This Sugar-Free Pineapple Lush Cake has been one of the most popular posts on my blog lately so it seemed like a great time to update it!
Originally I created this cake for a lady in our church who had just come out of surgery. I was happy to do it, but also a bit nervous because she's diabetic.
After a bit of digging through some old cookbooks, I decided to make this Sugar-Free Pineapple Lush Cake.
Only one other time have I baked a sugar-free cake and it wasn't all that impressive, so this time I wanted to try something different.
After I first published this recipe, I had several complaints about it not being actually "sugar-free" since pineapple has sugar. That is true. I supposed I should've noted that there's no added or processed sugar - only the sugar naturally occurring in the pineapple, which is acceptable for most diabetics in moderation.
If you need something that's absolutely sugar-free, then this might not be the cake for you!
Anyway, I was short on time and limited by my tiny local grocery store - I decided to go the easy route and not attempt anything from scratch, so this recipe was perfect. Here are the main things you'll need...
Sugar-Free Pineapple Lush Cake
Don't overlook the fact that you'll also need eggs, oil, and water for the cake mix. After you have everything ready to go, it's time to BAKE!
First, just followed the box directions exactly. That's pretty easy, huh? I have in my head a few variations I'd to try, but since I was short on time, I kept it simple. After it's baked, let it cool completely!
Oh, I'd recommend doing this in a 9x13 pan or dish, but I baked mine in two disposable 8" pans. First up, I was only sending cake to one lady and her husband - they didn't need that much cake.
Also, I didn't want her to have to be concerned with returning dishes... so this made it easy on her!
Next, for the "frosting", I wanted to get a little fancier. Not too much - it's still super easy - but the result is yummy!! This combination is based on a recipe I have for a Pineapple-Mandarin Cake (YUM-YUM) that has a very similar topping!
All you'll need to do is mix together 1 (1.5 oz) box of instant sugar-free vanilla pudding, 1 (8 oz) container of sugar-free Cool Whip, and 1 (20 oz) can of crushed pineapple (in juice - not syrup!!).
Then spread it onto the baked, cooled cake (right in the pan!). Last, pop it in the frig to chill for at least an hour. The "frosting" will thicken up and be a wonderful, creamy cloud of deliciousness!
More Pineapple Recipes
- Homemade Chinese Orange Pineapple Chicken
- 4 Ingredient Piña Colada Popsicles
- Hawaiian Rice Salad (Cold Brown Rice Salad with Chicken & Pineapple)
The Printable Recipe
Here's the printable version for Sugar-Free Pineapple Lush Cake and please pin it if you like it... just hover over the picture and the "Pin It" button will appear:
PrintRecipe
Sugar-Free Pineapple Lush Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Description
Light and moist Sugar free Pineapple Lush Cake!
Ingredients
- 1 Pillsbury Sugar-Free Yellow Cake, prepared according to package directions in a 9x13 pan
- (you'll need eggs, oil, and water for the cake mix!)
- 1 (8 oz) container of Sugar-Free Cool Whip
- 1 (20 oz) can of crushed pineapple in juice (undrained)
- 1 (1.5 oz) box of Jell-O Sugar-free Instant Vanilla pudding mix (just the mix, do not make the pudding!)
Instructions
- Bake the cake in a 9x13" cake pan according to package directions. Allow it to cool completely!!
- In a mixing bowl, stir together the dry pudding mix, Cool Whip, and pineapple. Mix it until it's thoroughly combined!
- Spread over the chilled cake (right in the pan!) and let it to chill for at least an hour!
- Enjoy!!
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Desserts
Yaneri -Sweet Baker
Oh wow!!!!! How easy is this!!!! Gonna try it!!!! Thank for sharing Rose!!!! Did you come up with this recipe? It's sooooooo do yummmy!!! Easy, peasy and so simple........I bet it's yummy!! I'm sure you can use regular yellow cake mix right?
Rose
I'll shoot you the original recipe - it is AMAZING! Do I have your email? Or I can Facebook it to you!! It's a touch different, but FANTASTIC!!
