For the Cake:
- 1 (18.25 oz) box white or yellow cake mix
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant pistachio pudding mix (not sugar-free)
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained
- ½ cup chopped shelled pistachios (plus extra for garnish)
For the Glaze (Optional but Recommended):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk or pineapple juice
- ¼ tsp almond extract (optional)
- Green sprinkles or extra pistachios for topping
🌿 Nut-free? Omit pistachios—cake still has great flavor!
🥛 Dairy-free? Use plant-based milk in glaze.
🕒 Step-by-Step Instructions (Foolproof & Fragrant!)
1. Prep & Preheat
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan (or line with parchment)
2. Mix the Batter
- In a large bowl, combine cake mix, pistachio pudding mix, eggs, and oil.
- Beat with a hand mixer (or whisk vigorously) for 2 minutes until smooth.
- Fold in undrained crushed pineapple and chopped pistachios.
3. Bake Until Golden
- Pour into prepared pan.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before glazing.
4. Make the Glaze
- Whisk powdered sugar, milk/pineapple juice, and almond extract until smooth.
- Drizzle over cooled cake.
- Sprinkle with extra pistachios or green sprinkles.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Results Every Time
- Don’t drain the pineapple—the juice keeps the cake ultra-moist!
- Use real pistachio pudding mix (Jell-O brand)—it gives the signature color and flavor
- Chop pistachios finely—large pieces can sink
- For extra flair: Add ½ tsp matcha powder for deeper green hue (optional)
- Make ahead: Cake tastes best on day 2—flavors meld beautifully!
❓ Common Questions Answered
Can I use fresh pineapple?
Yes! Use 2 cups finely crushed + ¼ cup juice—but canned ensures consistent moisture.
Why is my cake dense?
→ Overmixed batter
→ Old baking powder in cake mix
→ Fix: Mix just until combined; check expiration dates.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use GF cake mix + GF pistachio pudding (or homemade blend).
❤️ Final Thought: Nostalgia Meets Sunshine
This Pistachio Pineapple Cake is more than a dessert—it’s a taste of sunshine, celebration, and slow afternoons.
It’s the kind of cake that sparks joy, brings people together, and disappears faster than you can refill the plate.
So grab that box of pudding, open that can of pineapple, and bake a little happiness today.
🌿 Because the best cakes aren’t perfect—they’re shared.
Loved this retro-modern favorite?
👉 Pin it for your spring baking board
👉 Share it with a fellow baker or party host
👉 Comment below: Team glaze or team powdered sugar dusting?
Prep: 15 min | Bake: 40 min | Serves: 12–16
