Easy Pistachio Cake Recipe

There's something magical about the soft, nutty flavor of pistachio cake – it's light, subtly sweet, and irresistibly moist. This easy pistachio cake recipe has become a go-to in my household, not just for special occasions but whenever we’re craving something a little unique. Made with a handful of simple ingredients (and a few shortcuts!), this cake combines pistachio pudding mix and a classic cake mix for an incredibly soft, tender crumb and beautiful green hue.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, bringing dessert to a potluck, or just looking for a fun baking project, this pistachio cake delivers every time. Let’s dive into what makes this cake so special!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Pistachio Cake

This easy pistachio cake is one of those recipes you’ll want to keep in your back pocket. Here’s why it’s such a hit:

First, it’s incredibly simple to make. Using a boxed cake mix along with instant pistachio pudding cuts down on prep time, so you can have this cake ready to go in about 10 minutes. No need to fuss with dozens of ingredients – it’s straightforward and perfect for busy days.

The flavor is out of this world. Pistachio has a delicate nuttiness that’s not too strong, making it appealing to both kids and adults alike. The pudding mix adds not only flavor but an extra layer of moisture, giving this cake a perfect texture.

It’s also a beautiful cake! That natural green color from the pistachio pudding makes it stand out on any dessert table. If you want to go the extra mile, a sprinkle of chopped pistachios on top will add some texture and elegance.

Finally, this cake is versatile. It works as a sheet cake, bundt cake, or even cupcakes. Plus, you can top it with cream cheese frosting, a simple glaze, or even just a dusting of powdered sugar.

Ingredients Notes

This pistachio cake has a straightforward ingredient list, and each component has a role in creating its moist, flavorful crumb.

• Yellow Cake Mix: Using a boxed cake mix gives this cake a consistent, tender texture with a lot less work. You’ll want a 15.25 oz. box of yellow or white cake mix for the best results.
• Instant Pistachio Pudding Mix: This is the magic ingredient that gives the cake its color, flavor, and incredible softness. Make sure it’s an instant pudding mix and not cook-and-serve, as it won’t work the same way.
• Eggs: Eggs help bind the cake and add richness. For a fluffier texture, be sure your eggs are at room temperature.
• Oil: Using vegetable oil keeps the cake moist without adding a strong flavor. You could also try using melted coconut oil for a hint of extra richness.
• Club Soda or Lemon-Lime Soda: Instead of water, this recipe calls for soda to create a lighter, fluffier cake. The bubbles add a subtle lift, making the cake feel extra soft.

Optional: To make a topping or filling, try adding chopped pistachios or a cream cheese frosting for extra flavor and texture. A bundt pan works great if you want to elevate the presentation.

How to Make This Easy Pistachio Cake

Making this cake couldn’t be simpler! Here’s how to bring it together step by step:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking pan by greasing it lightly with butter or cooking spray. If you’re using a bundt pan, make sure to get all the nooks and crannies to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the batter: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, pistachio pudding mix, eggs, oil, and soda. Use an electric mixer on medium speed and blend until everything is well combined and smooth, about 2 minutes. The batter should be a lovely pale green and quite thick.
3. Pour and bake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Place in the oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes for a bundt pan or 30-35 minutes for a 9x13-inch pan. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Cool and frost: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can dust it with powdered sugar, frost with cream cheese frosting, or drizzle with a simple glaze.

With everything set, you’ll have a moist, tender pistachio cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Expect it to take around an hour from start to finish – ideal for a last-minute dessert.

Storage Options

This pistachio cake stays fresh and moist, so storing it is easy. Here are a few tips to keep it tasting delicious:

• Room Temperature: Keep it covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’re using a glaze or powdered sugar, it will hold up well at room temperature.
• Refrigerator: For a slightly longer shelf life, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 5 days. Just let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
• Freezing: If you want to freeze leftovers, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and let it come to room temperature before serving.

To reheat, a few seconds in the microwave will bring it back to a soft, fresh-out-of-the-oven texture.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this pistachio cake is its versatility. Here are some fun ways to customize it:

• Make It a Layer Cake: Double the recipe and use two round cake pans. Stack with a layer of cream cheese frosting or whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios in between.
• Add Chocolate Chips: For a fun twist, fold in about ½ cup of mini chocolate chips before baking. The chocolate complements the pistachio flavor beautifully.
• Lemon-Pistachio Cake: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter and top with a lemon glaze for a fresh, zesty version of this cake.
• Use Almond Extract: Add a splash (about ½ teaspoon) of almond extract to the batter for an extra hint of nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the pistachio.
• Make It a Bundt Cake: If you haven’t tried it in a bundt pan yet, give it a go! The shape adds a beautiful presentation, especially with a drizzle of glaze over the top.

Experiment with these variations to make the cake uniquely yours, and enjoy discovering new flavors along the way.

Print