Some desserts just feel like a happy escape. This Classic Pineapple Cloud Cake brings the sweet and tangy taste of the tropics right to your kitchen. It's a dessert that's bright, refreshing, and perfect for adding a little bit of sunshine to any day of the year.
All I know is my pineapple cloud cake is better than the Starbucks version - and you can make your own starbucks pineapple cloud cake at home with simple ingredients like those 2 ingredient cakes with cake mix but elevated. This bubbly angel food cake mix and a 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple creates that signature airy texture everyone loves in the starbucks pineapple cloud cake. This pineapple cloud cake inspired by Starbucks proves you don't need a coffee shop to enjoy bakery-quality desserts.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Pineapple Cloud Cake Recipe
- Ingredients for Pineapple Cloud Cake
- How to Make Pineapple Cloud Cake
- My Top Tips for This Recipe
- Little Moments in the Kitchen
- Substitutions for Pineapple Cloud Cake
- Variations on Pineapple Cloud Cake
- Equipment for Pineapple Cloud Cake
- Storage Tips for Pineapple Cloud Cake
- Olivia's Tip for Pineapple Cloud Cake
- FAQ about Pineapple Cloud Cake
- Conclusion
- Related
- Pairing
- 📖 Recipe
Why You'll Love This Pineapple Cloud Cake Recipe
Beautiful things happen when you combine tropical pineapple with impossibly light cake layers, and here's why this pineapple cloud cake recipe has become our most-requested dessert:
- Incredibly light and fluffy - The soft and fluffy texture comes from folding crushed pineapple into the batter. Those super moist pineapple cake layers practically float off your fork in this cloud cake perfection.
- Easier than it looks - This starbucks pineapple cloud cake recipe uses simple ingredients and comes together faster than a trip to the coffee shop, similar to how easy 4 ingredient chocolate chip cookies with cake mix can be. Perfect for impressing guests without the stress.
- Tropical perfection - The combination of pineapple cake filling with stabilized whipped cream frosting tastes like vacation in cake form. This practically perfect pineapple cake is sweet, tangy, and absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients for Pineapple Cloud Cake
Building this pineapple cloud cake Starbucks style starts with quality ingredients that create that signature dreamy texture. Using canned crushed pineapple in juice keeps the cake incredibly moist while the whipped cream frosting adds that cloud-like finish in this cloud cake recipe.
What You'll Need
For the Cake:
- White cake mix (1 box)
- Crushed pineapple (20 oz can, undrained)
- Eggs (3 large)
- Vegetable oil (⅓ cup)
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
- Pineapple juice (reserved from can)
For the Whipped Cream Frosting:
- Heavy whipping cream (2 cups, cold)
- Powdered sugar (½ cup)
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened, optional for stability)
- Crushed pineapple (½ cup, well-drained, for filling)
For Garnish:
- Fresh pineapple chunks
- Toasted coconut flakes
- White chocolate shavings
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Crushed pineapple creates the signature texture - The juice and fruit pieces get folded right into the batter, creating those moist pockets throughout. This is what makes it a true pineapple cloud ingredients list essential for this starbucks pineapple cake.
- Stabilized whipped cream is crucial - Adding cream cheese to the whipped cream keeps the frosting from deflating, just like in grandma's old fashioned cloud cake recipe. Your cake stays picture-perfect for days in this cloud cake recipe with cream cheese approach.
- Undrained pineapple is key - Don't drain that can! The juice adds moisture and intensifies the pineapple flavor throughout the crushed pineapple whipped cream frosting layers in this pineapple cake starbucks style.
How to Make Pineapple Cloud Cake
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat and prep. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Line bottoms with parchment paper.
- Mix the batter. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla. Mix on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth for this pineapple cloud cake recipe.
- Fold in pineapple. Gently fold in the entire can of crushed pineapple with its juice. The batter will be thin - this is correct for starbucks pineapple cloud cake texture.
- Divide and bake. Pour batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
- Cool completely. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks. Cool completely before frosting - this is critical for this cloud cake.
- Make the frosting. Beat cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Add softened cream cheese and beat until stiff peaks form for this cloud cake recipe with cream cheese.
- Prepare the filling. Drain ½ cup crushed pineapple very well by pressing it in a fine mesh strainer. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Level the cakes. Use a serrated knife to level the tops of both cake layers for even stacking in this old fashioned cloud cake recipe method.
- Assemble the cake. Place first layer on a cake stand. Spread with half the whipped cream and top with drained crushed pineapple. Add second layer for this pineapple cloud.
- Frost and garnish. Cover entire cake with remaining whipped cream frosting. Garnish with fresh pineapple, toasted coconut, and white chocolate shavings.
Hint: Keep everything cold when making whipped cream frosting - cold bowl, cold beaters, cold cream. This creates the fluffiest, most stable frosting!