Yaneri -Sweet Baker
Thanks sweet pea! Got it!!!
Thanks! Can't wait to see your next recipe!!!
John
How long and at what temperature would you bake it at? Need to know for the 9th of December if possible. Sorry if I'm asking for too much. Thanks
Rose
Gosh - sorry! I don't write that out - just bake according to the boxed cake mix directions.
John
Ok, Thank you!
Linda cox
On the icing, receipe says do not drain pineapple, but you say add juice not syrup I guess I'm confused just m as d the Lush pineapple cake. Please clarify the pineapple juice .
Thanks
Sharon Decker
Rose,
What a hit and how delicious!!! Thank you so much for sharing, this will be my go to dessert!
Casper Zamudio
Do you drain the pineapple for lush cake?
Kaci
Wondering the same thing
Rose
Undrained!
Michele
Can you use chopped fresh pineapple?
Rose
I don't know why that wouldn't work!
Sheila
Don't you need the juice for the dry pudding?
Rose
Yes - the recipe says "undrained".
Sheila
My reply was in regards to using fresh pineapple. It doesn't seem there would be enough juice.
Rose
Oooh, I'm sorry. I don't always see that it's a reply to something else when I'm logged in on the backend. My apologies! Yes, you're right though - you'd need more liquid!
Michelle
if you use fresh pineapple then you need to add 3/4 cup of liquid either water or un-sugared fruit juice.
Brenda Gann
Rose, could you send me the original recipe to my mail please? Thanks in advance!
Cindy
No. Dump the can right in
Jennifer Kingsley
Looked up the carb count in just the cake mix and it is roughly 26 carbs, add in the pineapple and one slice of cake will be the equivalent of a full meal for a diabetic. Sugar free does not mean it is a good choice for a diabetic. Carbs matter.
Jen
I noticed this also. Do you know how the sugar alcohol plays into the carb count? I was looking into sugar alcohol and it seems to not impact blood sugar. Just wondering if that negates the carbs a little?
Ky
My pudding box weighs one oz according to the package label - you just used one right? You didn't add half of a second box to follow recipe quantities, did you? Thanx for the recipe!
Janet D
I made this yesterday. I did use 2 boxes of pudding mix. I felt it was better to do that and be sure it wouldn't be too watery. It was great and the topping was perfect. Great recipe! It tasted wonderful.
Rose Atwater
Awesome - I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Dawn
26 grams for the entire box? Or for one serving. I am a diabetic and can have up to 15 grams for a snack and 45 grams for a meal. If it's 26 grams for the entire box, that's not bad at all. If it's per serving, then yes...a little on the high side.
Christina favella
In a d diabetic. I've tried cake mix with sugar free jello in it but not a winner wi th my family it,s the Best of the Best
Lindacox
Never mind, just re-read lol, a little embarrassed now, hope this jewel is as delish as it looks Thanks
Rose
No worries 🙂
Yaneri
Rose, I'm browsing thru your site looking for a yummy filling. I'm making a Strawberry cake. Questions for ya. 😀
Do know if the jello pudding comes in strawberry? I'm gonna use strawberry pillshbury cake mix.
2ndly, do you thinking this cool whip pineapple filling will go good with it? I'm making the cake for thursday and will pick it up on friday. He's planning to serve it on Sunday. I'm making a hello kitty cake with buttercream frosting and keep it in the fridge. Do you think the filling inside will still be good or will it breakdown over time by Sunday? Any filings you may suggest with a strawberry filling? if so link me up 😀
thanks Rose!!!
Yaneri
Rose
Yes, Jello comes in a Strawberry Creme flavor - you can see what it looks like here: http://rosebakes.com/chocolate-buttercream-strawberry-grooms-cake-hunter-hunting-turkey-strawberry-cake-recipe/
I'm the wrong person to be asking about the strawberry/pineapple combo, at least as far as flavor goes. I actually HATE strawberry cake :-O.
As far as it holding up - Cool Whip does start to break down after a few days - so it might be risky!? I'm just not sure! I'm not much help today... sorry!
