Easy Pistachio Cake Recipe

There's something about the gentle, nutty flavor of pistachio that feels so special in a dessert, and this Easy Pistachio Cake is no exception. Soft, fluffy, and just the right amount of sweet, this cake is as effortless as it is delicious – perfect for any occasion, from weekend treats to dinner party showstoppers.

this Recipe

The best part? This cake uses simple ingredients, including instant pistachio pudding, to create a moist and flavor-packed dessert with minimal effort. Once you try it, this Pistachio Cake is sure to be a recipe you'll come back to again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Pistachio Cake Recipe

Get ready to meet your new go-to cake recipe! This Pistachio Cake is the ultimate blend of ease and elegance.

First and foremost, it’s incredibly simple to make. By using a few pantry staples and instant pistachio pudding mix, you get a gorgeous green cake bursting with flavor without spending hours in the kitchen.

Another plus? This cake has a wonderfully moist and tender texture that keeps well for days, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time. No dry crumbs here – every bite is soft, luscious, and satisfying.

Then there's the unique flavor profile. Pistachios bring a subtle earthiness that complements the sweetness beautifully, creating a dessert that feels both nostalgic and a little unexpected.

Finally, this Pistachio Cake is stunningly versatile. Top it with whipped cream, dust it with powdered sugar, or add a simple glaze. It’s the ideal blank canvas for any garnish, and it’s bound to impress guests or satisfy a casual sweet tooth.

Ingredients Notes

This Pistachio Cake comes together quickly thanks to a few smart ingredient choices. Here’s what you’ll need to make the magic happen.

Boxed Cake Mix: The base of this cake starts with a box of white or yellow cake mix. This makes it quick and reliable, giving you a light, fluffy texture every time.

Instant Pistachio Pudding Mix: This is the secret to that iconic pistachio flavor. It not only adds flavor but also enhances the cake’s moistness. Make sure to use instant pudding for best results – regular pudding won’t work the same.

Vegetable Oil: Used for moisture and richness, vegetable oil keeps the cake tender and helps it stay fresh for days. You could use melted butter for added flavor, but oil gives a softer crumb.

Eggs: Eggs are key for structure and stability in this cake. They also help create that beautiful rise, so your cake turns out light and airy.

Milk or Water: While water will work just fine, using milk will add a richer flavor and make the cake slightly creamier.

For added flavor and decoration, you can also have chopped pistachios on hand, as well as a powdered sugar glaze or whipped cream for topping.

How to Make This Easy Pistachio Cake

Creating this delightful Pistachio Cake is as simple as mix, pour, and bake! Let’s dive into each step to get a perfect result every time.

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9x13-inch baking pan or bundt pan. The right temperature and a well-prepared pan will help your cake bake evenly and release easily.

In a large mixing bowl, combine your cake mix, pistachio pudding mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and milk. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, blend on low speed for about 30 seconds to incorporate everything, then increase to medium speed and beat for 2 minutes. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure an even layer. If desired, sprinkle chopped pistachios on top for added crunch and texture.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. For a bundt pan, the baking time may be closer to 40 minutes. The cake should be golden and slightly springy to the touch.

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once it’s cool, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze if desired.

This cake is delicious warm or at room temperature, and it’s ready to serve as soon as it cools.

Storage Options

If you happen to have leftovers (though that’s rare!), this Pistachio Cake stores beautifully, keeping its flavor and moist texture for days.

Room Temperature: Cover the cake with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Refrigerator: For longer storage, place the cake in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.

Freezer: This cake also freezes well. Slice it into portions, wrap them in plastic wrap, and then place in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, let the cake thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.

Reheating: If you’d like to serve it warm, you can microwave slices for about 10 seconds.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe is how easy it is to adapt. Here are a few ideas for making this cake uniquely yours:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle in half a cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist that pairs perfectly with pistachio.
• Lemon Zest for Extra Freshness: A touch of lemon zest in the batter brightens up the flavors and adds a subtle citrus aroma.
• Nutty Topping: For even more crunch, top the cake with chopped pistachios or sliced almonds before baking.
• Frosting Options: This cake is lovely with a simple powdered sugar glaze, but it also pairs well with cream cheese frosting or whipped cream for a bit of extra richness.
• Bundt or Loaf Pan: If you’d rather not use a sheet pan, this cake works beautifully in a bundt pan or as mini loaf cakes – just adjust the baking time as needed.

Experimenting with different variations is a fun way to make this Pistachio Cake your own. Don’t be afraid to try new toppings, add-ins, or even make it into cupcakes for an extra-special touch.

Whether it’s for a special celebration or just a sweet treat on a quiet afternoon, this Easy Pistachio Cake is sure to hit the spot. Simple, moist, and brimming with pistachio flavor, this cake is bound to become a beloved favorite. Enjoy!

Print