Bit of Heaven Cake

Directions and Notes are from mom:

Bit of Heaven Cake
1 box cake mix (white or yellow)13"x 9" baking pan
1 large container cool whip
1 large can crushed pineapple (juice & all)
1 large box vanilla pudding mix (the quick mix one)
2 cups coconut
Hershey's chocolate syrup (optional)
nuts crushed for the top (optional)
You will also need eggs, milk & oil for the cake and pudding mixes.

Prepare and bake cake per box instructions. While cake bakes mix and chill the pudding. 
Cool baked cake in it's pan till chilled. Poke several holes with a large tine fork throughout the top of the cake. Open and pore the entire can of crushed pineapple over the top of cake. Next: spread the pudding over the pineapple. Next: spread the cool whip over the top of the pudding...finally top with the coconut and drizzle the chocolate syrup over all. Just a tad. Too much chocolate will over-power it. Put in the refrigerator and serve chilled.


Mom's note:  I also vary this recipe and I call it "Lemon Heaven" I love lemon. 
I use a lemon cake and lemon pie filling in the stead of the yellow or white cake and the vanilla pudding and I OMIT the chocolate. I still use the large can of crushed pineapple. I add lemon and orange zest to the coconut and I like the coconut toasted. Makes me think of meringue...Just pour the coconut on a cookie sheet spray lightly with pam and pop in the oven at 400 degrees till it's toasted. Check often since oven temps vary. When browned and cooled toss lightly with the lemon and orange zest. A bit sweet ad a bit tangy.
"Black Forest Heaven Cake"I have also done this with chocolate cake. Poke the holes..then top with cherry pie filling or canned cherries (juice and all)..top with chocolate pudding..cool whip and shredded chocolate mixed with the coconut tops it all. I prefer the Lemon...but people have gobbled all of them up with lots of compliments.
One can really play with this recipe. Use a white cake with the pineapple, pistachio pudding, and sprinkle the red sugar crystals over the cool whip & coconut...add a few small green leaf mint candies and cherries to make a festive Christmas look. Quick, easy and tasty. Winners every time.