Nana’s “Better Than Sex” Pineapple Cake

This cake has been a tradition in my family for decades upon decades. This is my Nana’s cake and a favorite for many a birthday in the Collins household. This is the cake that I served all three of my babies on their first birthdays. And yes, I called it Pineapple Cake and my Nana called it her “Better Than Sex” Cake.

This has been THE birthday cake tradition in my family for decades upon decades. My Mom made a separate mini version of birthday cakes for our first birthdays. I continued the mini cake tradition and I made this Pineapple “Better Than Sex” Cake when Aidan, Dylan and Vivianna all reached their first birthdays. This was my Nana’s cake and it is one of the most beloved food traditions in my family.

My Nana was a phenomenal cook. This was a woman who was the epitome of a 1960s housewife. She raised my Aunt and my Father. And later raised my brother William and I. She had dinner on the table at 4pm every night. My Nana was always very warm, funny, loving and supportive. I learned a lot of cooking basics from her growing up as well as my party hosting skills.

Anybody you ask would say that definitely, hands down that this cake was her signature dessert. I always call this cake Pineapple Cake when referring to it. My Nana would always correct me and say that this was her “Better Than Sex” Cake. And… that is the name that it is still known by to this day in the Collins family.

This is a cake that could not be any simpler to make. It’s a single layer sheet cake and it is made with a yellow box cake mix. The cream cheese and cool whip frosting allow for a delicious, decadent and creamy frosting that is somehow still so light. The pineapples and cherries over the top are just another added element that add additional sweetness and moisture to this mouth-watering cake. You will fall in love with this cake the very first time that you make it. And you will not believe how easily it comes together.

Tips and Substitutions

Frosting: This frosting is slightly textured and has some chunks from the cream cheese. My family and I enjoy it this way. If you are aiming for a smoother texture in your frosting, you may add a 5 ounce can of evaporated milk to the bowl when whipping your cream cheese and cool whip.

Crushed Pineapple: I love the texture of the crushed pineapple on this cake. You can opt for chunks or slices. My Nana used to make this cake sometimes with pineapple slices and she would place the cherries in the center.

Walnuts: On occasion, my Nana would also add walnuts to the pineapple and cherry topping and it adds a fabulous and delicious amount of crunch.

Variation Ideas

Strawberry Cake: This cake has been reincarnated as a strawberry cake and it is amazing. It’s the perfect blend of strawberries and cream flavor mixed with cake. I substitute the yellow cake mix for a boxed strawberry cake mix. And I swap the pineapple and cherries on top for fresh strawberries. This is a light and airy version that you will fall in love with instantly.

Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cake: I have also made this cake with a Reese’s theme. Instead of yellow cake mix, I use dark chocolate cake mix. I add Reese’s Peanut Butter Topping to the cream cheese and cool whip frosting when whipping. And instead of fruit on top, yes, you guessed it. It’s topped with chopped up Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. This Reese’s Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is a must-try for the chocolate and peanut butter lover in your life.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°. Prepare and bake the yellow cake mix according to package directions.

In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to combine the cream cheese and cool whip. Place in the refrigerator to cool until use.

After the cake cools, use all of the cream cheese cool whip frosting and spread over the entire surface of the cake. Drain the can of crushed pineapples and the jarred cherries. Place the pineapple all over the frosting and then add the cherries all over. Gently press the cherries and pineapples down slightly into the frosting.

Let me know in the comments below what your favorite childhood dessert was. I’ve included some pictures below of my family enjoying this cake through the ages. This cake means a lot to my family and I hope that you enjoyed this recipe. What’s your favorite family cake tradition? Thank you very much for supporting the Spice and Sugar Mama food blog!

Nana’s “Better Than Sex” Pineapple Cake

Dominique Collins-Bloomfield

This cake has been a tradition in my family for decades upon decades. This is my Nana's cake and a favorite for many a birthday in the Collins household. This is the cake that I served all three of my babies on their first birthdays. And yes, I called it Pineapple Cake and my Nana called it her "Better Than Sex" Cake.

5 from 2 votes

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Ingredients

  

• 1 Box Yellow cake mix (You will need eggs, vegetable oil and water)
• 8 Ounces Cream cheese, room temperature
• 8 Ounces Cool whip
• 20 Ounces Canned crushed pineapple
• 10 Ounces Jarred cherries

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350°. Prepare and bake the yellow cake mix according to package directions.
• In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to combine the cream cheese and cool whip. Place in the refrigerator to cool until use.
• After the cake cools, use all of the cream cheese cool whip frosting and spread over the entire surface of the cake. Drain the can of crushed pineapples and the jarred cherries. Place the pineapple all over the frosting and then add the cherries all over. Gently press the cherries and pineapples down slightly into the frosting. Enjoy!

Notes

• If you want a smoother texture in your frosting, you may add a 5 ounce can of evaporated milk to the bowl when whipping your cream cheese and cool whip.
• You can use crushed, chunks or sliced pineapples. If using slices, try putting the cherries into the middle to top the cake. 
• Walnuts can be added to the pineapple and cherry topping for some added texture.