This Pineapple Party Sheet Cake is a sweet, sunny dessert that brings tropical vibes to any summer BBQ or backyard bash.

If you’re looking for a bright and easy dessert to serve at your next summer gathering, this Pineapple Party Sheet Cake is it. With soft pineapple cake, a whipped pineapple buttercream, and plenty of sprinkle confetti, it brings major sunshine energy to any BBQ or pool day. It’s fun, kid-friendly, and totally tropical—everything you want in a pineapple sheet cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make with a boxed pineapple cake mix.
• Kid-friendly and perfect for summer BBQs or birthday parties.
• Topped with a smooth, whipped pineapple frosting.
• Bright, tropical flavor in every bite.
• Great for feeding a crowd with one simple pineapple sheet cake.
• Fun to decorate with sprinkles or summer-themed toppings.

Ingredient Notes

• Pineapple Cake Mix: Duncan Hines makes a great pineapple cake mix that gives the base a naturally sweet, tropical flavor without needing canned fruit.
• Vanilla Pudding Mix: Use instant pudding (not cook & serve) to keep the cake extra moist and flavorful.
• Pineapple Juice: Canned or bottled works—just make sure it’s smooth with no pulp for the frosting.
• Cool Whip: Adds that signature whipped Dole Whip texture to the frosting. Let it thaw completely before folding it in.
• Tropical Sprinkle Confetti: Use bright, colorful sprinkles to give this cake a party-ready finish.

Before You Bake

Do I need to prepare the pudding mix or add it dry?
Add the pudding mix dry—straight from the box. It helps create a moist, fluffy texture when combined with the cake mix.

Can I use unsalted butter in the frosting instead of salted?
Yes! Just add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness if you’re using unsalted butter.

Can this be made ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can bake and frost the cake up to a day in advance. Store it covered in the fridge and let it sit out for 20–30 minutes before serving.

Pineapple Party Sheet Cake

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• Author: Taryn Camp

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cake:

• 1 box Duncan Hines pineapple cake mix
• 1 cup water
• 4 eggs
• ½ cup + 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix (dry)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

• 1 stick (½ cup) salted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp pineapple juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup Cool Whip, thawed

Topping:

• Tropical sprinkle confetti

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with baking spray.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, water, eggs, oil, dry pudding mix, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake according to the package instructions (usually 30–35 minutes). Let the cake cool completely.
4. While the cake cools, make the frosting: Beat the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Add in the pineapple juice and vanilla extract; beat again until smooth.
6. Gently fold in the Cool Whip to create a light, creamy texture.
7. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake and finish with a generous handful of tropical sprinkle confetti.

FAQ

Can I use a different cake mix flavor instead of pineapple?
Yes, vanilla or yellow cake mix works too, but the pineapple flavor gives it that true tropical vibe.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
You can, but the frosting will be softer and may not hold up as well if made ahead. Cool Whip adds stability.

What size pan do I need?
A standard 13×9-inch baking dish is perfect for this recipe.

Can I turn this into cupcakes?
Yes! Divide the batter into cupcake liners and bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.

Does this need to be refrigerated?
If frosted, yes—because of the Cool Whip in the frosting. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Sprinkle of Fun

Enjoy this pineapple-packed cake at your next summer BBQ. Blow up the floats, make big pitchers of lemonade, and turn on your favorite summer playlist. Work on your tan and celebrate the season with a huge slice of Pineapple Party Cake.

Grab More Treats

Cake lover? Me too! Check out my cake recipe section.

For all things summer, take a look at my Ohana Eats cookbook that’s inspired by Lilo and Stitch.