This pistachio cake is a light and moist treat that bursts with the delicious flavor of pistachios. Don’t worry if you’re new to baking because this recipe is easy. You’ll have a moist and fluffy cake ready to enjoy with just a few simple ingredients and mixing magic. Whether you’re a baking beginner or an experienced pastry enthusiast, this recipe is perfect for everyone.
Once the cake is baked to perfection, you can get creative with how to enjoy it. Savor a slice as a delightful dessert after dinner, or have it as a special treat during birthday parties or family gatherings. Add a dollop of vanilla ice cream on top for an extra delicious twist!
The pistachio cake is a fantastic addition to a tea party or a surprise treat for your friends. It’s sure to impress with its vibrant green color and heavenly taste. So, grab a fork and dive into a world of pistachio goodness with this delightful cake that will leave you craving more.
Pistachio Cake
This pistachio cake is a delightful treat with a unique and irresistible taste. Bursting with the rich and nutty flavor of pistachios, it offers a delightful balance of sweetness and savory notes. Its moist and tender texture adds to the overall enjoyment, making it a perfect choice for any dessert lover.
Ingredients Of Pistachio Cake
Yellow Cake Mix: This pre-packaged mix provides the base for the cake. It contains the necessary dry ingredients such as flour, sugar, baking powder, and flavorings to ensure a moist and tender texture.
Pistachio Pudding Mix: This instant pudding mix infuses the cake with the delightful taste of pistachios. It adds a rich and nutty flavor and a vibrant green color to the cake.
Eggs: Eggs act as a binding agent and contribute to the structure and moisture of the cake. They also provide richness and help in achieving a tender crumb.
Water: Water is used to hydrate the cake mix and create the desired consistency for the batter. It aids in the mixing process and contributes to the overall moisture of the cake.
Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil adds moisture to the cake and helps create a tender texture. It also enhances the richness of the cake and aids in its preservation.
Almond Extract: Almond extract is a flavoring ingredient that complements the pistachio flavor and adds a subtle hint of almond to the cake. It enhances the overall taste profile of the dessert.
Green Food Coloring: This optional ingredient is used to enhance the visual appeal of the cake, giving it a vibrant green color often associated with pistachio desserts.
Pistachio Frosting: The pistachio frosting combines Cool Whip and instant pistachio pudding mix. This delightful combination produces a smooth and creamy frosting with a pistachio flavor. It adds a delectable finishing touch to the pistachio cake, making it an irresistible treat for any dessert lover.
Tips And Tricks To Make the Best And Tasty Pistachio Cake
- Ensure accurate measurements of ingredients for consistent results and the perfect balance of flavors.
- Use room-temperature eggs to better incorporate into the batter and achieve a lighter texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
- Grease and flour the pan properly to ensure the cake easily releases and maintains shape.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting or becoming runny.
- For an extra crunch and nutty flavor, sprinkle some chopped pistachios on top of the frosting as a garnish.
Recipe Variations And Add-Ons
Nutty Delight
Enhance the nuttiness by adding a handful of chopped almonds or walnuts to the cake batter. Combining pistachios and other nuts adds texture and richness to the cake.
Chocolate Chip Twist
Add a touch of indulgence by folding a handful of chocolate chips into the pistachio cake batter. The melty chocolate morsels create a delightful contrast to the nutty flavors.
Pistachio Cupcakes
Convert the cake into delectable cupcakes by dividing the batter into lined cupcake pans and baking them for a shorter duration. Top them with pistachio frosting for individual treats.
Creamy Filling
Elevate the pistachio cake by adding a luscious cream filling between layers. Whip cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a hint of vanilla to create a creamy and tangy filling.
Fresh Fruit Topping
Serve the pistachio cake with a vibrant twist by topping it with a medley of fresh fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches. The juicy fruits provide a burst of freshness to complement the nutty flavors of the cake.
Different Frostings For Pistachio Cake
Elevate the deliciousness of your pistachio cake with a range of delectable frostings. From tangy cream cheese to airy whipped cream and indulgent white chocolate ganache, there are numerous options to enhance the flavors and textures of this nutty treat. Choose the perfect frosting to take your pistachio cake to new heights of sweetness and delight.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: The tanginess of cream cheese adds a creamy and rich element that pairs beautifully with the nutty flavors of the pistachio cake. It creates a luscious and slightly tangy contrast.
- Whipped Cream Frosting: Light and fluffy, whipped cream frosting offers a delicate and airy texture that enhances the moistness of the pistachio cake. Its subtle sweetness allows the pistachio flavor to shine.
- Vanilla Buttercream Frosting: A classic choice, vanilla buttercream provides a sweet and smooth finish to the pistachio cake. Its creamy texture and vanilla undertones complement the nutty flavors splendidly.
