Introduction

This Grandma’s No-Bake Pineapple Heaven Cake is the ultimate tropical dessert. With just five simple ingredients, it delivers a wonderfully creamy and refreshing flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s incredibly easy to assemble, requiring no oven time. For another vibrant, no-cook dish, try this Black Bean Mango Salad Recipe.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients for this easy Pineapple Heaven Cake recipe, where the sweet, tropical scent of crushed pineapple and vanilla will fill your kitchen with warmth and anticipation.

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup crushed pineapple with juice
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For the Frosting

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, well-drained
• 1 teaspoon coconut extract (optional)
• A splash of heavy cream for consistency

For Garnish

• Fresh pineapple slices
• Toasted coconut flakes
• Maraschino cherries

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	30 minutes
Total Time	45 minutes

Context: This Easy Pineapple Heaven Cake Recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes, thanks to its simple, no-fuss assembly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs with ½ cup of melted butter and ¼ cup of granulated sugar. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form the crust.

Tip: Use the bottom of a measuring cup to press the crumbs down for a compact, even layer that won’t crumble when sliced.

Step 2 — Mix the Cream Cheese Layer

Using an electric mixer, beat two 8-ounce packages of softened cream cheese with 1 cup of powdered sugar until completely smooth and creamy. Gently fold in one 8-ounce container of thawed whipped topping until just combined and no streaks remain.

Tip: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid a lumpy mixture. Overmixing after adding the whipped topping can deflate it.

Step 3 — Assemble the First Layers

Spread the creamy cream cheese mixture evenly over the prepared graham cracker crust. Next, open two 20-ounce cans of crushed pineapple that have been well-drained. Spoon the pineapple evenly over the cream cheese layer.

Step 4 — Prepare the Pudding Topping

In a large bowl, whisk together two 3.4-ounce packages of instant vanilla pudding mix with 3 cups of cold milk. Whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until the pudding is thick and begins to set.

Tip: Using very cold milk is key for the pudding to set up properly and quickly. Do not let the pudding sit too long before the next step.

Step 5 — Add the Pudding Layer

Immediately pour the thickened vanilla pudding over the layer of crushed pineapple. Use a spatula to spread it gently into an even layer, covering the pineapple completely.

Step 6 — Add the Final Topping

Spread a second 8-ounce container of thawed whipped topping over the set pudding layer. For an elegant finish, you can create decorative swirls with the back of a spoon.

Step 7 — Chill to Set

Cover the dish loosely with plastic wrap or a lid. Refrigerate the Easy Pineapple Heaven Cake for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight, to allow all the layers to firm up completely.

Doneness Cue: The dessert is ready when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean from the pudding layer and the slices hold their shape when served.

Step 8 — Serve and Enjoy

Just before serving, you may garnish with maraschino cherries, toasted coconut, or a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to cut clean slices. This no-bake dessert is best served cold.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~320 kcal
Protein	~4 g
Carbohydrates	~45 g
Fat	~14 g
Fiber	~1 g
Sodium	~180 mg

Note: Nutritional values for this Easy Pineapple Heaven Cake Recipe are estimates based on typical ingredients and a standard serving size. Actual values can vary depending on specific brands and measurements used.

Healthier Alternatives

This classic Easy Pineapple Heaven Cake Recipe – My Grandmas Pie is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some practical ingredient swaps to tailor it to different dietary needs without sacrificing its heavenly flavor.

