What is a spring fling cake made of?

A spring fling cake is typically made from a yellow or white cake base , topped with a whipped cream cheese and pudding frosting , and filled or garnished with fruits like crushed pineapple , strawberries , and mandarin oranges . It’s served chilled for a refreshing spring or summer dessert.

Can I use a boxed cake mix for spring fling cake?

Absolutely! A boxed yellow or white cake mix works perfectly. It saves time and still delivers a soft, fluffy texture that pairs well with the fruity topping. You can also substitute lemon or strawberry cake mix for a fun twist.

Can I make spring fling cake ahead of time?

Yes — in fact, it’s better when made ahead . The cake needs to be chilled for at least 2 hours , but it holds up well in the fridge for up to 4 days . Just keep it covered and garnish with fresh fruit right before serving.

What frosting goes best with spring fling cake?

The classic topping is a mix of cream cheese, instant pudding, Cool Whip , and crushed pineapple . It’s light, fluffy, and holds its shape well when chilled. For a tangier version, try adding lemon zest or using lemon pudding instead of vanilla.

Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?

Yes — frozen fruit like strawberries or raspberries works well, but it should be thawed and drained thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the topping. Avoid frozen pineapple unless it’s finely chopped or blended.

How do I prevent spring fling cake from becoming soggy?

Drain your crushed pineapple well Use chilled, set topping before spreading Avoid adding juicy fresh fruit until right before serving Store tightly covered in the fridge

Can I turn spring fling cake into cupcakes or a trifle?

Absolutely! Bake the cake batter in cupcake tins and top each with whipped topping and fruit. Or layer cubes of the cake in a trifle bowl with toppings and extra fruit for a stunning dessert centerpiece.

What’s the difference between spring fling cake and sunshine cake?

Both cakes are fruit-forward and topped with whipped cream , but sunshine cake usually uses orange and pineapple flavors exclusively, while spring fling cake features a wider variety of fruits and a slightly richer cream cheese–based topping.

Spring Fling Cake Recipe: Light, Fruity, and Fluffy 🍰

Description

Spring fling cake is a chilled, fruity dessert made with a soft yellow cake base and a whipped cream topping filled with pineapple and pudding. It’s the perfect easy cake for spring holidays, brunches, showers, or anytime you want a light and refreshing sweet treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base:

1 box yellow or white cake mix
3 large eggs
½ cup vegetable oil
1 cup water (or pineapple juice)

Whipped Topping:

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
1 (8 oz) tub Cool Whip or whipped topping

Optional Garnishes:

Sliced strawberries or mandarin oranges
Sweetened shredded coconut
Lemon zest
Edible flowers or mint leaves

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix cake ingredients and pour into greased 9×13 pan.
Bake 28–32 minutes. Cool completely.
In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
Add dry pudding mix, then fold in pineapple and Cool Whip.
Spread topping over cooled cake.
Garnish with fruit or coconut.
Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

You can use lemon pudding for extra citrusy flavor.
Chill everything before assembling for better texture.
Store in fridge, covered, for up to 4 days.
Best served cold!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked + Chilled
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 23g
Sodium: 280mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 35mg