Pineapple Juice Cake – A Moist, Tropical Southern Classic

If you’re craving a dessert that’s moist, simple, and bursting with bright tropical flavor, look no further than this Pineapple Juice Cake. This Southern-style bundt cake combines the ease of a cake mix with the rich, golden goodness of pineapple juice, resulting in a buttery, tender crumb soaked in a sweet pineapple syrup that sets it apart from any ordinary cake. Whether served at a church potluck, summer BBQ, or just alongside your afternoon coffee, this cake is the kind of old-fashioned favorite that always earns second helpings.

Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Juice Cake

Super moist with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture
One-bowl batter – no mixer required
Bright pineapple flavor in every bite
Quick and foolproof – perfect for busy bakers
A classic Southern-style cake that feels both nostalgic and refreshing

Ingredients & What They Do

For the Cake:

1 (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix – The base of the cake, offering convenience and a consistent, tender crumb.
¾ cup vegetable oil – Keeps the cake incredibly moist and rich without overpowering the pineapple flavor.
¾ cup pineapple juice – Infuses the batter with tropical brightness and natural sweetness.
4 large eggs, room temperature – Provide structure and richness, helping the cake rise beautifully.

For the Pineapple Syrup:

2 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens the glaze while helping it thicken and cling to the cake.
¾ cup pineapple juice – Delivers fresh tropical flavor to soak into the cake’s warm crumb.
4 tbsp butter, melted and hot – Adds richness to the syrup and ensures it seeps evenly into the cake.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Pan & Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Generously grease a standard bundt pan, ensuring all the curves are coated to prevent sticking.

2. Make the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

Yellow cake mix
Vegetable oil
Pineapple juice
Eggs

Mix until just combined – do not overmix, as this can make the cake dense. The batter should be smooth and pourable.

3. Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the greased bundt pan.
Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden.

4. Make the Pineapple Syrup

While the cake is baking, whisk together:

Melted butter (still hot)
Pineapple juice
Powdered sugar

Mix until smooth and pourable. This syrup will soak into the cake, adding moisture and flavor.

5. Soak the Cake

Once the cake is out of the oven, let it cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.
Use a fork or skewer to poke holes over the surface while still in the pan.
Pour ¾ of the syrup slowly over the warm cake, letting it seep into the holes.

Let the cake sit for another 15 minutes, allowing the syrup to fully soak in.

6. Invert & Glaze

Carefully invert the cake onto a serving platter.
Drizzle the remaining syrup over the top of the cake for a glossy finish and extra pineapple punch.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pineapple Juice Cake

Use pineapple juice with pulp for more robust flavor and texture.
Make sure the syrup is hot when poured – it will absorb more easily into the cake.
For a tropical flair, sprinkle the finished cake with toasted coconut, lime zest, or serve with a scoop of coconut ice cream.
Let the cake rest overnight – it gets even better as the syrup continues to soak in!

Serving Suggestions

This cake shines on its own, but you can elevate it even more with:

A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream
Fresh pineapple slices or berries on the side
A sprinkle of powdered sugar or toasted coconut flakes for garnish

Serve it at:

Summer picnics
Family reunions
Potlucks and showers
Or just with your morning coffee for a sweet treat!

Final Thoughts: Easy, Tropical, and Unforgettable

This Pineapple Juice Cake proves that simple ingredients can deliver extraordinary flavor. With its moist, tender crumb and syrup-soaked finish, it’s a cake that’s as easy to love as it is to make. Whether you’re whipping it up last-minute or baking it ahead of time for a special gathering, this recipe is sure to stand out on any dessert table.

Give it a try and bring a little tropical sunshine to your kitchen—one sweet, syrupy slice at a time