If you love the flavors of pistachios and pineapple, this Tropical Pistachio Bliss Cake will transport you straight to a sun-soaked beach with every bite. It’s light, moist, and bursting with tropical goodness. The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make!
We’re using a pistachio cake from cake mix, which means no complicated steps just simple, delicious baking. To enhance the texture and flavor, we add pineapple instant pudding, making the cake extra soft, rich, and downright irresistible. The pineapple brings a natural sweetness and a hint of tang that pairs beautifully with the nutty pistachio flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Tropical Pistachio Bliss Cake
✔ Super Simple – No need to measure out tons of ingredients! This recipe starts with a pistachio cake mix, making it incredibly easy and foolproof. Just mix, bake, and enjoy!
✔ Tropical Twist – The pineapple instant pudding not only makes the cake ultra-moist but also infuses it with a sweet, tangy tropical flavor. It’s like a vacation in every bite!
✔ Crowd-Pleaser – Whether you’re baking for summer parties, birthdays, BBQs, or potlucks, this cake is always a hit. The vibrant green color also makes it extra fun for celebrations!
✔ Soft, Fluffy, and Moist – The combination of pudding mix and cake mix creates a perfectly soft and tender texture that melts in your mouth.
✔ Easy to Customize – Want to add an extra crunch? Toss in some chopped pistachios or coconut flakes. Prefer a richer flavor? A drizzle of white chocolate glaze or a pineapple-infused whipped topping takes it to the next level!
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly – This cake stays moist for days, making it a great prep-ahead dessert for parties or special occasions. Plus, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors blend together!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 3 eggs
- 1 box angel food cake mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 20 oz canned crushed pineapple with juices
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cool whip, thawed
- 1 (3.4 oz) box pistachio pudding mix
- 2/3 cup whole milk
- 1 (3.4 oz) box pistachio pudding for frosting
For Topping:
- Chopped pistachios for decoration
(Full ingredient amounts are listed below in the recipe card!)
How to Make Tropical Pistachio Bliss Cake
1. Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pistachio cake mix with eggs, vegetable oil, and the entire can of crushed pineapple (juice included). Mix until smooth and well incorporated. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let it cool completely.
2. Make the Frosting
In a separate bowl, whisk together the pistachio pudding for frosting with whole milk until it thickens. Gently fold in the cool whip until the frosting is light and fluffy.
3. Assemble the Cake
Spread the creamy frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Sprinkle generously with chopped pistachios for a beautiful finish.
Tips for the Best Pistachio Cake
✔ Don’t Overmix – Overmixing the batter can make the cake dense instead of light and fluffy. Stir just until everything is combined for the best texture.
✔ Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Let your eggs, milk (if using), and butter (if included) come to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth, even batter with better rise.
✔ Chill Before Serving – Once frosted, let the cake sit in the fridge for at least an hour. This allows the flavors to meld together, making the cake even more delicious!
✔ Enhance the Flavor – Add a splash of vanilla or almond extract for an extra depth of flavor that complements the pistachios and pineapple beautifully.
✔ Make It Extra Fancy – Decorate with toasted coconut flakes, maraschino cherries, crushed pistachios, or even a drizzle of white chocolate for a stunning, tropical look.
✔ Use Quality Pudding Mix – To ensure the best taste and texture, opt for a good-quality pineapple instant pudding mix. It makes a big difference in flavor and moisture!
✔ Go Nutty – If you love extra crunch, sprinkle chopped pistachios into the batter or on top of the frosting for added texture and nuttiness.
✔ Try a Different Frosting – A cream cheese frosting, coconut whipped cream, or even a simple vanilla glaze pairs beautifully with this cake.
✔ Let It Cool Completely – Always let the cake cool fully before frosting to prevent the icing from melting and sliding off.
Serving Suggestions
This pistachio cake from cake mix is perfect as-is, but if you want to take it up a notch, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of honey.
Storing and Making Ahead
- Fridge: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 3 months and frost it after thawing.
Tropical Pistachio Bliss Cake
Ingredients
Cake
- 3 eggs
- 1 box angel food cake mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 20 oz canned crushed pineapple with juices
Frosting
- 8 oz cool whip, thawed
- 1 (3.4 oz) box pistachio pudding mix
- 2/3 cup whole milk
- 1 (3.4 oz) box pistachio pudding for frosting
Topping
- chopped pistachios for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pistachio cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and crushed pineapple (with juice). Mix until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, whisk together pistachio pudding mix and whole milk until thickened. Gently fold in the thawed cool whip until smooth.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
- Sprinkle chopped pistachios on top for decoration.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving for best results.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is pistachio cake called Watergate Cake?
The name Watergate Cake comes from the 1970s, during the time of the Watergate scandal. Some say it got its name because of the “cover-up” of ingredients like pistachio pudding mix in the cake and frosting. Others believe it became popular around the same time as Watergate Salad, which also contains pistachio pudding.
How long is the shelf life of pistachio cake?
This cake stays fresh for 3-4 days when stored properly in the fridge. If left at room temperature, it’s best enjoyed within 1-2 days before it starts to dry out.
Does pistachio cake need to be refrigerated?
Yes, especially if it has whipped topping, cream cheese frosting, or pudding-based ingredients. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it moist and fresh. If unfrosted, you can keep it at room temperature for a day or two.
Can I use a different cake mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! While pistachio cake mix gives it that signature nutty flavor, you can substitute it with vanilla, yellow, or white cake mix and add pistachio pudding mix for the same effect.
Do I need to drain the pineapple?
If you’re adding crushed pineapple, it’s best to partially drain it but leave a bit of juice. The extra moisture helps keep the cake soft and flavorful. If the recipe specifically calls for pineapple juice, don’t drain it!
Can I make this a layered cake?
Yes! This cake works beautifully as a two-layer or even three-layer cake. Just divide the batter evenly into greased round cake pans and bake for a slightly shorter time. Layer with frosting, whipped cream, or pineapple filling for an extra decadent touch.
Final Thoughts
This Tropical Pistachio Bliss Cake is incredibly easy to whip up and bursts with a delightful tropical twist in every bite. Whether you’re baking it for a celebration or just a weekend indulgence, this cake mix pistachio cake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and let me know what’s your go-to tropical dessert? Happy baking!
The Tropical Pistachio Bliss Cake is a delightful fusion of nutty pistachio and sweet pineapple flavors, offering a moist and fluffy texture that’s both easy to prepare and sure to impress at any gathering.