If you’re looking for a cake that’s bursting with unique flavors and a hint of tropical flair, the Pistachio Pineapple Cake is the perfect choice. This delightful dessert combines the nutty richness of pistachios with the sweet, tangy taste of pineapple, creating a cake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Here’s how to make this delectable treat.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 box of pistachio pudding mix (3.4 oz)
- 1 box of yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup of water
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup of crushed pineapple (with juice)
- 1/2 cup of chopped pistachios (optional, for extra crunch)
For the Pineapple Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz of cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups of powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup of crushed pineapple (drained)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup of chopped pistachios (for garnish)
Method:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pistachio pudding mix, yellow cake mix, eggs, water, vegetable oil, and crushed pineapple with juice. If you prefer a cake with extra texture, add in the chopped pistachios at this stage.
- Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed for about 2 minutes, or until the batter is smooth and well combined.
3. Bake the Cake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Pineapple Cream Cheese Frosting:
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and continue to beat until the frosting is smooth.
- Add the drained crushed pineapple and vanilla extract, and mix until fully incorporated.
5. Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
- Spread a generous layer of the pineapple cream cheese frosting on top of the first layer.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting, making sure to cover the sides evenly.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle the chopped pistachios over the top of the cake for a beautiful garnish.
- You can also press some of the chopped pistachios onto the sides of the cake for an extra touch of elegance.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the frosting to set.
7. Enjoy:
- Slice and serve this delicious Pistachio Pineapple Cake. The combination of the nutty pistachios, sweet pineapple, and creamy frosting is sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more!
Why This Cake Works:
- Pistachio Pudding Mix adds a unique flavor and moisture to the cake, making it soft and flavorful.
- Crushed Pineapple gives the cake a refreshing sweetness and a slight tang, balancing the richness of the pistachios.
- Cream Cheese Frosting with pineapple creates a creamy, tangy contrast that complements the cake’s nutty and fruity flavors.
- Chopped Pistachios add a delightful crunch, making every bite a textural treat.
This Pistachio Pineapple Cake is a wonderful way to celebrate special occasions or simply to enjoy a slice of something different. Its vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation make it a dessert worth savoring!