Yaneri
hahahaa!!! What? LOL!!! It's okay Rose!! I thought I ask. But now that I think of it, yes Cool Whip will break up. I was thinking of making a strawberry cream cheese filling.
Rose
I've mixed pureed strawberries (or even strawberry jam) into a sweetened cream cheese filling and it's divine!! I love strawberries and cream cheese... just not strawberries IN cake! ha!
Anita
For the strawberry version I would use the strawberry cream jello pudding and instead of pineapple in the cool whip just use chopped strawberries.
Patty
Love your sugar free recipes but as a diabetic, we count carbs. Can you please include this info in
Future recipes? We are always forgotten at bake sales, pot lucks and family gatherings. Soooo, I take my own deserts.
Debbie
Do I mix pineapple and all its juice in with the pudding and cool whip?
Rose
Yes!
Gina
Whew! I'm so glad to see this was answered! I was about to drain the juice. 🙂 Thanks for the recipe!
Joyce
which type of pudding mix do you use - instant or cooked? thanks Want to make this on Wed. for our Church Supper.
Rose
instant 🙂
Tavia
Hi Rose! Do you have any other sugar free recipes? My pastor is a recently diagnosed diabetic and has been asking me about sugar free desserts, particularly coconut cake. I think I could come up with one if I could find sugar free or even unsweetened coconut, but haven't been able to so far. Do you have any thoughts on that? Thanks! I appreciate your blog and website and am really learning a lot from you! You are amazing!!
Rose
Thank you Tavia - you're very kind! I don't have any other sugar-free recipes right now, but maybe in the future!
Tavia
Thank you! I'll just stayed tuned, then!
Melissa
I was actually going to add toasted coconut to this recipe. Just toasted in a pan and sprinkled on top
Tavia
Thank you! I'll just stayed tuned, then!
Andrea
Hi Tavia—-you can find unsweetened coconut at the grocery. It comes in a bag and says “flaked coconut—unsweetened”. HTH!
sarah
thank you for posting this. sounds and looks so yummy. being diabetic I love sweets! can't wait to try
Susan at RoseBakes.com
Hi Sarah! Thanks for stopping by the blog - hope you enjoy this cake!
Cerissa
Did you make the pudding and then mix it in? I only see "prepare" the cake. THANKS!
Rose Atwater
No, put the dry pudding mix in the batter.
Cerissa
Ok I already made it...lol. I made the pudding mix, mixed it all together with cool whip and pineapple, let it harden a little...poured it on top of the cake, came out great actually. Husband loved it! Thank you for responding!
Stephanie
Do I make up the pudding and then mix it with the pineapple and Cool Whip or do I just use the pudding powder with the pineapple and Cool Whip? Thank you
Susan at RoseBakes.com
Hi Stephanie! You just mix the pudding powder in with the Cool Whip and pineapples. Hope you enjoy it!
Aimee
How is this sugar free? Isn't the canned pineapple full of sugar?
Rose Atwater
The recipe has no processed or added sugar. The pineapple is in it's own juice, so it's naturally sweet.
Linda
I found your recipe in the bariatric section. Do you know how many carbs each serving is?
Rose Atwater
I'm sorry, I don't.
Mona
How is this sugar free when the pineapple has sugar? I love pineapple but cannot find sugar free ! Anyone know where I can find sugar free pineapple?
Deborah
Do you drain the pineapple?
Rose Atwater
No.
Sharon
Dont get that brand of cake mix in Australia so not being able to follow package instructions makes it unable to be made
Deidra
Thank you for this recipe! It is delicious!! Have you used any other can fruits and pudding?
Rose
I haven't tried any other combinations but I imagine they'd work!
Dee
Only a moron hater with no common sense would take the time to send a complaint about this lovely recipe. Big DUH! to them...Big THANK YOU to you.
joan
could this be done with a gluten free cake mix? thanks
Rose
I'm sorry - I've never baked with a gluten free mix, so I can't say for sure.
