Easy Millionaire’s Cake: A Heavenly Pineapple & Cream Cheese Dream Dessert
Indulge in a slice of pure bliss with our incredibly easy Millionaire’s Cake recipe! This delightful dessert transforms simple ingredients like a box of yellow cake mix, creamy vanilla pudding, tangy cream cheese, juicy crushed pineapple, and fluffy Cool Whip into an irresistible layered masterpiece. Topped with a sprinkle of shredded coconut and vibrant maraschino cherries, it’s a dessert that truly lives up to its name, tasting like a million bucks without the fuss.
Why This Millionaire’s Cake Recipe is a Must-Try
While the name “Millionaire’s Cake” might conjure images of rich caramel, chocolate, and shortbread, similar to the popular millionaire’s bars or millionaire’s shortbread, this cake offers a delightful departure. Our version embraces a lighter, more refreshing profile, brimming with sweet and fruity flavors. It’s built upon a tender cake base, generously layered with a creamy pineapple-pudding mixture and a cloud-like Cool Whip topping. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that truly makes you feel like you’re enjoying a million-dollar dessert.
This cake is an absolute showstopper for any gathering, making it the perfect spring or summer dessert. It’s particularly ideal for potlucks, picnics, or family reunions where you need to feed a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen. The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity – it comes together effortlessly using readily available ingredients, allowing you more time to enjoy with your loved ones and less time stressing over complex preparations. Its vibrant presentation and irresistible flavor make it an instant favorite, ensuring there are never any leftovers!
Key Ingredients for Your Millionaire’s Cake
Preparing this decadent cake is a breeze with a short list of accessible ingredients. You’ll find the complete measurements and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post, but here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to gather:
Ingredient Spotlight & Expert Tips for Perfection
To achieve the smoothest, most luxurious layers in your Millionaire’s Cake, always aim to **use room temperature ingredients**, especially for the pudding and cream cheese mixture. This helps prevent lumps and ensures a beautifully creamy consistency. If you do find lumps, letting the mixture warm slightly before mixing again often helps.
- CAKE: We recommend a 9-ounce box of Jiffy yellow cake mix for this recipe, which yields the perfect amount of cake for a 13×9 inch pan without being overly dense. If you only have a standard 15.25-ounce box of yellow cake mix, simply prepare the entire batter according to package directions, then pour only half of it into your 13×9 pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. You can use the remaining batter to make delightful cupcakes or a smaller 8-9 inch single-layer cake. While yellow cake provides a classic base, feel free to experiment with a white cake mix for a slightly different flavor profile.
- PINEAPPLE: The crushed pineapple is key to the cake’s refreshing and fruity character. The most crucial step here is to **drain it extremely well**. Excess liquid will make your cake soggy, which we definitely want to avoid! You can press the pineapple into a fine-mesh sieve or even gently squeeze it with your hands to remove as much liquid as possible. For an extra boost of tropical flavor, consider using a pineapple-flavored instant pudding mix instead of vanilla, or add a few drops of pineapple extract to your vanilla pudding mixture.
- PUDDING & CREAM CHEESE: The combination of vanilla instant pudding mix and cream cheese creates a rich, tangy, and incredibly smooth filling. For best results, ensure both your milk (for the pudding) and cream cheese are at room temperature. This will allow the cream cheese to blend seamlessly into the pudding, creating a velvety layer free of any undesirable lumps. We typically use whole milk for a richer pudding, but any fat content will work. Cutting the softened cream cheese into smaller cubes before adding it to the pudding mixture can also aid in a quicker and more even blending process.
- TOPPING: Cool Whip provides a light, airy, and stable topping that complements the rich layers below. An 8-ounce container will give you a nice, even layer across the cake. If you prefer a more generous and thicker topping, opt for a 12-ounce container of Cool Whip. While homemade whipped cream is delicious, Cool Whip holds its shape better and is more stable for make-ahead desserts and potlucks.
- GARNISHES: Shredded coconut and maraschino cherries add not only beautiful color and texture but also enhance the tropical flavors. You can use untoasted coconut for a softer chew or lightly toast it for a nutty, golden crunch.
How to Assemble Your Dreamy Millionaire’s Cake
These step-by-step photos and instructions are designed to help you visualize each stage of making this delicious cake. For a complete printable version of this recipe, including all precise measurements and instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), or follow the specific temperature instructions provided on your chosen cake mix package.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, one large egg, two tablespoons of vegetable oil, and half a cup of cold water. Beat these ingredients together on high speed using either a standing mixer or a reliable hand mixer for 2-3 minutes. Continue mixing until the batter is smooth, well combined, and slightly aerated.
- Grease a 13×9 inch glass baking dish. Pour the prepared cake batter into the dish and spread it evenly. Bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, indicating it’s fully cooked.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan. This usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour. Ensuring the cake is fully cool is crucial before adding the next layers.
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the creamy pudding layer. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vanilla instant pudding mix and two cups of room temperature milk until well combined and slightly thickened.
- Add the softened cream cheese to the pudding mixture. Cutting the cream cheese into smaller pieces before adding can help it incorporate more thoroughly. Using your hand mixer, beat the mixture for 1-2 minutes until it is perfectly smooth, thick, and lump-free. The consistency should be wonderfully creamy and spreadable.
- Evenly spread the prepared pudding mixture over the completely cooled cake layer. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to create a smooth, consistent layer.
- Next, spread the well-drained crushed pineapple over the pudding layer. Ensure it’s distributed evenly.