• Greek Yogurt for Sour Cream — This swap boosts the protein content significantly while maintaining the signature tangy moisture. Use full-fat for the best texture.
• Almond or Coconut Flour for All-Purpose Flour — A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well, but for a lower-carb version, use a mix of almond and coconut flour (you may need an extra egg for binding).
• Coconut Sugar or Monk Fruit Sweetener for Granulated Sugar — These are lower-glycemic alternatives. Coconut sugar adds a caramel note, while monk fruit keeps it sugar-free.
• Coconut Oil or Vegan Butter for Butter — An easy one-to-one swap to make this cake dairy-free. Refined coconut oil has a neutral flavor.
• Unsweetened Applesauce for Some of the Oil/Butter — Reduce the fat content by substituting up to half the fat with applesauce, which also adds natural sweetness.
• Crushed Pineapple in Juice (No Added Sugar) — Opt for pineapple packed in its own juice instead of heavy syrup to cut down on refined sugars while keeping the tropical punch.
• Sea Salt or Simply Omit for Low-Sodium — The recipe is already quite low in sodium, but you can reduce or omit the salt if needed without impacting the overall flavor profile.
• Nut Milk for Dairy Milk — Use unsweetened almond, oat, or coconut milk to make the entire cake dairy-free and add a subtle nutty flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this Easy Pineapple Heaven Cake Recipe – My Grandmas Pie with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to complement the tropical sweetness.
• For a brunch or afternoon tea, serve smaller slices alongside a pot of strong coffee or a pitcher of iced tea to balance the cake’s richness.
• Turn it into a show-stopping dessert by plating each slice with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a few toasted coconut flakes for added texture and flavor.
• Celebrate summer gatherings by serving it at picnics or barbecues; its moist, fruity flavor pairs wonderfully with grilled meats and fresh salads.
• For a festive holiday twist during the winter months, add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter and serve the cake warm with a brandy-infused custard.
• Keep the presentation simple and rustic on a vintage cake stand to honor its heritage as My Grandmas Pie, letting the golden-brown top be the centerpiece.

This versatile Easy Pineapple Heaven Cake Recipe – My Grandmas Pie is as fitting for a casual family dinner as it is for a special celebration, always promising a taste of homemade comfort.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using canned pineapple in heavy syrup instead of juice. Fix: Opt for pineapple in 100% juice to prevent an overly sweet, soggy cake.
• Mistake: Not draining the crushed pineapple well enough. Fix: Press it firmly in a fine-mesh strainer to remove excess liquid and ensure proper cake structure.
• Mistake: Overmixing the cake batter once the dry ingredients are added. Fix: Mix just until the flour disappears to keep the crumb tender, not tough.
• Mistake: Baking in a pan that’s too small. Fix: Use a standard 9×13-inch pan; a smaller one causes overflow and uneven baking.
• Mistake: Skipping the toothpick test for doneness. Fix: Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
• Mistake: Adding the cream cheese topping while the cake is too hot. Fix: Let the cake cool for 15-20 minutes so the topping sets beautifully instead of melting into it.
• Mistake: Using cold cream cheese for the frosting. Fix: Bring cream cheese to room temperature for a perfectly smooth, lump-free spread.
• Mistake: Forgetting to poke holes in the warm cake before adding glaze. Fix: Use a fork to create channels so the sweet pineapple glaze soaks in deeply.
• Mistake: Serving the pineapple heaven cake immediately. Fix: Allow it to chill for at least 2 hours; this lets the flavors meld and makes slicing clean.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will keep fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
• Reheat: For a warm slice, microwave a single portion for 15-20 seconds. For the whole cake, cover with foil and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C), about 15-20 minutes.

Always allow your Easy Pineapple Heaven Cake to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess. For food safety, do not leave the cake at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Conclusion

This Easy Pineapple Heaven Cake Recipe is a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert that brings a taste of the tropics to any table. We hope you enjoy making and sharing this family favorite. If you love fruity bakes, try our No-Bake Orange Pineapple Swirl Cheesecake Recipe next. Please leave a comment with your results and subscribe for more delightful recipes!

Print

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned for this cake?

We recommend using canned crushed pineapple for this Easy Pineapple Heaven Cake Recipe. Canned pineapple provides the right texture and consistent moisture, which is key for the cake’s signature “heavenly” crumb. Fresh pineapple can be too watery and may contain enzymes that prevent proper setting.

How should I store leftovers of this pineapple cake?

Store any leftover Easy Pineapple Heaven Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The refrigeration helps maintain the moisture and freshness of the cake and its topping. For best texture, let individual slices sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely. This Easy Pineapple Heaven Cake Recipe is an excellent make-ahead dessert. You can bake and assemble the cake a full day in advance. Simply cover it well and refrigerate; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious for your event.