Barbara Brady
You mentioned sending the variation of this recipe using a regular white cake mix instead of sugar free. I want to make this tomorrow and have not been able to find a sugar free white cake mix. Can you still make this available. I will appreciate it so much 🙂
Barbara Brady
Could you please send me the variation for using a regular white cake mix. My store did not have sugar free. I will appreciate it so much!
Barbara Brady
Sorry about the double post. Once last night on the laptop and this morning on the iPad.
Carol
Can this be made as mini pineapple upside down cakes also?
Rose
Maybe?! Give it a try!
DKC
I love this recipe! Thank you! I used a little individual cup of unsweetened applesauce instead of oil for the cake. (It doesn't rise as high but the taste and texture are the same.) I also used pineapples with Splenda. I get these at my Walmart.
Rose
Great substitutions - glad you enjoyed it!
Sandra
Just a note, I have found in my grocery store a brand of crushed and chunk pineapple called Libbys. The can states that it is "Skinny Fruit" so it is made with Splenda and has no added sugar.
Jasmine
Thanks very helpful I have to look for that!
Amy
I made this for my diabetic husband this week. He loved it and it was incredibly easy to make. I had to keep reminding him that while it was sugar free, it was not calorie free. He would have eaten it all in a day or two! Thanks for this awesome recipe. Will be making it again for him as well as taking it for potlucks.
Rose
So happy to hear it Amy! Happy New Year!
Lori Whisenand
The mix with the pineapple seems a little runny. Is this normal?
Thanks,
Lori
Debra
Do you have the nutrition info for this? Carbs, sugar, sodium, etc?
Rose
I don't, sorry.
Amanda
It probably has already been said but when I make this sugar free cake.I add a can of pineapple juice and all and two eggs into the cake mix.That is all.Cake mix ,2 eggs,one can of pineapple.
Cake comes out super moist and yummy.
Theresa
So no oil !!!!!!
Just 2 eggs
The can of pineapple
The sugar free yellow cake mix
Rose
Be sure to follow the directions on your box of cake mix for the ingredients it calls for.
Emily
I'm sorry I read all the way through but don't see how many point this cake is? Did I miss it?
Rose
Hi Emily - I'm sorry but I don't know how to calculate point values for my recipes.
Ann
Please explain how this Is ALL SUGAR AS THE CAN PINEAPPLE HAS SUGAR. Maybe you are using fresh pineapple?? Please let me know.
I looks so delicious.
Elizabeth
I just made the cake. Total yum yum! The whole family loves it to death!
MARIAN
THANK YOU ROSE!!! MY HUSBAND IS A DIABETIC AND CRAVES THE SWEETS HE IS NOT SUPPOSED TO HAVE.
I SAW YOUR RECIPE, MADE IT AND IT IS "EXCELLENT"!!!! EASY TO MAKE VERY MOIST AND FLAVORFUL AND MY HUSBAND ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT AND SO DID THE WHOLE FAMILY!
ONE NOTE: I DID USE EXTRA LARGE EGGS, WHICH I THINK DEFINITELY MADE IT MORE MOIST!!
Rose
That's awesome to hear Marian! Thank you!!
Lori Sloan
I made this for my husband today and he LOVED it!! Do I need to refrigerate the remaining cake or will it be ok just covered???
Rose
Yes, I would cover and refrigerate.
Sonia
Hi this is really good, I have made this and it is really good. I add the crushed pineapple with the juice also in the sugar free cake and add a extra egg. My family loved it.
CakenGifts
Awesome cake recipe.Best Pineapple Cake ever!!!...and so simple!
Asha
Made this for my mother for Mother's Day. My mom who is diabetic and she LOVED IT. My aunt who loves sugar said no one would ever know there's such a small amount of sugar in this cake. Thank you so much for sharing
Anita
I am also going to sprinkle slivered almonds on top. I think it will make it look and taste even better. I am making it for a co-worker for her birthday and she is a diabetic.
Charlotte Wilt
I recently made this cake and it was a huge hit with friends and family! Everyone wanted the recipe! I topped mine with toasted coconut! Did I see something similar using peaches? Thought that would be a nice change since peaches are now in season! Thank you for a great recipe! It is definitely a keeper! So simple and wonderful for those watching their sugar intake as well as those who are not!