- White Chocolate Ganache: Indulge in decadence by drizzling a velvety white chocolate ganache over the pistachio cake. The creamy, sweet white chocolate adds richness and a luxurious touch to every bite.
- Creamy Coconut Frosting: Combine cream of coconut, powdered sugar, and a hint of vanilla extract to create a creamy and tropical frosting. The coconut flavor adds a refreshing twist and transports you to a sunny island paradise with every bite.
Different Pans For Baking Pistachio Cake
Tube Pan
A tube pan, also known as an angel food cake pan, is recommended for baking a pistachio cake. Its tall, cylindrical shape with a hollow tube in the center ensures even baking and promotes a moist and tender texture. The tube pan allows the cake to rise and bake evenly, creating a beautiful and delicious pistachio cake.
Square or Rectangular Baking Pan
Ideal for sheet cakes or bar-style desserts, a square or rectangular baking pan is a practical choice for baking a pistachio cake to be cut into individual servings. It is easy to slice and great for events or gatherings where portioning is necessary.
Round Cake Pan
A classic choice for baking cakes, a round cake pan allows for even baking and easy slicing into traditional cake slices. It is a versatile option for single-layer and layered pistachio cakes.
Cupcake/Muffin Pan
Transform your pistachio cake into delightful individual treats using a cupcake or muffin pan. This pan allows you to create perfectly portioned cupcakes or muffins with a tender and moist texture, ideal for personal servings or parties.
How To Store The Leftover Pistachio Cake?
- Wrap the cake in plastic wrap: Wrap the completely cool cake tightly with plastic wrap to protect it from drying out and to prevent exposure to air.
- Store in an airtight container: Place the wrapped cake in an airtight container to protect it from moisture and maintain its flavor.
- Refrigerate for longer shelf life: Place the container with the wrapped cake in the refrigerator for extended storage. This helps to keep the cake fresh for up to several days.
- Bring to room temperature before serving: When ready to enjoy the leftover cake, allow it to come to room temperature before serving to enhance its flavor and restore its tender texture.
- Consider freezing for extended storage: If you need to store the cake for an extended period, consider freezing individual slices or the entire cake. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Different Ways To Serve Pistachio Cake
There are various delightful ways to serve pistachio cake and make it even more enticing. Slice it and serve it on its own as a delicious dessert. For an elegant touch, dust the top with powdered sugar and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
Alternatively, pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat. You can also get creative and serve it as a base for a trifle, layering it with whipped cream and fresh fruits. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to showcase the flavorful pistachio cake in different ways for various occasions.

Pistachio Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 10-inch tube pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Spatula
- Wire rack
- Butter or cooking spray for greasing the pan
- Flour for dusting the pan
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 (18.25-ounce) Package yellow cake mix
- 1 (3.4-ounce) package instant pistachio pudding mix
- 4 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/4 cups vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 7 drops green food coloring
For the Frosting
- 1 1 (16-oz) container Cool Whip
- 1 (3.4-ounce) package instant pistachio pudding mix
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease a 10-inch tube pan with butter and coat it with flour, shaking out any excess flour.
- Whisk together the yellow cake mix and pistachio pudding mix in a large bowl until well combined.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the eggs, water, vegetable oil, almond extract, and green food coloring.
- Beat the ingredients at medium speed for approximately 2 minutes or until the batter is well-combined and smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake the cake in the oven for 50 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes clean. The cake should spring back when lightly pressed.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a wire rack and allow it to cool completely.
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. Whisk together the Cool Whip and pistachio pudding mix in a bowl until smooth and fluffy.
- Once the cake has completely cooled, frost it with the pistachio frosting, covering the top and sides evenly.
- Slice the pistachio cake into desired portions and serve.
- Enjoy your delightful pistachio cake and savor the rich flavors of this delectable treat!
Video
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting the recipe for better mixing and incorporation.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of green food coloring based on your preference for a more vibrant or subtle green color.
- If using a non-stick tube pan, greasing and flouring the pan may not be necessary, but it's still recommended to prevent sticking.
- Consider adding a handful of chopped pistachios to the cake batter before baking for an extra pistachio crunch.
- If desired, you can substitute the Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream or another whipped topping of your choice.
- To make individual pistachio cupcakes, line a cupcake pan with liners and adjust the baking time to approximately 18-20 minutes.
Nutritional Facts
Per Slice (1/8th Of The Cake) Of A Pistachio Cake- Calories: 300-350 calories
- Total Fat: 15-20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 4-6 grams
- Cholesterol: 50-70 milligrams
- Carbohydrates: 35-40 grams
- Fiber: 1-2 grams
- Sugar: 20-25 grams
- Protein: 4-6 grams
Leave a Reply