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    Home » Dessert

    Lemon Cake With Pineapple Filling

    Published: September 1, 2019 - Last updated: February 9, 2023 by Erika

    lemon cake with pineapple filling thumbnail picture.
    Jump to Recipe
    lemon cake with pineapple filling pin.

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    This Lemon Cake with Pineapple Filling recipe gives a box of lemon cake mix a bright and tropical makeover. Layers of light and fluffy lemon cake are filled with a luscious pineapple cream filling and coated with lemon pudding frosting. Perfect for potlucks, parties, and weeknight desserts.

    side view of frosted lemon cake.
    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients You'll Need
    • Step-By-Step Instructions
    • Expert Tips
    • Variations
    • Storing & Freezing
    • Recipe FAQ‘s
    • More Cake Mix Recipes
    • Lemon Cake With Pineapple Filling

    Check out my Red Velvet Cookie Bars Using Cake Mix and my Caramel Apple Cupcakes With Fresh Apples for more cake mix recipes!

    Pineapple plus lemon is a match made in heaven, and this lemon cake with pineapple filling is here to prove it! This is one of our favorite summer desserts, and I’m pretty sure your family will gobble it up as quickly as we do.

    The lemon cake recipe transforms your standard boxed lemon cake mix into a crowd-pleasing, restaurant-worthy dessert -and it just so happens to be on the lighter side! You’ll use Greek yogurt and water to make the box of cake mix, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture and an extra bit of protein in every slice. 

    As for the pineapple cream filling, it is a fuss-free mixture of lemon whipped cream frosting and pineapple tidbits, and you will probably (definitely) want to eat it straight from the spoon. That said, the lemon whipped cream frosting is made with lite whipped topping, sugar-free instant pudding, and low-fat milk -so I see no reason not to lick the spoon! 

    whole lemon cake on a platter.

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • It’s downright delicious. Sweet, juicy pineapple complements citrus perfectly. 
    • Only FOUR ingredients for the cake and FOUR ingredients for the frosting!
    • The ingredients are lower in fat and calories than classic lemon cake recipes, but you’d never know.
    • The cake and frosting are semi-homemade but taste made from scratch.

    Ingredients You'll Need

    lemon cake labeled ingredients.
    • Lemon Cake Mix: Use a box that you’ve had success with in the past or reliable cake mixes like Duncan Hines, Betty Crocker, Krusteaz, or Pillsbury, 
    • Greek Yogurt: This is the secret healthy ingredient that makes a box of lemon cake mix taste like it is homemade. You can also use sour cream here. 
    • Water: Helps thin the batter to the perfect consistency. 
    • Crushed Pineapple: I used a can of drained crushed pineapple, but pineapple tidbits will also work. What’s most important is that the pineapple is drained well before mixing it with the frosting.
    • Lemon Whipped Cream Frosting: Lite whipped topping, sugar-free instant lemon pudding, vanilla extract, and skim milk whip into frosting like a dream.  If you prefer lemon cake with vanilla frosting, use sugar-free instant vanilla pudding instead or lemon.

    Step-By-Step Instructions

    four image process making lemon cake.
    two image process making lemon cake.

    Step 1: Prepare for baking.

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray two 9” round cake pans with cooking spray. Dump the can of crushed pineapple into a sieve, and set it aside until the liquid strains out (at least 15 minutes).

    Step 2: Mix lemon cake batter.

    Mix the cake mix, Greek yogurt, and water in a large bowl. This will only take about a minute, so be careful not to overmix!

    Step 3: Bake and cool.

     Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans and bake until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean (15-20 minutes). Let the cakes rest in the pans for 5 minutes, then flip onto a wire rack to finish cooling.

    Step 4: Make whipped frosting.

    Add whipped topping, pudding mix, vanilla, and milk to a medium bowl, and mix until the ingredients are incorporated, and the frosting is creamy. Set aside ¼ cup to use for the filling.

    Step 5: Make pineapple filling.

    At this point, the crushed pineapple should be strained, so you can start the filling. Add pineapple and the reserved ¼ cup of frosting to a medium bowl and combine.

    Step 6: Assemble cake layers and frost.

    Place one of the cake rounds on a plate or cake stand. Dump the filling in the center and spread it in an even layer. Place the other cake round on top, forming a lemon cake pineapple frosting sandwich! Finally, apply the remaining frosting, smoothing it in an even layer over all surfaces. Slice, grab a fork, and enjoy!

    NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!

    slice of cake on a plate.

    Expert Tips

    • Strain the pineapple well. Strain as much juice from the pineapple as possible. If there’s excess liquid, it will thin the pineapple filling out and ultimately make it soggy. 
    • Save some pineapple juice. You can use some of the reserved liquid to add a pineapple element to the lemon cakes by substituting water with as much or as little pineapple juice as you like. 
    • Make frosting with chilled ingredients. For the best results, pull the whipped topping and milk from the fridge immediately before you’re ready to use it. 
    • Let the cakes cool. I know it’s hard to resist, but you must wait until the cakes are cooled to room temperature before adding the filling and frosting.

