Better Than Anything Cake - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 (18 1/4 oz.) yellow cake mix
1 (20 oz.) can crushed pineapple in own juice
3/4 c. sugar
2 (3 1/2 oz.) pkg. instant vanilla or coconut pudding mix
3 c. milk
1 c. Cool Whip
1/4 c. confectioners sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
3/4 c. flaked coconut, toasted (optional)

Preparation

In 13 x 9-inch pan bake cake according to package directions. Meanwhile in saucepan combine pineapple with juice and sugar; cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until thick and syrupy, about 20 minutes.
When cake is done, remove from oven and pierce top with a fork at 1 inch intervals.
Pour in pineapple mixture and spread over cake; cool completely.
In medium bowl combine pudding mix with milk; blend until thick.
Spread over cake.
In medium bowl beat Cool Whip until soft peaks form.
Add confectioners sugar and vanilla; continue beating until stiff. Spread over pudding.
Refrigerate 24 hours before serving; sprinkle with coconut if desired.