My Top Tips for This Recipe
Mastering this pineapple cloud cake recipe comes down to not overbaking. The cake should be just set in the center - any longer and you lose that signature cloud-like moisture that makes this starbucks pineapple cloud cake recipe special.
Gold Tip: Make this a day ahead! The flavors meld together beautifully overnight and the cake actually gets even more moist as the pineapple juice soaks into the layers. Store covered in the fridge for the ultimate make-ahead dessert that tastes like the pineapple cloud cake Starbucks 2025 version and rivals any old fashioned cloud cake recipe from grandma.
Little Moments in the Kitchen
Last Sunday when I was making this starbucks pineapple cloud cake copycat for a family gathering, Olivia got fascinated by how light and airy the batter looked. "Mom, it looks like regular cake batter drank a bubble bath!" she exclaimed, watching the pineapple juice create those tiny air pockets. I explained how the fruit and juice work together to make the cake extra fluffy, similar to how we create light textures in our pumpkin better than any cake with special soaking techniques.
When she tried her first bite, her eyes went wide. "It's like eating a sweet pineapple cloud that melts in your mouth!" she declared, getting whipped cream on her nose. Now she calls this her "fancy Starbucks cake but better" and loves telling her friends that we can make it at home anytime we want. She's convinced our version beats the coffee shop, and honestly, I have to agree with her assessment of this cloud cake pineapple masterpiece that's become our practically perfect pineapple cake.
Substitutions for Pineapple Cloud Cake
Sugar-Free Version - Use sugar-free cake mix and sugar-free sweetener in the frosting. Perfect for those watching sugar intake while enjoying this pineapple cloud cake near me alternative.
Protein Boost - Add vanilla protein powder to make a protein cloud cake that's higher in protein. Mix ¼ cup protein powder into the dry cake mix for this cloud cake recipe variation.
Fresh Pineapple - Use fresh crushed pineapple instead of canned. You'll need about 2 cups crushed fruit plus ½ cup pineapple juice for moisture in this starbucks pineapple cake approach.
Dairy-Free - Use coconut whipped cream for the frosting instead of dairy cream. The tropical flavors pair perfectly in this easy pineapple cake variation.
Variations on Pineapple Cloud Cake
Dump Cake Style - Make this as a pineapple dump cake by layering pineapple in a 9x13 pan, sprinkling dry cake mix on top, and dotting with butter. Bake until golden for an easy dump cake recipe similar to 2 ingredient cakes with cake mix simplicity.
Cherry Pineapple - Add cherry pie filling between layers for a cherry pineapple dump cake twist that combines two classic flavors in this pineapple cake starbucks inspired version.
Coconut Addition - Fold shredded coconut into the batter and frosting for extra tropical vibes in these pineapple dessert recipes and cloud cake variations.
Layered Parfait - Break up the cake and layer with whipped cream in glasses for individual pineapple dump cake recipe parfaits using this pineapple cloud cake method.
Sheet Cake Version - Bake in a 9x13 pan and frost simply for easier serving at potlucks in these crushed pineapple recipes desserts, similar to grandma's old fashioned cloud cake recipe approach.
These light and tropical desserts pair perfectly with other sweet treats and work wonderfully alongside our peanut butter cheesecake balls when you want both fruity and rich dessert options!
Equipment for Pineapple Cloud Cake
Two 9-inch round cake pans - Essential for creating those beautiful layer cakes. Make sure they're the same size for even layers in this starbucks pineapple cloud cake.
Electric mixer - Critical for achieving stiff peaks in your whipped cream frosting. A stand mixer or hand mixer both work great for these dump cake recipes and cloud cake recipe preparations.
Fine mesh strainer - Important for draining the pineapple filling completely. Excess moisture will make your frosting weep in this vegetarian cake and pineapple cloud cake recipe.
Offset spatula - Makes frosting the cake smooth and professional-looking. You want those gorgeous swirls on your pineapple recipes showcase and cloud cake recipe with cream cheese finish.
Storage Tips for Pineapple Cloud Cake
Refrigeration required - This cake must be stored in the fridge due to the whipped cream frosting. Cover and keep for up to 4 days in this starbucks pineapple cake style.
Freezing the layers - Freeze unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost when ready to serve in these pineapple dessert recipes and old fashioned cloud cake recipe methods.
Frosting stability - The cream cheese in the frosting helps it stay stable, but serve within 4 days for best texture in this starbucks pineapple cloud cake recipe approach.
Make ahead strategy - Bake layers and make frosting separately up to 2 days ahead. Assemble the day of serving for ultimate freshness in this easy dump cake recipe approach and pineapple cloud cake Starbucks quality.