    Variations

    Other fruit fillings – With lemon as the base cake flavor and the frosting flavor, you have lots of room to play with the filling. Instead of canned pineapple, you can make the filling with peaches, pears, cherries, raspberries, and blueberries -the list goes on and on! 

    Lemon cake with chocolate – If you like lemon with chocolate, make the frosting with chocolate whipped topping instead of regular. Using chocolate pudding mix instead of lemon flavor is also an option.

    Coconut – Sprinkle a thin layer of shredded coconut over the frosting. Lemon, pineapple, and coconut are a heavenly trio of tropical flavors.

    Storing & Freezing

    Storing: Cover the whole cake or single slices tightly with plastic wrap and keep refrigerated in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

    Freezing: Freezing is also an option. However, I suggest freezing the cake rounds before frosting. When you’re ready to assemble, thaw in the fridge, and then add the filling and frosting.

    Recipe FAQ‘s

    How do you intensify the flavor of lemon in a cake?

    Fresh lemon zest! A small amount impacts the bright, lemony flavor in a big way without adding more liquid to the batter. 

    Can I make this in a different cake pan?

    Sure. You can bake the batter in two 8” square cake pans without adjusting the baking time or the temperature.

    Can I make the filling with fresh pineapple instead of canned?

    Yes. Use a ripe, juicy pineapple for the best flavor. Dice the pineapple tiny and press the pieces into a fine mesh sieve to remove as much moisture as possible.

    Why is my cake soggy?

    Oh no! If the cake rounds are set properly, the filling may be causing the problem. It’s important to blot any excess juice from the pineapple. Otherwise, the moisture weighs down the filling and soaks into the cake, making it soggy.

    Is crushed pineapple healthy?

    Pineapple is low calorie and a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals like vitamin C and manganese. They are also a fantastic source of antioxidants that may have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

    More Cake Mix Recipes

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      Strawberry Lemon Layer Cake
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      Chocolate Cupcakes With Whipped Cream Frosting

    If you love this recipe, please leave a comment with a five-star rating — or simply hit the five-star button in the recipe card. Don't forget to signup for my newsletter.

    lemon cake with pineapple filling thumbnail picture.

    Lemon Cake With Pineapple Filling

    Erika
    This lemon cake with pineapple filling recipe gives a box of lemon cake mix a bright and tropical makeover. Layers of light and fluffy lemon cake are filled with a luscious pineapple cream filling and coated with lemon pudding frosting. Perfect for potlucks, parties, and weeknight desserts.
    4.98 from 44 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Cooling and Decorating Time 20 mins
    Total Time 45 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 Servings
    Calories 210 kcal

    Equipment

    • Aluminum 9-Inch Round Cake Pans
    • Measuring Spoons and Measuring Cups
    • Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls (Set of 6)

    Ingredients
      

    For Cake

    • 15.25 ounce box lemon cake mix
    • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
    • 1 cup water

    For Filling

    • 1 cup crushed pineapple drained, I used canned crushed pineapple in pineapple juice

    For Frosting

    • 8 ounce tub lite whipped topping
    • 1 ounce box of sugar-free instant pudding vanilla or lemon
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ½ cup skim milk
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray two 9” round cake pans with cooking spray. Dump the can of crushed pineapple into a sieve, and set it aside until the liquid strains out (at least 15 minutes).
    • Mix the cake mix, Greek yogurt, and water in a large bowl. This will only take about a minute, so be careful not to overmix!
    • Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans and bake until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean (15-20 minutes). Let the cakes rest in the pans for 5 minutes, then flip onto a wire rack to finish cooling.
    • Add whipped topping, pudding mix, vanilla, and milk to a medium bowl, and mix until the ingredients are incorporated, and the frosting is creamy. Set aside ¼ cup to use for the filling.
    • At this point, the crushed pineapple should be strained, so you can start the filling. Add pineapple and the reserved ¼ cup of frosting to a medium bowl and combine.
    • Place one of the cake rounds on a plate or cake stand. Dump the filling in the center and spread it in an even layer. Place the other cake round on top, forming a lemon cake pineapple frosting sandwich! Finally, apply the remaining frosting, smoothing it in an even layer over all surfaces. Slice, grab a fork, and enjoy!

    Notes

    • Strain the pineapple well. Strain as much juice from the pineapple as possible. If there’s excess liquid, it will thin the pineapple filling out and ultimately make it soggy.
    • Save some pineapple juice. You can use some of the reserved liquid to add a pineapple element to the lemon cakes by substituting water with as much or as little pineapple juice as you like.
    • Make frosting with chilled ingredients. For the best results, pull the whipped topping and milk from the fridge immediately before you’re ready to use it.
    • Let the cakes cool. I know it’s hard to resist, but you must wait until the cakes are cooled to room temperature before adding the filling and frosting.
    • Storing: Cover the whole cake or single slices tightly with plastic wrap and keep refrigerated in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
    • Freezing: Freezing is also an option. However, I suggest freezing the cake rounds before frosting. When you’re ready to assemble, thaw in the fridge, and then add the filling and frosting.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 3gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 95mgSugar: 5g

    All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.

