The Sweet Symphony: Pistachio Pineapple Cake Recipe

Whipping up a delightful pistachio pineapple cake always sparks joy in my kitchen.

Sweet tropical notes dance with nutty undertones, creating a memorable dessert experience.

Unexpected flavor combinations make this treat stand out from typical cakes.

Nuts add rich texture while pineapple brings bright, tangy freshness to every bite.

Baking becomes an adventure when familiar ingredients blend in surprising ways.

Soft crumbs and complex flavors promise a delectable journey for your taste buds.

You will love how simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary.

Pistachio Pineapple Cake Highlights

• Combine the nutty crunch of pistachios with sweet, tangy pineapple for a unique taste that transforms an ordinary dessert into an extraordinary treat.
• Ideal for casual gatherings, potlucks, family celebrations, or simply as a weekend indulgence that brings smiles to everyone's faces.
• Utilize a cake mix and simple ingredients to create a show-stopping dessert in under an hour, perfect for busy home cooks craving something special.

Ingredients for Pistachio Pineapple Cake

• Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides a quick and consistent foundation for the cake.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the cake texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and helps create a tender cake crumb.

• Crushed Pineapple: Adds natural sweetness and moisture to the cake, creating a tropical flavor profile.
• Pistachios, Chopped: Provides a nutty crunch and distinctive green color to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Butter, Softened: Creates a creamy base for the frosting.
• Cream Cheese: Adds tanginess and smooth texture to the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken the frosting.
• Pineapple, Well-Drained: Adds a fruity flavor to the cream cheese frosting.

Making Pistachio Pineapple Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Space

Set your oven to a cozy 175C (350F).

Grab a 9-inch round cake pan and give it a quick spray with cooking oil or butter.

Dust it with flour or line with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Cake Magic

• Cake mix
• Crushed pineapple (undrained)
• Chopped pistachios
• Vegetable oil
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Whip everything together until the mixture looks smooth and inviting.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

In a medium bowl, blend softened butter and cream cheese until super smooth.

Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until the mixture looks dreamy.

Fold in well-drained crushed pineapple and a splash of vanilla extract.

Step 5: Dress the Cake

Once the cake has cooled down, spread the pineapple cream cheese frosting generously.

Sprinkle extra chopped pistachios on top for a delightful crunch.

Step 6: Celebrate and Serve

Slice this delectable creation and savor every bite.

This moist, nutty, fruity cake is the perfect finale to any gathering.

Handy Tips for Pistachio Pineapple Cake

• Add crushed pineapple directly to the batter for extra juiciness and natural sweetness without making the cake too wet.
• Lightly coat chopped pistachios with flour before mixing into the batter to ensure they distribute evenly and don't sink to the bottom.
• Drain pineapple thoroughly to prevent runny cream cheese frosting, using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth for best results.
• Toast pistachios briefly before chopping to release their rich, nutty essence and add a delightful complexity to the cake's taste.
• Swap regular cake mix with a gluten-free alternative and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.

Storing Pistachio Pineapple Cake Properly

• Store covered cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep frosted side protected to prevent drying out.
• Wrap completely cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Cut cake into individual portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze up to 1 month for quick single-serving treats.
• Warm refrigerated cake slice in microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Alternatively, warm in preheated oven at 150C for 5-7 minutes to restore moisture and soft texture.

Perfect Pairings for Pistachio Pineapple Cake

• Pair with Tropical Rum Cocktail: Create a light, refreshing cocktail using white rum, fresh pineapple juice, and a hint of coconut to complement the cake's tropical and nutty flavors.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cake to enhance its richness and provide a cool, smooth contrast to the warm, textured dessert.
• Recommend Mint Green Tea: Brew a delicate mint green tea that will cleanse the palate and offer a light, herbal note that balances the cake's sweet and nutty profile.
• Suggest Caramel Macchiato: Prepare a smooth caramel macchiato with its sweet, buttery undertones that will harmonize beautifully with the cake's pineapple and pistachio flavors.

Creative Ideas for Pistachio Pineapple Cake

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace regular cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix, ensuring those with celiac disease can enjoy this tropical treat.
• Vegan Version: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free cream cheese, and choose plant-based butter for a completely plant-powered dessert.
• Low-Sugar Option: Utilize a sugar-free cake mix and replace powdered sugar with a stevia-based sweetener to reduce overall sugar content.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Omit pistachios and replace with toasted coconut flakes for those with nut allergies, maintaining the cake's tropical essence.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned crushed pineapple?

Fresh pineapple can make the cake too watery. Stick to canned crushed pineapple, ensuring it’s well-drained to maintain the cake’s proper texture.

• Is this cake suitable for people with nut allergies?

No, this cake contains pistachios. For those with nut allergies, you’ll need to omit the pistachios or choose a different recipe entirely.

• How can I tell if the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The top should also be golden brown and slightly springy to the touch.

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Store it covered at room temperature and frost it just before serving to keep the frosting fresh and creamy.

Pistachio Pineapple Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful Pistachio Pineapple Cake brings tropical sweetness and nutty richness together in one irresistible dessert. Bakers craving a unique flavor combination will fall in love with this moist, flavor-packed treat that promises to elevate any gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 box (15.25 ounces / 432 grams) yellow cake mix
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil

Cake Mix-Ins:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) crushed pineapple, undrained
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) chopped pistachios (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) crushed pineapple, well-drained
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 175C (350F) and prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by greasing, flouring, or lining with parchment paper.
2. Create the cake mixture by blending cake mix, crushed pineapple, chopped pistachios, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until achieving a smooth, uniform consistency.
3. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, ensuring an even surface, and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted centrally emerges clean.
4. Remove cake from oven and let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
5. Whip softened butter and cream cheese together until creamy and smooth in texture.
6. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, continuously beating until achieving a silky frosting consistency.
7. Fold in well-drained crushed pineapple and vanilla extract into the frosting, mixing gently.
8. Once the cake has cooled entirely, generously spread the pineapple cream cheese frosting across the surface.
9. Enhance the presentation by sprinkling additional chopped pistachios over the frosted cake.
10. Slice into elegant portions and serve as a delightful dessert that promises a burst of tropical and nutty flavors.

Notes

• Swap cake mix with gluten-free alternatives for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful dessert.
• Drain pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess moisture, which could make the cake too dense or soggy during baking.
• Toast pistachios before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the cake’s texture.
• Reduce sugar content by using unsweetened crushed pineapple and adjusting powdered sugar in frosting for a lighter, less sweet version.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 329
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 299 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 63 mg