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Pineapple Pistachio Cake in an easy 5 ingredient cake recipe that starts with a cake mix, pistachio pudding, and crushed pineapple. This easy dessert recipe is topped with a fluffy pistachio pudding frosting.
If you love pistachio desserts then be sure to try this easy No Bake Pistachio Cheesecake Pie, Pistachio Pie, or this Pistachio Pudding Dessert.
Easy Pineapple Pistachio Cake Recipe (Boxed Cake Mix + Pistachio Instant Pudding)
I just love an easy dessert recipe that starts with a cake mix. This pistachio cake is so simple to make and no one would ever guess that it starts with a cake mix and a box of instant pudding.
I have never been a huge fan of a cake mix, made as directed on the box, but when you add some extra ingredients like crushed pineapple and instant pudding mix, the cake mix is transformed into this decadent, super moist, and delicious cake.
This easy pineapple pistachio cake combines the flavors of a buttery yellow cake mix + pistachio pudding + crushed pineapple.
What You’ll Need To Make Pistachio Cake
You only need 5 easy ingredients for this pineapple pistachio cake and 3 ingredients for the fluffy whipped pudding frosting.
- Yellow Cake Mix – I find that the taste of the buttery yellow cake tastes best in this recipe. But you can also swap it out for a white cake mix, vanilla cake mix, or a French vanilla cake mix. I also suggest not getting a cake mix that says ‘pudding in the mix’. Just stick with a regular box of cake mix. I like to use the Duncan Hines brand.
- Instant Pistachio Pudding – Do not prepare this according to package directions. We are just going to be using the dry powder inside the box.
- Crushed Pineapple – A large can (20 ounces) of crushed pineapple is what you will need. Do not drain the pineapple juice. Just dump the contents of the can right into the mixing bowl.
- Large Eggs – Three large eggs is what the recipe calls for.
- Canola or Vegetable Oil – Either one will work just fine.
How To Make It (Step-by-Step Instructions + Recipe Card)
You won’t believe how easy it is to make this pineapple pistachio cake recipe. Just one large mixing bowl, a 9×13 baking pan, and another small bowl + handheld mixer is what you’ll need for this cake recipe.
- Mix Up the Pineapple Pistachio Cake : Combine the cake mix, instant pudding mix, crushed pineapple, eggs, and oil into a large mixing bowl. You can also use a stand mixer as well when making this. Beat together for about 2 minutes until it’s combined well and creamy. It will take the full 2 minutes to get the mixture smooth and combined. At first it will look really lumpy like it’s not coming together well but just keep on mixing it.
- Bake the Cake : Pour the batter into a sprayed 9×13 baking pan. Cook according to recipe directions below. The most important thing is to make sure a toothpick inserted into the middle of the cake comes out with no wet batter on it. The toothpick should either have nothing on it or have some moist crumbs on it.
- Make the Whipped Pudding Frosting : Mix together the milks and instant pistachio pudding powder. Whisk until combined well. Let sit for about 3-5 minutes so it can thicken up. Add the Cool Whip and stir together to combine. Frost the cake.
- Refrigerate : The cake tastes best if it has refrigerated for about 4-6 hours before serving. You can even refrigerate it overnight so it’s a great make ahead dessert as well.
Recipe Tips For Success
Here are a few tips and helpful hints so you can make this cake with great results!
- Do Not Prepare the Pudding Mixes According to Package Directions : Just follow the recipe as listed below. Do not prepare the cake mix according to the box instructions and do not prepare the pudding mixes according to package instructions. if you do, the recipe will not turn out. We are just using the dry cake mix + the dry pudding mixes.
- Beat the Cake Batter Well : At first the cake batter will seem very lumpy like it’s not coming together well. Make sure you are mixing it for at least 1-2 minutes so it has time to combine everything together and get creamy and mixed well.
- Make Sure the Cake is Cooked : No matter the time on the recipe, do not take the cake out of the oven if the middle still has wet batter in it. It won’t continue cooking more as it cools. Use a toothpick, insert it in the middle of the cake and make sure there is no wet batter on the toothpick. It should come out with nothing on it or some moist crumbs.
- Let the Cake Refrigerate Before Serving : The cake does taste better cold. Yes, you can serve it right away but I promise it’s much better after it has sat in the fridge for 4-6 hours, or even overnight if you prefer.
- Use the Milks Listed in Recipe : I know it seems annoying to have to use two different milks in the frosting recipe but it’s so important. You need the fat and thickness from the heavy cream so the frosting turns out fluffy and light, but still thick enough to cut the cake into nice pieces.
- Cake Mix : It’s best to use a cake mix that does not have ‘extra pudding added into the mix’. I prefer to use the Duncan Hines brand.
Variation Ideas
There are not many variations to this recipe but there are a couple that could be done.
- Cake Mix : I prefer the yellow cake mix but you could also use a white cake mix, French vanilla cake mix, or vanilla cake mix.