    Keyword Lemon Cake With Pineapple Filling, Skinny Lemon Cake
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Julia Osgood

      September 03, 2019 at 7:59 pm

      Yum, I love lemon and pineapple so I'll definitely give this a try. Thanks for lightening it up and reducing the calories for us.

      Reply
    2. Shari L Eckstrom

      September 04, 2019 at 12:22 am

      Lemon and pineapple are a great combination. What a fabulous summer dessert.

      Reply
    3. Patrice

      September 04, 2019 at 2:45 am

      Love lemon and pineapple. And your low cal versions make it even better!

      Reply
    4. Ai | Ai made it for you

      September 04, 2019 at 5:28 am

      Yummm! Lemon and pineapple desserts are some of my favorites during the summer!

      Reply
    5. Simone

      September 04, 2019 at 9:34 am

      Ooooh lemon & pineapple... what a great combo! And your gorgeous pictures are making me lick my lips!

      Reply
    6. Nart | Cooking with Nart

      September 04, 2019 at 11:19 am

      This looks great. I'm drooling just looking at your pictures!

      Reply
    7. Jacqueline Debono

      September 04, 2019 at 4:36 pm

      I love lemon cakes and this one looks beautiful. I agree that pineapple and lemon are a delicious combo!

      Reply
    8. Anindya Sundar Basu

      September 05, 2019 at 1:45 am

      We love lemon cakes and this is a wonderful recipe. Will try it for sure.

      Reply
    9. Beth

      September 05, 2019 at 3:10 am

      Pineapple and lemon are both such great acid flavor pops, they must be a great complement to the sweetness of the cake mix. As we would not likely be able to eat a commercial mix because it would contain gluten, I get to live through your recipes!

      Reply
      • simplylowcal

        September 05, 2019 at 1:54 pm

        Thanks, Beth! I wonder if you could find a gluten-free cake mix that is lemon flavor?

        Reply
    10. Angela Greven | Mean Green Chef

      September 05, 2019 at 10:15 am

      Lemon is always a favorite here! Love how tender your cake looks and so fabulous that it's Low cal too, thanks so much for sharing 🙂

      Reply
    11. Colleen | Bakes & Blunders

      September 05, 2019 at 11:35 pm

      Oh yum! Pinned this one 😀 It sounds easy and so delicious.

      Reply
    12. Tamara J.

      September 06, 2019 at 12:21 am

      I would have never know this cake was low cal if you didn’t specify! It looks so moist and flavorful. Awesome recipe!

      Reply
    13. Kim

      September 07, 2019 at 3:44 pm

      Delicious!! And this is so easy to make too!

      Reply
    14. Morgan

      September 07, 2019 at 5:44 pm

      This looks amazing! I love the pineapple and lemon flavor combination!

      Reply
    15. Patty at Spoonabilities

      November 22, 2019 at 11:40 pm

      I love the flavor combination of pineapple and lemon! This is such a delicious cake - any time of the year!

      Reply
    16. Noelle

      November 22, 2019 at 11:42 pm

      Wow, this is such a refreshing cake recipe! Love the flavors 🙂

      Reply
    17. Jamie

      November 23, 2019 at 12:16 am

      I made this last night and everyone loved this cake and the pineapple filling. I'll be making this again soon!

      Reply
    18. Haley D. Williams

      November 23, 2019 at 12:41 am

      This cake packs a ton of flavor. So good!

      Reply
    19. Sara Welch

      November 23, 2019 at 12:46 am

      Such a perfectly light and fluffy cake! Delicious and refreshing; definitely worthy of a restaurant!

      Reply
    20. Pam

      April 07, 2020 at 2:15 pm

      After all the calories I've been consuming lately a lighter version dessert is just perfect, and I love love love pineapple and lemon. Great recipe!

      Reply
    21. Bry

      April 07, 2020 at 2:37 pm

      Gorgeous!! This was so easy to make and tasted so yummy. Will definitely be making this again - thanks so much for sharing!!

      Reply
    22. Anita

      April 07, 2020 at 2:40 pm

      Such an easy cake with a lovely flavor. Lemon and pineapple unexpectedly work well together.

      Reply
    23. Andrea Metlika

      April 07, 2020 at 3:01 pm

      Such a fantastic flavor combination. Looks so light and perfect for spring.

      Reply
    24. SHANIKA

      April 07, 2020 at 3:57 pm

      This Lemon and Pineapple combo sounds so amazing! I love how fluffy and moist this cake looks!

      Reply

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    Hi and welcome! My name is Erika and I’m a huge foodie with an appetite for almost anything. I love all foods, especially desserts! I try to cook things that are simple, practical, and delicious. Read More…

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