- Gently spread the Cool Whip over the top of the pineapple layer. You can dollop it on first, then carefully spread it with an offset spatula to create a fluffy, inviting topping.
- For a beautiful finishing touch, garnish the cake with shredded coconut and bright red maraschino cherries. You can arrange them decoratively or sprinkle them liberally, as desired.
- Chill the cake for at least 2-4 hours before serving to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld beautifully. Once chilled, slice into 15 generous pieces and serve this delightful dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Success
Absolutely! While crushed pineapple is traditional, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Mandarin oranges (ensure they are very well-drained) are another popular and delicious choice. Diced peaches or even finely diced mango would also work wonderfully and add their unique fruity notes. Just remember the golden rule: thoroughly drain any canned fruit to prevent a watery cake!
To keep your Millionaire’s Cake fresh and delicious, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. The flavors actually deepen and improve over time, making it a fantastic make-ahead option.
Yes, absolutely! Millionaire’s Cake is an excellent dessert for preparing in advance. You can assemble the entire cake a day before your event and store it, covered, in the refrigerator. This allows all the layers to set properly and the flavors to fully meld, resulting in an even more delicious and stable cake when it’s time to serve.
Yes, you can freeze this cake! To do so, ensure the cake is completely cooled. Wrap it thoroughly with multiple layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double-layer protection helps prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
While some “millionaire” desserts refer to rich caramel and chocolate, this particular Millionaire’s Cake gets its name from its incredibly rich, indulgent taste and elegant appearance, making you feel like you’re eating something truly special and luxurious. It’s a taste that feels like a million bucks, despite being so simple to prepare!
For perfectly clean slices, ensure the cake is thoroughly chilled. Use a sharp, thin knife, and clean it with hot water and wipe it dry between each cut. This prevents the layers from sticking and ensures a neat presentation.
Delightful Serving Suggestions
Millionaire’s Cake is best served chilled, allowing the layers to firm up and the flavors to fully develop. For an elegant presentation, garnish each slice with a generous sprinkle of shredded coconut – whether toasted for a nutty aroma or untoasted for a softer texture – and a bright red maraschino cherry. For an added layer of flavor and crunch, you can also sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the top. This cake is a fantastic dessert on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a light fruit salad.
More Easy Cake Mix Recipes You’ll Love
If you love the convenience and delicious results of using cake mix, explore these other fantastic recipes that make baking a breeze:
- Pineapple Poke Cake
- Pineapple Sunshine Cake
- Peach Cobbler Dump Cake
- Banana Pudding Poke Cake
- Cherry Cake with Cherry Frosting
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Millionaire’s Cake
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 9 ounce Jiffy yellow cake mix or half of a package of standard yellow cake mix
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
- ½ cup cold water
- 3.4 ounce package of vanilla instant pudding mix
- 2 cups milk room temperature, see notes below. Any fat content is fine, we use whole milk
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened at room temperature
- 20 ounces crushed pineapple drained well
- 8 ounces Cool Whip
- ½ cup shredded coconut for garnish. toasted or untoasted
- 15 maraschino cherries optional as garnish
Things You’ll Need
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Hand mixer
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13×9 baking dish
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Offset icing spatula or rubber spatula
Before You Begin
- *If you use cold milk to mix the pudding, the cream cheese pieces will harden when mixing into the pudding mixture and the pudding mixture will be lumpy. Use room temperature ingredients to avoid lumps. If you end up with lumps, allow the mixture to warm up a bit and then mix again until smooth.
- We’re using a 9 ounce box of Jiffy yellow cake mix, though you can use half of a standard 15.25-ounce box of yellow cake mix as well. The reason we opted for 9 ounce Jiffy cake mix instead of a 15.25-ounce box of cake mix is because the volume of the other ingredients called for in this cake will take up more room than a 13×9 pan can fit. You can use a standard yellow cake mix – prepare as instructed on the label but transfer only half of the cake batter into the 13×9 pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Use the remaining cake batter to make cupcakes or a single layer 8-9” cake.
- You can use pineapple pudding mix or add pineapple extract to the vanilla pudding mixture to boost the pineapple flavor in the cake.
- Be sure to drain the crushed pineapple well. You can squeeze excess liquid from the pineapple with your hands or press the pineapple into a sieve to drain. Excess liquid will make the cake soggy.
- 8 oz. of Cool Whip will lightly cover the top of the cake. For a thicker Cool Whip layer, use 12 oz.
- Optionally add chopped pecans or walnuts as garnish if desired.
- Storage – Cover the cake with plastic wrap or an air-tight lid and store it kept in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- Freezing – To freeze the baked cake, wrap it well with plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Make Ahead – You can make Millionaire’s cake a day in advance and store it, covered, in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F or as directed on cake mix package instructions.
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Beat together cake mix, egg, oil, and water for 2-3 minutes on high speed with a standing or hand mixer.
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Spread the cake batter into a greased 9×13 glass baking dish and bake for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
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Allow cake to cool completely (approximately 45 minutes).
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Meanwhile, combine vanilla pudding mix and milk in a large mixing bowl.
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Add the softened cream cheese (cutting it into pieces will help it soften more thoroughly and mix evenly) to the pudding and beat with a hand mixer for 1-2 minutes until smooth and thickened.
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Spread pudding mixture over the cooled cake.
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Top with the crushed pineapple (drained).
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Spread Cool Whip over the top of the pineapple layer.
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Garnish with shredded coconut and maraschino cherries, if desired.
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Slice into 15 pieces and serve.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.