- Crushed Pineapple : Some may not like the pieces of crushed pineapple in the cake. If that’s you, go ahead and blend up the crushed pineapple before adding it into the mixing bowl.
- Garnishes : Chop some pistachios and sprinkle them on the frosting for a pretty presentation and an extra salty crunch. The cake is good with out without the pistachio garnish.
How To Store Leftover Pistachio Cake
Store leftovers, covered, in the fridge for 3-4 days.
I keep the cake in the 9×13 baking pan and cover it with tin foil. You could also store the cake slices inside Tupperware type containers.
TRY THESE OTHER DESSERT RECIPES THAT START WITH A CAKE MIX
- Easy Strawberry Cake – Easy strawberry cake with fresh purred strawberries, strawberry jello mix, and a cake mix.
- Cake Batter Funfetti Cookie Bars – Sugar cookie mix + a cake mix make this a unique and delicious cookie bar recipe topped with frosting and sprinkles.
- Orange Pineapple Cake – Mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple make this cake so moist and delicious. Also called pig pickin’ cake.
- Easy Lemon Layered Cake – Lemon cake mix and lemon pudding mix make this layered cake so easy to make. Topped with a light and creamy lemon pudding whipped frosting.
- Easy Honey Bun Cake – Tastes just like the iconic snack cakes in an easy to make, one pan cake.
- Dr Pepper Cake – Your favorite soda made into a deliciously moist cake with a doctored up cake mix base
Pineapple Pistachio Cake
Pineapple Pistachio Cake is an easy 5 ingredient cake recipe that starts with a cake mix, pistachio pudding, and crushed pineapple. This easy dessert recipe is topped with a fluffy pistachio pudding frosting.
Ingredients
Pineapple Pistachio Cake
- 1 box (15.25) yellow cake mix
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple do not drain
Pistachio Pudding Frosting
- 3/4 cup half and half milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant pistachio pudding mix
- 8 oz Cool Whip thawed
- chopped pistachios optional for topping
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°. Spray a 9×13 baking pan with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine cake mix, instant pudding mix, oil, eggs, and crushed pineapple (do not drain!). Beat with a handheld mixer on medium-high speed for 2 minutes, or until combined well.1 box (15.25) yellow cake mix, 1 box (3.4 oz) instant pistachio pudding mix, 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil, 3 large eggs, 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple
- Pour batter into prepared baking dish and spread out evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean.
- Let cool completely on a cooling rack.
Pistachio Frosting
- Do not frost the cake until the cake is completely cooled.
- Add both milks and instant pistachio pudding into a mixing bowl. Whisk together for 1-2 minutes until it's mixed well. Let sit for 5 minutes to thicken up.3/4 cup half and half milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 box (3.4 oz) instant pistachio pudding mix
- Stir in the Cool Whip until everything is mixed well. Frost the cake.8 oz Cool Whip
- Cover the pan with tin foil or a lid and let refrigerate for 4-6 hours, or overnight for best results, before serving. * It's not completely necessary to refrigerate the cake before serving but I find that it tastes best that way. The frosting gets really thick and the cake soaks in all the flavors.chopped pistachios
Video
Notes
Milks : I suggest using the two milks listed in the frosting recipe as the heavy cream adds the richness and fat that is needed in the frosting to help it hold up to the cake when slicing. You could use all heavy cream in the frosting recipe if you don’t want to buy two different kinds. You can also use all half & half with good results too. But the heavy cream does add the fat and thickness so I highly recommend using both milks.
Cake Mix : Yellow cake mix is preferred but you can also use white cake mix or a vanilla cake mix with great results.
Nutrition
Calories: 173kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 52mg | Sodium: 119mg | Potassium: 82mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 238IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 1mg
Did You Make This Recipe?
I’d love to see it! You can share it with me on @togetherasfamilyblog and follow on Pinterest @together-as-family-blog-recipes or Facebook @togetherasfamilyblog for more!
That cake looks so delicious I can’t wait to try it. Thanks Sandy
Thank you, Sandy! Let me know how you like it!
I have a question, my mom always put a kitchen towel over the cake after taking it out of the oven. While it cooled . What do you think of that ? Thanks Sandy
hi
can I freeze the left overs
I see no reason why the cake itself wouldn’t freeze well but I’m not sure if the frosting would also freeze well. If you do end up trying to freeze the cake I would suggest just freezing the cake and adding the frosting later.
Do you think this would be good with pineapple cake mix??
Yum! I think that would be a delicious substitution!
This is so amazing! it’s a must try for sure.
Thank you! Thanks for your comment.
Could this be made without cool whip? Using dairy products only? (I have a family member who has an allergy to cool whip)
Yes it can. The frosting might not be as thick as what is pictured but it will work just fine still.
Soo good! Everyone loved it!