Rose
The coconut sounds amazing! I'm not 100% sure about the peaches but I bet it'd be great!!
Noreen
I made this using a bottle of Sprite Zero (10 oz) for the cake to cut the fat. And I used Libby's no sugar added Pineapple (15oz) along with sugar free pudding mix for the topping but it did not set at all. I put it in the fridge for a while to see if that would help but it just separated. I stirred up again and left it overnight and same thing. It tastes really good. I'm wondering if that happens to everyone else and the juice just absorbs into the cake instead of the bottom of the bowl.
Jasmine
I recently found out im diabetic and sweets is my downfall been doing alot of googling on sugar free desserts I made this today and it was DELICIOUS! Thanks for sharing!
Mary
Can I make cupcakes with this recipe.
Rose
I don't think it would work well.
Mary Putegnat
I made the cupcakes,and they turn out Awesome.
Annette pusateri
I'm doing weight watchers how many smart points would this be in a 9 by 13 pan a slice of it looks delish
Annette pusateri
Smart points for a slice in a 9 by 13 pan want to make this weight watchers member
Christine @ myblissfulmess
Oh how I love easy peasy like this cake recipe! And it sounds so delicious! I bet people think you spent hours. LOL Love it! I can't wait to try it out on some company!
Annie Grindstaff
I made this the other day ...except when I made the sugar free cake i put unsweetened applesauce instead of oil and instead of 3 whole eggs i put 4 egg whites and i used half water and half pineapple juice ...Loved it me and my husband really enjoyed it ...will definitely make again !
Thanks for the recipe !!!
Rose
Thanks so much Annie! xx
Betty
Hey my icing is yellow I think I added to much pudding. I added 2 1oz boxes. So I added a little milk. Will it be okay?
Rose
Hi Betty, I haven't done that before so I'm not sure what the texture will be like but it should still taste fantastic!
M
Huge hit with my diabetic mom! Thank u!
Rose
So happy to hear it!! xx
Marsha
Do you use instant or cook n serve pudding?
Rose
I use instant.
Nora
Could only find 1.5oz sugar free vanilla in cook and serve boxes. Will that work or should I use 1 1/2 of the 1oz boxes of instant? Looking forward to making this for my diabetic father in law
Rose
I've never used the cook & serve - I think the instant would be best.
Maureen Daugherty
Great recipe.Perfect dessert for family get together or church buffets. I put coconut (sweetened) and chopped walnuts in the frosting. Yummy! Highly recommend this recipe. No on would know it’s sugar free. The cool whip lite has 1 gram of sugar. I couldn’t find any sugar-free cool whip. Thanks for sharing!
Cindy
Can you freeze this for bite sized portions?
aqui
Very good recipe very good taste of prepares new recipes that for sure I will do with the greatest pleasure. I loved it.
wanda
I have a question regarding the pudding. Can instant pudding be used? Can't find sugar free in the pudding you cook.
Rose
I do use Instant Pudding!
Wanda
Thank you. Will do next time. The cake was fantastic!
Chelle
Should the cake stay in the fridge or can u take it out after it’s finished chilling??
Rose
It needs to remain refrigerated.
Chelle
Thank you very much. It turned out perfect and my husband who is the diabetic said it was fantastic!!!!
Rose
Yay!!
charlotte melucci
This looks great but can I substitute REAL whipped cream in the frosting?
Margie
Looks delicious. Will try today
Terri Hooper
Instant or regular pudding,?
Rose
Instant 🙂
Kathy J.
Easy to make, while refreshingly light & satisfying even for the biggest sweet-tooth! Thank you for sharing. For a slightly different cake, I’m wondering if anyone has used strawberries or blueberries in place of the pineapple for their topping? I may try that next time, but it’s perfect as is!
Cakemeonline
Best pineapple cake recipe thanks for sharing
Marlo
What other fruits would you suggest for this recipe?
