If you’re looking for a light, fluffy, and irresistibly tropical dessert, this Pineapple Paradise Cake is the one! It’s a deliciously moist and refreshing cake that combines the nutty richness of pistachios with the sweet tang of pineapple, all topped with a creamy pistachio-flavored frosting. Whether you’re making it for a summer gathering, a holiday dessert, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this cake is sure to be a crowd favorite!
👉 Subscribe for more easy, flavorful, and delightful dessert recipes delivered straight to your inbox!
Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Paradise Cake
✅ Quick & Easy – Made with a cake mix and pudding mix for effortless baking.
✅ Ultra Moist & Fluffy – Thanks to the crushed pineapple and pistachio pudding, every bite is soft and delicious.
✅ No Fancy Equipment Needed – Just mix, bake, frost, and enjoy!
✅ Perfectly Balanced Flavors – The nutty pistachio flavor blends beautifully with the sweet, tangy pineapple.
✅ Make-Ahead Friendly – It tastes even better after chilling, making it ideal for prepping in advance!
What Does Pineapple Paradise Cake Taste Like?
This cake is light, airy, and full of flavor. The angel food cake base makes it super fluffy, while the pineapple adds a natural fruity sweetness. The pistachio pudding mix enhances the cake with a mild, nutty flavor, and the frosting is creamy, smooth, and just the right amount of sweet. Topped with chopped pistachios, every bite has a delightful crunch!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 1 (3.4 oz) box pistachio pudding mix
- 1 box angel food cake mix
- 3 eggs
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple (with juices, do not drain)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
For the Frosting:
- 1 (8 oz) tub Cool Whip, thawed
- 1 (3.4 oz) box pistachio pudding mix
- ⅔ cup whole milk
For Topping:
- Chopped pistachios (optional, but highly recommended!)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
✔️ 9×13 baking dish (greased)
✔️ Mixing bowls
✔️ Hand mixer or whisk
✔️ Spatula for spreading frosting
✔️ Toothpick for testing doneness
Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
🔹 Dairy-Free Version – Use coconut milk instead of whole milk and dairy-free whipped topping.
🔹 Nut-Free Option – Skip the pistachios or swap them for shredded coconut.
🔹 Extra Pineapple Flavor – Add ½ teaspoon pineapple extract to enhance the tropical taste.
🔹 More Texture – Mix ½ cup shredded coconut into the batter for a fun twist.
🔹 Extra Moist Cake – Add ½ cup sour cream for a richer, creamier texture.
How to Make Pineapple Paradise Cake
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
✔️ Cake mix
✔️ Pistachio pudding mix
✔️ Vegetable oil
✔️ Eggs
✔️ Crushed pineapple with its juices
Mix everything together using a hand mixer or whisk until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 4: Cool Completely
Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before adding the frosting.
Making the Frosting
Step 5: Prepare the Frosting
In a bowl, whisk together:
✔️ Pistachio pudding mix
✔️ Whole milk
Whisk until the mixture begins to thicken (about 2 minutes). Then, gently fold in the Cool Whip until fully combined and fluffy.
Step 6: Frost the Cake
Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the pistachio frosting evenly over the top.
Step 7: Chill & Garnish
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully! Before serving, sprinkle with chopped pistachios for an extra crunch.
What to Serve with Pineapple Paradise Cake
🍍 Fresh Pineapple Slices – Enhances the tropical vibes!
🥥 Toasted Coconut – Adds a little extra crunch and sweetness.
☕ Coffee or Tea – A perfect pairing for an afternoon treat.
🍨 Vanilla Ice Cream – For an indulgent dessert experience!
Tips for the Best Pineapple Paradise Cake
✔️ Use Full-Fat Ingredients – This makes the frosting extra creamy and rich.
✔️ Don’t Overmix – Mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
✔️ Let It Chill – The flavors develop even more after chilling for a few hours or overnight.
✔️ Toast the Pistachios – Lightly toasting them enhances their nutty flavor and adds crunch.
How to Store & Freeze
🧊 To Store: Cover the cake with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
❄️ To Freeze: You can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight and add frosting before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake actually tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for parties and gatherings. Just store it in the fridge until ready to serve.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Absolutely! Just beat 1½ cups of heavy whipping cream with 2 tbsp of powdered sugar until soft peaks form, then fold it into the pudding mixture.
What if I don’t have pistachio pudding mix?
You can use vanilla pudding mix and add ¼ teaspoon almond extract to mimic the nutty flavor.
Can I use yellow cake mix instead of angel food cake mix?
Yes! The texture will be slightly denser, but still deliciously moist and flavorful.
More Easy & Delicious Desserts
🔥 Coconut Pineapple Poke Cake – A tropical dream with creamy coconut frosting!
🔥 Easy Lemon Pistachio Bundt Cake – A zesty, nutty twist on a classic.
🔥 Strawberry Shortcake Trifle – Light, fruity, and perfect for summer!
Share Your Creations!
If you make this Pineapple Paradise Cake, I’d love to see it! Tag me on Instagram or Pinterest and share your beautiful cake. Don’t forget to leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review in the comments below!
Enjoy every sweet, tropical bite of this delicious Pineapple Pistachio Cake! 🍍🌿✨
