This 2 Ingredient Pineapple Cake Bars recipe is the easiest way to satisfy a sweet craving when you want something homemade, warm, and nostalgic without pulling out a long ingredient list or dirtying every bowl in your kitchen. With just a box of yellow cake mix and a can of crushed pineapple, you get soft, buttery bars with juicy pineapple pockets and golden edges that taste like you spent way more time than you actually did.

The reason I love 2 Ingredient Pineapple Cake Bars so much is because they fit into real life baking. They are perfect for busy weeks, last minute gatherings, or when you want an easy dessert but still want it to feel special. If you enjoy ultra simple desserts like my 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Bites or like browsing quick wins from the All Recipes collection, this one belongs right at the top of your list.
In This Post
Why You’ll Love This 2 Ingredient Pineapple Cake Bars
- This 2 Ingredient Pineapple Cake Bars recipe uses pantry staples you probably already have.
- The bars bake up soft and moist with zero mixing stress.
- 2 Ingredient Pineapple Cake Bars are perfect for beginner bakers.
- They are easy to transport, slice cleanly, and serve anywhere.
- The sweet pineapple flavor makes them taste like a tropical dessert with no effort.

table talk
With Liliya!
This is one of those recipes I keep in my back pocket for when unexpected guests pop in or when I need a dessert for a school event the next day. I have made these bars late at night more times than I can count, and they never fail me. They are forgiving, flexible, and always disappear fast.
Liliya
Ingredients Needed For 2 Ingredient Pineapple Cake Bars
- Yellow cake mix. This is the base of the bars and gives structure, sweetness, and that classic cake flavor. Any standard size box works here, and store brand is totally fine.
- Crushed pineapple with juice. This does all the heavy lifting. The juice replaces eggs, oil, and water while the crushed fruit keeps the bars incredibly moist. Do not drain it. The juice is essential.
How I Make 2 Ingredient Pineapple Cake Bars
(This is a quick overview of how I make 2 Ingredient Pineapple Cake Bars, with tips along the way. You’ll find the full ingredients & instructions in the recipe card below.)
- Mix the batter. Pour the cake mix and crushed pineapple with juice into a bowl and stir until thick and fully combined. It will look heavier than regular cake batter and that is exactly right.
- Spread into the pan. Grease a 9×13 pan and spread the batter evenly, smoothing the top with a spatula so it bakes evenly.
- Bake until golden. Bake at 350°F until the top is lightly golden and the center is set. The edges should look slightly caramelized.
- Cool and slice. Let the bars cool completely so they set before slicing. This helps them hold together perfectly.
Expert Tips for 2 Ingredient Pineapple Cake Bars
Use a metal pan for slightly crisp edges or glass for softer sides.
Let the bars cool fully before cutting to get clean slices.
For extra flavor, sprinkle shredded coconut on top before baking.
If the top browns quickly, loosely cover with foil near the end.
How to Grab Them for Work and School
These 2 Ingredient Pineapple Cake Bars are ideal grab and go treats. Once cooled, slice them into squares and wrap individually in parchment or plastic wrap. They hold their shape well and do not crumble, which makes them perfect for lunchboxes, backpacks, and work snacks. You can even store a few wrapped bars in the freezer and pull one out in the morning for an easy packed dessert by lunchtime.
What to Serve with 2 Ingredient Pineapple Cake Bars
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert plate.
- Fresh berries for contrast and color.
- A dusting of powdered sugar for a bakery style finish.
- Whipped cream for a light and airy topping.
2 Ingredient Pineapple Cake Bars Variations
I love baking my pineapple bars until the center is just set for a soft, gooey texture. If you prefer firmer bars, bake a few extra minutes and let them cool completely before slicing.
If you want thicker bars, use a smaller baking pan and extend the bake time slightly, checking often to avoid overbaking.
Storing / Freezing 2 Ingredient Pineapple Cake Bars
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to five days. To freeze, wrap individual bars tightly and store for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs About 2 Ingredient Pineapple Cake Bars
Can I use pineapple chunks instead of crushed pineapple?
Crushed pineapple works best because it distributes evenly and provides more juice.
Do I need eggs or oil?
No. The pineapple replaces all added liquids and fats.
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes. White or butter cake mix also work beautifully.
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2 Ingredient Pineapple Cake Bars
- Total Time35 minutes
- Yield12 bars 1x
- DietVegetarian
Soft, moist pineapple cake bars made with just cake mix and crushed pineapple. An easy dessert perfect for beginners, potlucks, and busy days.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 can crushed pineapple with juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking pan.
- Mix cake mix and crushed pineapple with juice until thick and fully combined.
- Spread evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until lightly golden and set.
- Cool completely, slice, and serve.
Notes
Do not drain the pineapple. The juice is required for the correct texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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Can you use angel food cake instead of yellow cake mix
What variations besides adding nuts?
This looks so delicious. I’m definitely going to try this. Thanks for sharing.