Whether you’re craving something sweet with almost no effort or want a crowd-pleasing dessert, this 2 Ingredient Pineapple Cake delivers pure sunshine in every bite. With just a box of cake mix and a can of pineapple, you can whip up a golden, beautifully moist cake that tastes as if it’s been spun fresh from a tropical bakery. I adore this recipe for its sheer simplicity, but also for the rich pineapple flavor and the delightfully tender crumb. It’s one of those magic tricks in baking—a dessert that looks (and tastes!) like you spent hours toiling in the kitchen, but really, it’s just two pantry staples and a few minutes of your time.

2 Ingredient Pineapple Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just two ingredients, every component of this recipe plays a starring role. The cake mix provides classic sweetness and structure, while the canned pineapple brings natural moisture and bursts of tropical flavor. Here’s why each matters:

Yellow Cake Mix: Acts as the base, offering a rich, buttery crumb and a bit of sweetness that perfectly balances the tart pineapple.
Crushed Pineapple in Juice (undrained): The juice acts as both moisture and flavor, creating a super moist, aromatic cake with lovely pineapple tang in every bite.

How to Make 2 Ingredient Pineapple Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C), and be sure to do this before you mix up the batter! While the oven heats, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with a light coating of butter or nonstick spray. This step ensures the cake will release easily, giving you picture-perfect slices every single time.

Step 2: Combine Everything Together

In your largest mixing bowl, tip in the yellow cake mix and the entire can of crushed pineapple—juice and all. The magic happens here: As you stir, the pineapple’s natural sweetness and tartness blend beautifully with the cake mix. Don’t worry about lumps; the batter will look slightly rugged because of the pineapple pieces, and that’s exactly what you want!

Step 3: Pour and Even Out

Pour the luscious batter right into your greased baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, making sure you reach all the corners. The batter should be thick but easy to work with, and any unevenness tends to sort itself out as the cake bakes.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Pop the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden color and for a toothpick inserted in the center to come out clean with a few moist crumbs. The kitchen will fill with the aroma of pineapple and cake, which is honestly one of the best parts.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Let the 2 Ingredient Pineapple Cake cool right in the pan, ideally on a wire rack. This allows the steam to escape, keeping your cake from getting soggy. Once cool, slice and serve! Whether you go for neat squares or rustic pieces, you really can’t go wrong.

How to Serve 2 Ingredient Pineapple Cake

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of billowy whipped cream adds an elegant flair. If you’re feeling extra tropical, scatter a few toasted coconut flakes or even a cherry on top for a retro pineapple upside-down cake vibe.

Side Dishes

Pair your cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make it an all-out dessert moment. For a more refreshing angle, serve it with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or kiwi; the tartness balances the cake’s sweet, fruity notes beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your 2 Ingredient Pineapple Cake into parfaits by layering cubes of cake with whipped cream and extra pineapple in glasses. Or, cut into small squares and skewer with pineapple chunks for party-ready bites. You can even frost it with a tangy cream cheese frosting if you want to dress it up for a celebration!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your cake moist and fresh, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. It’ll stay beautiful on the counter for a couple of days, or up to a week in the fridge (if it lasts that long!).

Freezing

The 2 Ingredient Pineapple Cake freezes like a dream. Simply wrap individual pieces well in plastic, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can pull out a slice whenever you need a quick dessert or snack; it’ll keep its flavor and texture for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Want to enjoy your cake warm? Pop a piece in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds. If you’re reheating a larger batch from the fridge, you can slip the pan into a low oven (around 300°F) for 10 minutes to restore that freshly-baked warmth.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is classic for 2 Ingredient Pineapple Cake, white or even a spiced cake mix can add a special twist. Just make sure to use the same size box for easy mixing and baking.

Do I need to drain the pineapple?

No need—definitely use the full can, juice and all. The liquid helps create a super moist cake and replaces any need for oil, water, or eggs. It’s the key to that signature tender, fruit-packed crumb.

Can I make cupcakes with this recipe?

Yes! Simply divide the batter evenly among lined muffin tins and bake for about 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cupcakes are a fun, portable way to enjoy your 2 Ingredient Pineapple Cake.

What kind of pineapple works best?

Crushed pineapple in juice is best for consistent texture and sweetness, but if you only have pineapple chunks, give them a quick blitz in the blender. Pineapple packed in syrup will make the cake sweeter, so stick to juice for the perfect balance.

Can this cake be made gluten-free?

Yes—just use your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix in place of the regular mix. The results are still wonderfully moist and flavorful, so everyone can enjoy a slice (or two).

Final Thoughts

If you love low-effort, high-reward treats, you simply must give 2 Ingredient Pineapple Cake a try. It’s a joyful, foolproof dessert that brings a burst of tropical flavor to any table, and it might just become your new go-to for every occasion. I can’t wait for you to taste how deliciously easy baking can be!