Paula'S Hawaiian Cake
A tropical-inspired layered cake featuring pineapple, cream cheese, vanilla pudding, and Cool Whip, perfect for celebrations and audiences who enjoy sweet, creamy desserts with fruity flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bake the yellow cake according to the directions on the box; let it cool.
- Drain the crushed pineapple.
- Blend the softened cream cheese and vanilla pudding with a little milk to soften.
- Add the rest of the milk to the cream cheese and pudding mixture.
- Fold in the drained pineapple into the mixture.
- Spread the pineapple mixture on top of the cooled cake.
- Arrange sliced strawberries on top of the pineapple mixture.
- Spread Cool Whip over the strawberries and pineapple layer.
- Chill before serving and enjoy!
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a homemade yellow cake instead of a box mix. If you want to cut down on calories, you can substitute light cream cheese and low-fat Cool Whip. Make sure to drain the crushed pineapple well to avoid a soggy cake. If strawberries are out of season, you could use sliced bananas or blueberries instead to add a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
This Hawaiian cake is perfect for summer gatherings, BBQs, or birthday parties. Serve it chilled for a refreshing dessert after a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a fruit salad for a light option. You can also serve it with a side of Date Cheese Ball for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Hawaiian cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake will remain moist, but the Cool Whip may lose some of its fluffiness. If you prefer to reheat it, slice individual pieces and warm in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overheat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Paula'S Hawaiian Cake contains roughly 149 calories, with 2g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (17% 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. However, it’s best to add the Cool Whip topping just before serving to maintain its texture. This makes it perfect for parties or potlucks, allowing you to enjoy the event without last-minute preparations.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, simply use a gluten-free yellow cake mix. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the pudding and Cool Whip, are also gluten-free. This way, you can still enjoy this delightful dessert without any gluten concerns.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple for a fresher taste! Just make sure to finely chop it and drain any excess juice before mixing it into the cream cheese and pudding mixture. This will keep the cake from becoming too soggy.
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).