Pineapple Sundae Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A luscious pineapple sundae cake combines moist yellow cake with creamy pudding, crushed pineapple, and whipped topping, perfect for summer gatherings and dessert lovers seeking tropical flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 1 yellow cake mix
  • 1 small box vanilla instant pudding
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 1 can crushed pineapple
  • 1 box Dream Whip

Instructions

  1. Prepare the yellow cake mix according to package directions and bake in a 9 x 13-inch pan; let cool completely.
  2. Prepare vanilla instant pudding according to package instructions.
  3. Add softened cream cheese to the prepared pudding and mix until smooth.
  4. Spread the pudding and cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled cake.
  5. Drain crushed pineapple and spread over the pudding layer.
  6. Top the cake with Dream Whip or Cool Whip and sprinkle with walnut pieces.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter version, consider using a reduced-fat cream cheese and light Dream Whip. If you prefer a more tropical flavor, add shredded coconut or chopped macadamia nuts as a topping. Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier blending with the pudding. You can also substitute the yellow cake mix with a vanilla or pineapple-flavored mix for a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions

This Pineapple Sundae Cake is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added creaminess. Consider serving it alongside a fruit salad or a light whipped topping for a refreshing contrast. For an afternoon treat, it also goes well with a cup of tea or coffee.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to preserve the texture of the Dream Whip, avoid freezing the cake, as it may alter the consistency. To enjoy later, simply serve chilled directly from the fridge.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Pineapple Sundae Cake contains roughly 95 calories, with 1g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 3g fat.

95 kcal 5% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.3g 3% DV
Total Fat 3.1g 4% DV
Carbs 16.1g 6% DV
Fiber 0.4g 1% DV
Sugar 1.8g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 110.8mg 5% DV
Potassium 59.4mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 8.4mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 27.9mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 2.5mg 3% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 31.9mg 2% DV
Iron 0.3mg 2% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk

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 prepare the cake and topping as instructed, and refrigerate it until you're ready to serve. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a more delicious dessert.

What can I use instead of Dream Whip?

If you don't have Dream Whip, you can substitute it with whipped cream or Cool Whip. For a dairy-free alternative, consider using coconut whipped cream, which will complement the pineapple flavor nicely.

How do I prevent the cake from getting soggy?

To avoid a soggy cake, ensure that the pineapple is well-drained before adding it on top of the pudding layer. Additionally, serve the cake promptly after assembling it to maintain the texture, or keep the pudding and pineapple separate until ready to serve.

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).

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