There's something magical about the delicate, nutty flavor of pistachios in a cake. This Easy Pistachio Cake recipe brings that subtle, satisfying taste together with a soft, fluffy texture that melts in your mouth. With a delightful green hue and a hint of almond, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion – from family dinners to festive gatherings.

I discovered this recipe while searching for a unique twist on classic cake flavors. It's now one of my go-to desserts for a quick, impressive treat. Let’s dive in and make this simple, crowd-pleasing cake!

Why You’ll Love This Pistachio Cake

Get ready to fall in love with this pistachio cake! It’s quick, easy, and so delicious – perfect for bakers of any skill level.

To start, this recipe uses a box of pistachio pudding mix to achieve its vibrant color and unmistakable pistachio flavor. Not only does this shortcut make the cake extra easy, but it also adds a delightful creaminess to each bite.

This pistachio cake is also incredibly versatile. You can keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar or dress it up with a smooth frosting for a more festive touch. It’s a dessert that can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion.

Best of all, the recipe requires minimal prep, making it an ideal dessert for busy days. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a delicious, homemade cake ready to bake!

Ingredients Notes

This pistachio cake comes together with a handful of ingredients that pack in flavor and make baking a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need and a few tips to make the most of each component.

Pistachio Pudding Mix: This is the magic ingredient! The pudding mix adds both the flavor and the gorgeous green color to the cake. Look for a 3.4-ounce package of instant pistachio pudding mix. Be sure to get the instant kind, as it blends better with the other ingredients.
Yellow Cake Mix: Using a box of yellow cake mix gives this recipe its light and fluffy texture while making the process super simple. You’ll just need to mix and bake – no need to measure flour or sugar separately.
Eggs: Eggs are essential for structure and moisture. Use large eggs at room temperature for the best results, which will help the cake rise evenly and bake through.
Vegetable Oil: This keeps the cake moist and tender. Feel free to substitute with melted butter for a slightly richer flavor if you prefer.
Club Soda or Lemon-Lime Soda: This is an unusual addition, but it helps keep the cake airy and soft. Club soda works best, but you can also use lemon-lime soda for a hint of citrus flavor.

No special equipment is required – just a mixing bowl, whisk, and 9x13 baking pan. You’ll have everything you need to make this cake without fuss!

How to Make This Easy Pistachio Cake

Creating this easy pistachio cake is as simple as mixing, pouring, and baking. Let’s walk through the process step-by-step.

Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9x13-inch baking pan. This ensures your cake doesn’t stick and bakes evenly.
Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, pistachio pudding mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and club soda. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend until the batter is smooth and well combined, without lumps.
Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should be lightly golden around the edges.
Cool and Serve: Once done, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, top with powdered sugar or a creamy frosting once cooled.

This cake takes just under an hour from start to finish, making it an easy choice for any occasion. Enjoy its vibrant flavor and soft texture – it’s truly a treat!

Storage Options

Storing your pistachio cake is simple, and it tastes just as good the next day (if not better!). Here’s how to keep it fresh.

Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Covering it well will keep it moist and flavorful.
Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep the cake in the refrigerator, also in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Freezer: If you’d like to save some for later, slice the cake and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

This pistachio cake is incredibly adaptable – try one of these variations to make it your own!

Add Chopped Pistachios: For extra crunch, fold in about ½ cup of chopped pistachios into the batter. This adds texture and enhances the pistachio flavor.
Try a Different Frosting: While the cake is delicious on its own, you can top it with a cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist or a whipped cream topping for a lighter option. A lemon glaze is also a wonderful pairing with the nutty pistachio flavor.
Use Different Cake Mixes: For a different flavor base, swap the yellow cake mix with white cake mix or French vanilla cake mix. Both will complement the pistachio pudding mix beautifully.
Add Almond Extract: A small splash of almond extract (about ½ teaspoon) can enhance the nutty flavor of the cake. Just add it to the batter along with the other ingredients.

The possibilities are endless – feel free to experiment and find the version you love best!

This easy pistachio cake is sure to become a favorite dessert in your home. Whether you enjoy it plain, frosted, or with a creative twist, this recipe promises a tender, flavorful cake that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Enjoy!