There's nothing quite like a slice of moist, nutty pistachio cake to brighten any occasion. This easy pistachio cake is soft, slightly sweet, and full of that deliciously subtle pistachio flavor everyone loves. It's the perfect balance between a simple, homestyle dessert and a treat that feels just a bit special.
The best part? This cake comes together with just a few pantry staples and a bit of mixing. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a birthday, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this pistachio cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You'll Love This Pistachio Cake Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with this delightful dessert! Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it’s also one of the easiest cakes you’ll ever make.
First, it's a one-bowl wonder. There’s no need for fancy mixers or tons of dishes; everything can be mixed in one bowl, making cleanup a breeze.
The texture is unbeatable. Thanks to the addition of pistachio pudding mix, this cake has a moist, fluffy crumb that stays soft for days. Each bite is light and satisfying, with a hint of nutty pistachio flavor.
This recipe is budget-friendly too. With a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a cake that tastes like you spent all day baking.
Lastly, this cake is versatile. You can enjoy it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with a light glaze or frosting. Either way, it's bound to impress.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this pistachio cake is in its simplicity. Each ingredient adds a little something special, contributing to the perfect texture and taste.
- Pistachio Pudding Mix: This is the key to the cake’s unique flavor and moist texture. The pudding mix not only gives it a lovely green hue but also enhances the nutty taste of the pistachios. Make sure to use instant pudding for the best results.
- Yellow Cake Mix: Using a cake mix as the base saves time and guarantees a fluffy cake every time. You can also substitute it with white cake mix if you prefer a lighter color.
- Vegetable Oil: Adding oil instead of butter helps keep the cake moist and gives it a light, tender crumb. Any neutral oil will work, but vegetable oil is a great choice for this cake.
- Eggs: Eggs provide structure and help the cake rise. Using four eggs ensures a rich texture that’s still light and airy.
- Sour Cream: Sour cream adds a hint of tang and a creamy texture. It also helps keep the cake incredibly moist without being dense. If you don’t have sour cream, you can use plain yogurt as a substitute.
No special equipment is needed for this recipe! A mixing bowl, whisk, and baking pan are all you need to make this easy pistachio cake.
How To Make This Pistachio Cake

Creating this pistachio cake is as simple as mix, bake, and enjoy! Follow these steps for a perfect cake every time.
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9x13-inch baking pan. This will ensure your cake bakes evenly and releases easily.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, pistachio pudding mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and sour cream. Stir everything together until you have a smooth, lump-free batter. You can use a whisk or spoon; no electric mixer is needed.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan on the counter a few times to remove any air bubbles and to help the batter settle.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden around the edges and springy to the touch in the center.
Let the cake cool completely in the pan before adding any toppings. Once cool, you can enjoy it as is, dust it with powdered sugar, or spread a light glaze over the top for a bit of extra sweetness.
Storage Options
This pistachio cake stores wonderfully, making it perfect for baking ahead or enjoying leftovers.
- Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping it covered will prevent it from drying out.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, place the cake in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to a week, and the texture will remain moist. Be sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Freezer: If you'd like to freeze the cake, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen cake can be stored for up to three months. To enjoy, let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the fridge.
When you're ready to serve, you can warm a slice in the microwave for about 10 seconds if you like a slightly warm, fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Variations and Substitutions
This pistachio cake is versatile and easy to customize to your taste. Here are a few fun ideas to make it your own:
- Add Chocolate Chips: For a chocolatey twist, add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter. The chocolate complements the pistachio flavor beautifully.
- Top with Chopped Nuts: If you want even more pistachio flavor, sprinkle chopped pistachios on top of the cake or mix them into the batter for a bit of crunch.
- Use a Bundt Pan: Make this cake even more impressive by baking it in a bundt pan. Simply adjust the baking time to 40-45 minutes and check for doneness with a toothpick.
- Lemon or Almond Extract: For a hint of extra flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon or almond extract to the batter. Both pair wonderfully with pistachio and bring out its nutty flavor.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: If you’re looking for a richer finish, top the cake with a smooth cream cheese frosting. The tangy sweetness adds a delightful contrast to the nutty cake.
Feel free to experiment with your favorite additions and make this pistachio cake your own! Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add a twist, this cake is bound to become a favorite.
PrintEasy Pistachio Cake Recipe
This Easy Pistachio Cake Recipe combines rich pistachio flavor with a soft, moist texture that's perfect for dessert lovers. Made with simple ingredients, it’s an easy-to-follow recipe that bakes up a deliciously nutty, crowd-pleasing cake.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 box of white or yellow cake mix
- 1 package (3.4 oz) pistachio instant pudding mix
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup club soda or water
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup chopped pistachios (optional)
- Frosting of choice (cream cheese or whipped topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan.
- In a large bowl, mix cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, club soda, and oil. Stir until smooth.
- Fold in chopped pistachios if using.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cake cool completely before frosting.
Notes
- Substitute club soda with milk or water for different textures.
- For added pistachio flavor, use a bit of pistachio extract.
- Garnish with crushed pistachios or white chocolate shavings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 280mg
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