Description
A delightful Tropical Pistachio Pineapple Cake combining the rich flavors of pistachio pudding, crushed pineapple, and a moist yellow cake base, topped with a creamy pistachio-pineapple Cool Whip mixture and optional shredded coconut for a tropical twist. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a refreshing dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Batter
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant pistachio pudding mix
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple (with juice)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pistachios (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping
- 1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip (thawed)
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple (with juice)
- 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, instant pistachio pudding mix, eggs, vegetable oil, crushed pineapple with juice, vanilla extract, and chopped nuts if using. Stir until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when the cake is ready.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before adding the topping to prevent melting.
- Prepare the Topping: In a medium bowl, mix together the thawed Cool Whip, instant pistachio pudding mix, and crushed pineapple with juice until the mixture is creamy and fluffy.
- Assemble: Spread the creamy topping evenly over the cooled cake. Sprinkle with shredded coconut if desired for an extra tropical touch.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to let the topping set and flavors meld. This cake is best served chilled and tastes even better the next day.
Notes
- This cake is best served chilled and improves in flavor when refrigerated overnight.
- You can use fresh whipped cream as a substitute for Cool Whip, but it may not hold up as long and could soften faster.
- Optional nuts add texture and flavor but can be omitted for a nut-free version.
- Shredded coconut enhances the tropical theme but is also optional based on preference.
