Pineapple Delish
Pineapple Delish is a delightful layered dessert featuring moist pineapple-infused cake topped with creamy vanilla pudding, Cool Whip, and garnished with cherries. Its sweet, tropical flavors make it a perfect treat for gatherings, family dinners, or special occasions, offering a refreshing and indulgent finish to any meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the pineapple, saving the juice.
- Prepare the cake mix according to package instructions, substituting pineapple juice for the liquid.
- Bake in a greased 9 x 13 inch pan for about 35 minutes at 350°F.
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
- In a bowl, whip together cream cheese, vanilla pudding, and milk until smooth.
- Spread the pudding mixture evenly over the cooled cake.
- Fold the drained pineapple into Cool Whip and spread over the pudding layer.
- Garnish with cherries and nuts before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can use low-fat cream cheese and sugar-free Cool Whip. If you don't have Jiffy Yellow Cake Mix, a homemade yellow cake recipe can be used instead. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the pudding mixture. This cake is also delicious with a layer of fresh fruit, making it a delightful option for a summer dessert.
Serving Suggestions
This Pineapple Delish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings. Serve it chilled, and consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a slice of Angel Cake Custard for an indulgent dessert experience. It also goes well with a light fruit salad or a refreshing beverage like iced tea.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake may become soggy over time, so it's best enjoyed fresh. If you need to reheat it, do so at a low temperature in the oven or microwave, but keep in mind that the Cool Whip layer is best served cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pineapple Delish contains roughly 436 calories, with 9g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value), iron (17% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value). 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 use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple. Just make sure to finely chop it and drain excess juice to avoid making the cake too soggy. Fresh pineapple adds a vibrant flavor and texture to the dish.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the Jiffy Yellow Cake Mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as the pudding mix and Cool Whip, are also gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the dessert.
Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. Assemble the layers with the cream cheese mixture and Cool Whip just before serving to keep everything fresh and maintain the best texture.
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).