The following “CHEW THIS!” column originally appeared a in “The Courier-Times” and / or “The Shelbyville News” as well as other publications. Check their websites for further information or write to me for more details as to where this can be viewed.

Pineapple Angel Food Cake

Happy 2026! Can you believe the New Year is here already? Wow! I can not believe it. The Holidays really zipped on by this time. They say the older you get the faster time goes and I am telling you for sure, I do believe that! Sometimes I sit with my own thoughts and think, now how long ago was that? 2 years, no 5 years… and come to find out, no! Closer to 20 years! Mind blowing for sure. What is that saying? “Time flies when you are having fun!” Ha! That too. I wanted to start off my 2026 columns with a recipe that was simple and dare I say somewhat “healthy” since it seems the first of the year calendar flip turns most people into wanting to eat healthier, diet and exercise. The recipe I am sharing here today is totally fat free! Can you believe it? Neither can I; especially coming from me. Anyways, fat free or not, you will never know it because this cake is delicious!

This recipe is literally only 2 ingredients. Cake mix and fruit. You can substitute the crushed pineapple for any fruit you want, just make sure it equals 20 oz. You can use blueberry pie filling, apple, peach, strawberry even raspberry. Whatever flavor you want, add it in this recipe. This cake is absolutely fabulous by itself but you could always guild the lily as they say and add some Cool-Whip topping on it or some toasted shredded coconut. For those who do not want to try this recipe because it sounds “too good to be true” or “too healthy”, trust me, it really is delicious and it really does work! I do not want to blow my “look at me, I am being healthier for 2026” column but you always could frost this cake with a thick, rich, homemade vanilla buttercream, sprinkle some more crushed pineapple on top and add some maraschino cherries. How bad could that be? 

Pineapple Angel Food Cake

1 box angel food cake mix

1 20 oz can crushed pineapple in pineapple juice, do not drain 

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray containing flour. 

In a large bowl, combine the angel food cake mix with the crushed pineapple. Be sure to add the juice and all. Do not drain! 

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread out evenly. 

Bake, in preheated oven, for 35 minutes. 

Remove and cool. When serving, top with Cool-Whip or toasted shredded coconut.

Ask and Answer: Happy 2026! What would you like to see more of or less of in my column? Visit my website, click “contact” and let me know!