A rich, creamy dessert with pineapple, fluffy filling, and a lightly toasted coconut topping. Soft, cool, and comforting — perfect for family dinners, holidays, or potlucks.
Zero-Point Creamy Chicken Salad (High-Protein & Guilt-Free)
Easy Southwest Egg Muffins (Healthy Meal Prep)
Ingredients
Cake/Base Layer
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- Ingredients listed on cake mix box
(usually eggs, oil, and water)
OR use:
- 2 cups prepared sponge cake cubes
Creamy Filling
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk
Pineapple Layer
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, well drained
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple tidbits, drained
Coconut Topping
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Optional:
- whipped cream for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake
Bake cake according to package directions in a 9×13-inch dish.
Allow to cool completely.
Italian Spaghetti Salad (Vibrant & Flavor-Packed)
Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans
If using sponge cake cubes, place evenly in baking dish.
Step 2: Toast the Coconut
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix coconut with melted butter.
- Spread on baking sheet.
- Bake 5–8 minutes, stirring once, until golden brown.
Set aside to cool.
Step 3: Make the Cream Filling
In a large bowl:
- Beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla.
- In another bowl whisk pudding mix with cold milk until thickened.
- Fold pudding into cream cheese mixture.
- Fold in whipped topping gently.
The mixture should be fluffy and creamy.
Step 4: Add Pineapple
Fold drained pineapple into the cream mixture.
Be sure pineapple is drained very well to avoid excess liquid.
Step 5: Assemble
Spread creamy pineapple mixture evenly over cooled cake.
Top with toasted coconut.
Step 6: Chill
Refrigerate for:
- at least 4 hours
- overnight for best flavor
Serve cold.
Yield
- Serves: 12–15
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Chill Time: 4+ hours
Texture & Flavor
This dessert is:
- creamy
- fluffy
- lightly tropical
- sweet but balanced
- soft and easy to eat
Storage
- Refrigerate covered up to 4 days
- Do not leave out long at room temperature
- Not ideal for freezing due to cream filling
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 320–420
- Carbohydrates: 38–45g
- Fat: 16–22g
- Protein: 4–6g
Q & A
Q: Can I use fresh pineapple?
Yes, but drain it very well after chopping.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely. It tastes even better the next day.
Q: Can I use homemade whipped cream?
Yes. Substitute with:
- 2 cups freshly whipped cream
Q: Why is my dessert watery?
Usually because:
- pineapple was not drained enough
- dessert was not chilled long enough
Q: Can I skip coconut?
Yes. Replace with:
- crushed graham crackers
- chopped pecans
- white chocolate shavings
Q: Can I add nuts?
Yes. Great options:
- pecans
- walnuts
- macadamia nuts
Sprinkle on top before serving.
Q: What cake flavor works best?
Best choices:
- yellow cake
- white cake
- butter cake
- pineapple cake
Q: Can this be made lighter?
Yes:
- use light cream cheese
- sugar-free pudding
- light whipped topping
Variations
Pineapple Cheesecake Version
Add:
- extra cream cheese
- graham cracker crust layer
Tropical Version
Add:
- mango chunks
- toasted almonds
- banana slices
Coconut Cream Version
Use coconut pudding instead of vanilla pudding.
Serving Ideas
Serve with:
- coffee
- iced tea
- holiday dinners
- summer cookouts
- brunch spreads
Optional garnish:
- whipped cream
- pineapple wedges
- extra toasted coconut
With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.
- Zero-Point Creamy Chicken Salad (High-Protein & Guilt-Free) - May 18, 2026
- Easy Southwest Egg Muffins (Healthy Meal Prep) - May 18, 2026
- Italian Spaghetti Salad (Vibrant & Flavor-Packed) - May 17, 2026