Can I use a different flavor of soda instead of 7UP?

Absolutely. Any lemon-lime soda will work, and even ginger ale or Sprite are good choices. Just make sure it’s carbonated for the best fluffy crumb.

Can I bake this cake in advance for a party?

Definitely! In fact, this cake improves as it sits—the flavors meld beautifully. Make it up to two days ahead and store covered in the fridge.

What if I don’t like coconut?

No problem at all. The cake is still delicious without coconut. Substitute chopped nuts if you’d like, or leave it out entirely for a pure pineapple finish.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

You can try, but canned pineapple is preferred here for its extra juiciness and sweetness. If you use fresh, pulse it with its juices in the food processor and measure to equal the weight and liquid of the canned version.

Pineapple 7UP Sheet Cake Recipe

Name: Pineapple 7UP Sheet Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box yellow cake mix; 1 small box vanilla instant pudding (3.5 ounces); 4 large eggs; ¾ cup vegetable oil; 1 ¼ cups 7UP soda; 1 ½ cups sugar; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs (beaten); ½ cup butter; 20 ounces crushed pineapple (with juice); ½ cup shredded coconut

This Pineapple 7UP Sheet Cake is a vibrant, retro-inspired dessert that absolutely bursts with tropical flavor and nostalgic charm. Imagine the lightest, moistest yellow cake—infused with fizzy 7UP for an irresistible crumb—topped with a sunshine-bright, tangy pineapple-coconut topping. This cake is all about quick prep and huge payoff: easy to mix, no fussy layers or decorations. With the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and buttery, it’s exactly the kind of comforting treat busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings were made for. You’ll want this recipe on repeat all spring and summer!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unbelievably Simple: Ditch the mixer! Just a few bowls and a whisk, and you’re on your way to dessert heaven.
Lightning-Fast: This cake goes from pantry to oven in minutes, so you can whip it up even on the busiest night.
Incredible Texture: Thanks to the 7UP, the crumb is supremely soft, tender, and never dry.
Tropical Flavors: The pineapple and coconut topping is everything—bright, juicy, a touch chewy—giving the yellow cake a playful upgrade.
Crowd-Pleaser: It feeds a crowd, travels beautifully, and always disappears fast at any potluck or party.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a peek at what makes this cake so special—and how each ingredient shines:

Yellow Cake Mix: The ultimate shortcut for fast, fluffy cake. Use your favorite trusted brand for best results.
Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix: Adds body and moisture, ensuring a soft, plush crumb that won’t dry out.
Eggs: These bind the batter and give the cake rich flavor and structure.
Vegetable Oil: For moisture and softness. Neutral flavor so the pineapple and coconut pop.
7UP Soda: The not-so-secret ingredient! Adds lightness and that subtle citrusy zing to every bite.
Sugar: Sweetens the pineapple topping to perfection.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps the topping thicken just the right amount.
Butter: Makes the pineapple topping rich and luxurious, with irresistible melt-in-your-mouth appeal.
Crushed Pineapple (with juice): This is where all the tropical, tangy magic comes in—don’t drain!
Shredded Coconut: For chew and an extra layer of flavor. Use sweetened or unsweetened depending on your preference.
Whipped Cream (optional): This is the finishing touch that makes every slice even more special.

Tip: If you’re worried about bits of cooked egg in the topping, try tempering the eggs as described in the notes—this ensures a perfectly silky finish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on this cake! Here are some easy ways to mix things up:

No Coconut? Just leave it out, or swap in finely chopped pecans for a delicious crunch.
Lime Twist: Stir a little lime zest into the topping or batter for extra zing.
Cherry on Top: Scatter maraschino cherries over the pineapple topping before it cools.
Glaze it: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar-lemon glaze if you love a super-sweet finish.
Lower Sugar: Use less sugar in the topping or swap in unsweetened coconut for a less-sweet option.

How to Make Pineapple 7UP Sheet Cake

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Mix the Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and liberally greasing a 9×13 baking pan.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yellow cake mix and instant pudding. Beat in the eggs and vegetable oil until the mixture is smooth and light. Gently pour in the 7UP and beat just until evenly combined and frothy.

Step 2: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cake is golden, gently springy in the center, and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 3: Make the Pineapple Topping

While the cake bakes, place the sugar and flour in a saucepan and whisk together. Stir in the beaten eggs, butter, and entire can of crushed pineapple (juice included). Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens to a spreadable, pudding-like consistency. Take off the heat and stir in the coconut.

Step 4: Top and Cool

As soon as the cake comes out, evenly spread the warm pineapple-coconut topping over the cake. Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack—this helps the topping set and soak in a little.

Step 5: Serve

Slice and serve as is, or finish with generous dollops of whipped cream for that extra touch.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix: Once you add the 7UP, mix lightly—too much beating can make the cake dense.
Use Room Temperature Eggs: This helps the batter mix smoothly and evenly.
Keep the Heat Low for the Topping: Stir constantly so the eggs don’t scramble; take it slow for a dreamy, thick texture.
Spread Topping While Warm: It’s much easier to spread and melds perfectly with the cake below.
For a Silkier Topping: To avoid bits of egg, try tempering—add a bit of the hot mixture to the beaten eggs, then pour that back in, whisking the whole time.

How to Serve

This cake is meant to be shared, and shines brightest when topped with a billow of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Serve chilled on a hot afternoon for a refreshing treat, or enjoy slightly warm for that “just-baked” aroma. It’s fabulous after a barbecue, at birthday parties, or as a cheerful pick-me-up—no occasion required. For a casual gathering, serve straight from the pan with extra pineapple and a cherry on top for retro flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to four days. The topping keeps the cake moist, so the flavor only gets better!

Freezing

Wrap individual slices or the whole cake (in the pan or out) well in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to two months—simply thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Enjoy cold from the fridge, or let slices come to room temperature on the counter. If you prefer it slightly warm, a few seconds in the microwave does the trick—add whipped cream after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of soda instead of 7UP?

Absolutely. Any lemon-lime soda will work, and even ginger ale or Sprite are good choices. Just make sure it’s carbonated for the best fluffy crumb.
Can I bake this cake in advance for a party?

Definitely! In fact, this cake improves as it sits—the flavors meld beautifully. Make it up to two days ahead and store covered in the fridge.
What if I don’t like coconut?

No problem at all. The cake is still delicious without coconut. Substitute chopped nuts if you’d like, or leave it out entirely for a pure pineapple finish.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

You can try, but canned pineapple is preferred here for its extra juiciness and sweetness. If you use fresh, pulse it with its juices in the food processor and measure to equal the weight and liquid of the canned version.

Final Thoughts

There’s something delightfully nostalgic and endlessly comforting about this Pineapple 7UP Sheet Cake. Quick, simple, and sure to make any get-together a little brighter, it’s the kind of no-fuss dessert that turns a regular night into something special. Gather your ingredients, invite the tropical vibes, and don’t be surprised if this cake becomes a new favorite—the only thing better than how easy it is, is that first sweet, tangy bite. Give it a try and let the sunshine in!