There’s something so special about the delicate, nutty flavor of pistachios in a cake. This Easy Pistachio Cake is light, moist, and packed with pistachio flavor in every bite. Made with simple ingredients, including instant pistachio pudding mix, this cake is a beautiful pastel green and has a soft texture that practically melts in your mouth.

I first tried this recipe for a family brunch, and it was an instant hit! Its pretty color and unique flavor make it a standout on any dessert table, yet it’s so easy to make that it’s perfect for any day of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Pistachio Cake
This Easy Pistachio Cake is everything you could want in a dessert – here’s why you’ll love it:
First, it’s incredibly simple to make. This recipe comes together in one bowl, and using instant pistachio pudding mix makes it quick without sacrificing flavor. It’s a wonderful option when you need an easy dessert that looks impressive but doesn’t require hours of prep.
The flavor is light yet rich. Pistachio has a unique, subtly sweet, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the tender, moist texture of the cake. With each bite, you’ll enjoy a balanced sweetness with a hint of natural pistachio.
Its color is naturally beautiful. The pistachio pudding gives the cake a lovely pastel green color, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, spring gatherings, or anytime you want a little pop of color on your table!
Finally, this cake is incredibly versatile. Top it with whipped cream, cream cheese frosting, or a light glaze, or enjoy it plain with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Ingredients Notes

The ingredients in this Easy Pistachio Cake are simple, yet each one adds to its moist, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Pistachio Pudding Mix: Instant pistachio pudding mix is the star ingredient here. It adds a smooth pistachio flavor and helps keep the cake moist and tender. Use one 3.4-ounce package for the perfect balance.
- Cake Mix: A box of white or yellow cake mix forms the base of this recipe, making it quick and foolproof. The mix blends easily with the pudding and other ingredients for a light, airy texture.
- Eggs: Eggs add richness and structure to the cake, helping it rise and hold its shape. Large eggs work best for consistency and flavor.
- Oil: Vegetable oil makes the cake extra moist without overpowering the flavor. You can also use melted butter if you prefer a richer flavor, though oil keeps the cake’s texture soft and light.
- Club Soda or Lemon-Lime Soda: Using soda instead of water adds a slight hint of sweetness and makes the cake fluffy. Lemon-lime soda also pairs well with the pistachio flavor.
Optional: Add a few drops of green food coloring if you want to enhance the color, though the pistachio pudding mix should give it a nice light green shade on its own.
How To Make This Easy Pistachio Cake

Making this Easy Pistachio Cake couldn’t be simpler! Follow these steps to bake a beautiful, nutty cake in no time.
- Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or a bundt pan with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, pistachio pudding mix, eggs, oil, and soda. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed, blending until the batter is smooth and well combined, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add Food Coloring (Optional): If you’d like a brighter green hue, add 1–2 drops of green food coloring and stir until evenly distributed.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes for a 9x13-inch pan, or 40–45 minutes for a bundt pan, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Avoid over-baking to keep the cake moist.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. If you used a bundt pan, flip the cake onto a plate and gently remove the pan. Once cooled, add your favorite frosting or dust with powdered sugar.
The cake is ready in about an hour, and it’s worth the wait for that first delicious slice!
Storage Options
Here’s how to keep your Easy Pistachio Cake fresh and flavorful:
- Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy the cake within two days, cover it loosely with plastic wrap and store it at room temperature.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, cover the cake and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you’ve topped it with frosting, this will help keep it firm and fresh.
- Freezing: This cake freezes wonderfully! Slice it into individual pieces, wrap them in plastic wrap, and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. To serve, simply thaw slices in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
When ready to enjoy, add a fresh layer of frosting or dusting of powdered sugar to make it look as good as new.
Variations and Substitutions
This Easy Pistachio Cake is versatile enough to accommodate a variety of flavors and toppings. Here are a few variations to try:
- Pistachio Cream Cheese Frosting: Add a creamy topping by making a pistachio cream cheese frosting. Mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, a bit of milk, and a sprinkle of pistachio pudding mix for a flavorful, spreadable frosting.
- Chocolate Pistachio Cake: For a chocolate twist, add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter. The chocolate complements the pistachio perfectly and adds a bit of extra sweetness.
- Nutty Topping: Sprinkle chopped pistachios on top of the batter before baking, or add them to your frosting for a bit of crunch. This brings out the nutty flavor and adds texture to each bite.
- Lemon Pistachio Cake: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for a bright, citrusy flavor that pairs beautifully with the pistachio.
- Whipped Cream and Fresh Berries: Top the cake with whipped cream and a few fresh raspberries or strawberries for a light, refreshing finish.
These variations make it easy to adapt this cake for any occasion or personal preference. Experiment and find your favorite way to enjoy this delightful dessert!
Conclousion
This Easy Pistachio Cake is a fantastic recipe to have on hand, whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want a treat that’s easy and delicious. With its soft texture, gorgeous color, and nutty flavor, it’s a guaranteed hit that you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy a slice and let the light, nutty flavor transport you!
PrintEasy Pistachio Cake Recipe
This easy pistachio cake recipe brings a moist, nutty flavor in every bite. Made with a blend of pistachio pudding mix and cake mix, it's a simple yet impressive dessert option ideal for parties and gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant pistachio pudding mix
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup club soda
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup chopped pistachios (optional, for extra crunch)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or bundt pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, pistachio pudding mix, eggs, club soda, and oil.
- Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
- Stir in chopped pistachios, if desired.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool before serving. Dust with powdered sugar or frost if desired.
Notes
- Top with a light glaze or cream cheese frosting for added sweetness.
- Add a few drops of green food coloring for a more vibrant pistachio hue.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 320mg
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