These impressive tropical cakes work beautifully for special occasions and pair perfectly with other elegant desserts like our French salted butter cookies when you want both light and rich options!
Olivia's Tip for Pineapple Cloud Cake
"Make sure you press ALL the juice out of the pineapple for the middle layer or your frosting gets runny - I learned that the hard way! And save the prettiest pineapple chunk for the very top center!"
FAQ about Pineapple Cloud Cake
Is pineapple cloud cake good?
Yes! Pineapple cloud cake is incredibly moist, light, and fluffy with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy pineapple flavor. The whipped cream frosting adds richness without being heavy, making it a crowd-pleasing dessert that rivals any starbucks pineapple cloud cake.
What does cloud cake taste like?
Cloud cake has a light, airy texture similar to angel food cake but moister. The pineapple adds tropical sweetness and keeps the cake incredibly tender. The whipped cream frosting tastes like sweet clouds - light, creamy, and delicate in this cloud cake recipe.
What is the biggest mistake to avoid when making a dump cake?
The biggest mistake is not draining the pineapple properly when it's used as a filling. Excess moisture makes the frosting unstable. Also, don't overmix the batter - gentle folding keeps the texture light and fluffy in this pineapple cloud cake recipe.
How many calories are in a Starbucks pineapple cloud cake?
The Starbucks pineapple cloud cake contains approximately 310-350 calories per slice. The homemade version can be made lighter by using sugar-free cake mix and reducing frosting, bringing it closer to 250 calories per slice in this starbucks pineapple cake copycat.
Conclusion
The sweet, tangy flavors of this Classic Pineapple Cloud Cake are an instant mood booster. It's a delightful and refreshing dessert that everyone will love. We hope you get to enjoy the simple pleasure of this perfectly sunny, delicious cake.
Amazing results happen when you embrace the simplicity of this recipe and trust that the pineapple will create that signature moisture and texture. This works perfectly for birthdays, summer gatherings, or whenever you want a dessert that's both impressive and refreshing. They pair beautifully with other special treats like our blueberry cheesecake protein bites when you want both light and protein-packed dessert options. If you love pineapple desserts, you might also enjoy this classic pineapple upside-down cake that takes the tropical fruit in a completely different but equally delicious caramelized direction.
Jasmine & Olivia💛
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Pineapple Cloud Cake:
📖 Recipe
Easy Pineapple Cloud Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- This is our first step, sweetie! Let's get our oven to 350°F and grease and flour our two [9-inch round cake pans]. Olivia loves doing this part, she says it feels like we're giving the pans a little powdered sugar bath! Line the bottoms with parchment paper, too
- In a big mixing bowl, we're going to combine the [white cake mix], [eggs], [vegetable oil], and [vanilla extract]. Mix it on medium speed for about 2 minutes until it's super smooth
- This is the magic part that makes our cake so "cloud-like"! Gently fold in the entire can of [crushed pineapple] with its juice. I know the batter will look a bit thin, but that's exactly what we want for that light, airy texture. This is when Olivia always says it looks like the batter is "drinking a bubble bath!
- Now, carefully pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans. Pop them in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake, we want to keep all that beautiful moisture inside
- Let those cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. This is a very important step! Then, we'll turn them out onto a [wire cooling rack] to cool completely before we even think about frosting them. This part takes patience, but it's worth it. Olivia and I usually use this time to pick out our favorite sprinkles for later
- Get your [electric mixer] ready! In a cold bowl, beat the [heavy whipping cream] with the [powdered sugar] and [vanilla extract] until soft peaks form. If you're using it for stability (which I always recommend), add the softened [cream cheese] and beat until you get stiff peaks. It's so fun to watch it get fluffy and firm
- Remember Olivia's pro tip? Use a [fine mesh strainer] to drain the [crushed pineapple] for the filling really well. We'll even pat it dry with a paper towel so our frosting stays perfect
- It's time to build our cake! Use a serrated knife to level the tops of both cake layers if they're not perfectly flat. Place the first layer on your cake stand, spread half of the frosting over it, and sprinkle the drained [crushed pineapple] on top. Then, add the second layer
- Now for the fun part! Use your [offset spatula] to cover the entire cake with the rest of the frosting. Garnish it with your [fresh pineapple chunks], [toasted coconut flakes], and [white chocolate shavings]. Olivia always saves the prettiest pineapple chunk for the very top
Nutrition
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can bake the cake layers and make the frosting up to 2 days ahead of time. Just store them separately and assemble the day you want to serve. The flavors will be even better!
- Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, use coconut whipped cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free cream cheese substitute. The tropical flavors will pair perfectly!
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Olivia's Tip: "Don't forget to press all the juice out of the pineapple for the middle layer or your frosting will get runny, I learned that the hard way! And save the prettiest pineapple chunk for the very top center!"
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