Junk Cake
A moist, flavorful cake featuring pineapple, coconut, and nuts, perfect for special occasions or casual gatherings, with a rich vanilla and fruit-filled taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the yellow cake mix, instant vanilla pudding, oil, eggs, vanilla, and liquid in a mixing bowl.
- Mix for 10 minutes until well blended, then add the remaining ingredients: coconut, chopped nuts, crushed pineapple, and cherries.
- Pour the batter into a greased tube pan.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 50 to 60 minutes.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using egg whites instead of whole eggs. You can substitute the coconut with chopped macadamia nuts for a different flavor profile. If you don't have a yellow cake mix, a vanilla or white cake mix works well too. To enhance the fruitiness, add a splash of almond extract along with the vanilla.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Junk Cake as a delightful dessert on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted coconut. For a festive touch, consider adding fresh fruit on the side, like sliced strawberries or orange segments.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Junk Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it, where it can last about a week. To reheat, microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Junk Cake contains roughly 704 calories, with 7g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value), calcium (14% of the Daily Value), and iron (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 542mg per serving (24% 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 use a different type of cake mix?
Yes, you can substitute yellow cake mix with vanilla or white cake mix if needed. However, the flavor and color may vary slightly. Just ensure the mix does not contain pudding for the best results.
What can I use instead of crushed pineapple?
If you prefer not to use crushed pineapple, you can replace it with finely chopped apples or pears, which will maintain moisture. Alternatively, you can use another fruit like peaches or omit it altogether for a simpler flavor.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free yellow cake mix instead of the regular cake mix. Just ensure the other ingredients are also gluten-free, and you should have a delicious gluten-free version of this Junk Cake.
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).