Mr Johno
Great cake receipt grandkids and friends loved it although I substituted milk for the water and butter for the oil
Dottie
Hi! This looks good but I’m wondering if there’s any way to cut some of the Carbs out?
Thanks
SB
Use a Duncan Hines Yellow Keto Cake mix instead of the Sugar Free cake mix. 4 Net Carbs per serving.
D Gentry
Wow, I made this today and it was so simple. Not only simple but the best cake ever. So light and is not super sweet. Just perfect.
Susan
Thanks so much for stopping by the blog and leaving a review! We're so glad you enjoyed this recipe!
paulne robles
Thank you for a sugar free receipe, since I am diabetic I hope you have more. Thank you, Pauline
Angela J Hardie
I made this for my family and they all loved it.You can not tell there is no sugar in it
Susan
I didn’t see how much water and oil ?
Rose
That varies slightly based on the brand of cake mix you buy - you'd just want to follow the box directions.
Diana
Want to make this for a camping trip. Can it be frozen after frosting?
Diana <
Rose
I'm sorry - I'm really not sure how well that would hold up!
Haley
This was so good! Everyone really enjoyed it.
Could you substitute lemon cake mix and pudding?
Rose
I don't see why not!! Let me know how it turns out if you try it!
Kieda
I made this exactly as written and it was delicious. Didn't taste sugar free at all. The best tasting cake I've ever made and I've made some delicious cakes. Lol first time with sugar free and everyone loved it from my senior parents to my 3 yr old. I have pictures but don't see how to post here.
ashok
Guys, Thanks For sharing this Great Recipe. My Family Loved it. I am definitely sharing this recipe and this website with my friend. Hope they also love it. Thank you again for sharing such a great recipe.
Mandi
Have made this many times and always get requests for the recipe and to bring it again! No one believes It's sugar free!
Carmen Delgado
My mom and dad are both diabetic, and I wanted to make some dessert they could eat, so thank you so much, I'm gonna try this because we used to do pinneaple bread before, and I think it would be nice to make it one more time for everyone at home.
Amanda
So you have the nutrition facts for this recipe. Thank you
Melinda G Peters
Delicious! Also the best cake ever for a hot summer day.
Dottie
Easy to make and tastes good. I toasted some Almonds for the top!!
Susan
Toasted almonds sounds like a great addition!
Michelle G.
I just made this awesome cake! Super easy, but the taste is so amazing, it’s hard to believe it’s virtually sugar free. My picky hubby loved it!
Jana Allain
I made the sugar free pineapple lush cake for Easter. I'm the diabetic, and wanted a sweet treat for after the meal. This was so good! I made a 9x13 cake (left in the pan) and covered it with the topping and some berries. Wow! It was perfect. I also made a non diabetic chocolate Heath Bar Trifle for my family because they "don't like the way sugar free tastes". Well, the lush cake was so good everyone ate it and went back for seconds and thirds. My family swears it was made with real sugar. It was not! Next time, I a going to make them into cupcakes. That way it will be easier to calculate the total net carb per serving.
Pam Hull
Good morning, this looks so yummy! Could I please have the regular, non sugar free recipe? Thank you so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Susan
For a "non sugar free recipe" I would just use the regular version of the sugar free ingredients.
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome
Thanks for sharing at the What's for Dinner party - hope your week has been going great!
Mary Ann Guarneri
I made this cake for an Easter celebration and it was a big hit!
Two of the guests were diabetic so they especially enjoyed it.
I was able to take home a couple of pieces for my husband and me-the cake was still moist and delicious three days later!
I will definitely make this again
Thanks fir a great recipe
Mary Ann Guarneri
I made this cake for an Easter gathering
Two of the guests were diabetic so this was made with them in mind
Everyone loved it !
I topped the cake with toasted unsweetened coconut as well
Made it a second time when visiting a cousin with a diabetic friend
Again it was a big hit
Thanks so much for a great recipe
Christine
This is a great recipe. I have made it using the sugar free and sugar mathod. Both turned out deliciously! Thanks for sharing!
Rose Atwater
So happy to hear this Christine!