Quick Description
This High-Protein Pistachio Pineapple Angel Food Cake is light, fluffy, moist, and packed with sweet tropical flavor. Made with pistachio pudding and crushed pineapple, then topped with a soft whipped frosting, it’s an easy dessert that feels refreshing yet indulgent. Perfect for summer, holidays, or anytime you want something simple and crowd-pleasing.
Servings & Timing
Serves: 10–12
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients List
Cake
- 1 box angel food cake mix
- 1 box (3.4 oz) pistachio pudding mix
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, with juice
Frosting
- 8 oz Cool Whip, thawed
- ⅔ cup whole milk
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Make the Batter
In a large bowl, combine:
- Angel food cake mix
- Pistachio pudding mix
- Vegetable oil
- Eggs
- Crushed pineapple (with juice)
Mix until smooth and fully combined.
3. Bake
Pour batter into prepared dish and spread evenly.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Cool
Let cake cool completely before frosting.
5. Make the Frosting
In a bowl, gently mix Cool Whip and milk until smooth and fluffy.
6. Frost the Cake
Spread frosting evenly over cooled cake.
7. Chill & Serve
Refrigerate for 30 minutes before slicing for best texture.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
Calories: 320
Protein: 7g
Carbs: 48g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 34g
Benefits
- Higher Protein Dessert – eggs, pudding & milk boost protein
- Light & Moist Texture
- No Mixer Needed
- Perfect for Parties & Potlucks
- Beginner Friendly
Additional Notes
- Use sugar-free pudding for lower sugar
- Add chopped pistachios on top for crunch
- Coconut flakes also pair well
- Chill overnight for best flavor
Dietary Info
High-Protein: ✅
Vegetarian: ✅
Low-Carb: ❌
Gluten-Free: ❌
Dairy-Free: ❌
Brief Introduction
This cake is one of those classic “mix and bake” recipes that always surprises people. It’s soft, fruity, lightly nutty, and refreshing. Simple ingredients, big flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Mix cake ingredients
- Bake
- Cool
- Mix frosting
- Frost cake
- Chill & serve
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
Angel Food Cake Mix:
White cake mix also works.
Pistachio Pudding:
Vanilla or cheesecake pudding can substitute.
Cool Whip:
Use homemade whipped cream if preferred.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
Variations
- Add mandarin oranges
- Use lemon pudding for citrus version
- Top with toasted coconut
- Layer into dessert cups
Serve With
- Fresh berries
- Coffee or tea
- Vanilla ice cream
- Mint garnish
Storage & Make-Ahead
Refrigerate: up to 4 days
Freeze: not recommended (texture changes)
FAQs
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, it’s even better the next day.
Can I reduce oil?
Yes, replace half with applesauce.
Can I use fresh pineapple?
Yes, crushed finely with juice.
Optional Personal Story
This is one of those desserts that disappears fast at gatherings. People always ask what’s in it because the flavor is so unexpected and good.
