Pistachio Pudding Cake is a unique and indulgent dessert that combines the rich, nutty flavor of pistachios with a soft, airy texture. This cake is a delightful treat for anyone who loves pistachios, and its smooth, velvety pudding layer adds an extra touch of decadence. The cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family gathering, a dinner party, or even a holiday celebration.
The cake starts with a simple batter made from cake mix, pistachio pudding mix, eggs, and butter. When baked, the batter separates into two layers: a dense, cake-like top and a creamy, pudding-like bottom. The pudding layer is rich and flavorful, infused with the distinct taste of pistachios, while the top remains light and slightly spongy. The result is a dessert that feels both comforting and sophisticated, with the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Pistachio Pudding Cake is also incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients and minimal preparation. It bakes up quickly and can be served warm or at room temperature. For an added touch, top the cake with whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or a few crushed pistachios to enhance both the flavor and presentation.
This dessert is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a visual delight. Its pale green color gives it an inviting and festive look, making it an excellent choice for spring gatherings, holiday meals, or any special occasion. Pistachio Pudding Cake is a unique, flavorful dessert that will stand out at any table and leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix about 18.25 ounces
- 1 package instant pistachio pudding mix about 3.4 ounces
- 4 units large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup chopped pistachios for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, pistachio pudding mix, eggs, sour cream, vegetable oil, and milk.
- Beat the mixture on medium speed for 2 minutes until well mixed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the chopped pistachios evenly over the top of the batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.
Nutrition
Wow, this cake is delicious! I took it to a potluck and it was gone in minutes. Everyone wanted the recipe! 🥳
I was a bit skeptical about using pudding in a cake, but it surprised me! It turned out pretty good, but I feel like it’s missing something. Maybe a hint of chocolate? Just a thought.
This pistachio pudding cake is amazing! So moist and flavorful. My family devoured it in no time. Will definitely make again!
I tried this recipe last night and it was a hit! Can’t believe how easy it was, too. Thanks for sharing!
Is it me or does pistachio taste weird? I don’t get the hype, just my opinion.
Pistachios in a cake? Never heard of that. Sounds weird but I might try it.
This cake looks so good! I can’t wait to try it! Pistachios are my favorite.
It was okay but way too sweet for me. I think next time I skip the topping. Pistachio cake, why so sweet??
Turned out a little dry for me, maybe I overbaked it. Gonna try again and reduce the time.
Yeah, I had the same issue the first time I made it! Reducing the bake time should help. Good luck!
Omg this cake is amazing! It’s so moist and flavorful. Can’t believe how easy it was!
Simple ingredients but DELISH! I added a bit of vanilla extract and it was perfect.
I didn’t have pistachio pudding, so I used vanilla. It still turned out good.
This cake looked great but it wasn’t sweet enough for my taste. I like my desserts sugary!
I get that! A bit of sugar can really make a difference. Maybe try adding some extra sugar next time? Or a drizzle of honey on top?
This cake is absolutely divine! I made it for my family and they devoured it in minutes!!
I’m so glad to hear that! I can’t wait to try it myself. What did your family think about the pistachio flavor?
Sounds good, but I don’t really like pudding in cake. Is it really worth trying?
Pistachios on cake? Sounds weird but it’s actually good! Would make again!
Why do you add vegetable oil? Doesn’t butter taste better? Just confused.
Who needs oil? Just use butter, its way better flavor! This cake sounds nice though.
I think the oil makes the cake moister. Butter is tasty, but it can make it dry if not used right!
I didn’t have all the ingredients so I used chocolate pudding instead. Still turned out good! LOL.
Too sweet for my taste. I prefer a less sugary dessert. Next time I’ll cut the sugar.
I don’t get the hype. Mine rose uneven and I had to re-level the top after cooling. Flavor is good, but presentation wasn’t great for me.
Can you use any other flavor of pudding? I don’t like pistachios! Guess I’ll just avoid this recipe. 🙁
Cake is definitely a food. Yum.
Absolutely! Cake is life! Can’t wait to try this recipe with pistachios!
This cake was a hit at my family gathering! Everyone loved it and I can’t believe how easy it was to make. Definitely a 5-star recipe!
I made this recipe but it didn’t rise at all. What did I do wrong? It was more like a brick than a cake.
I had a similar problem with mine! I’m wondering if the oven temp was off? Sometimes those oven dials can be tricky. 🤷♂️
It sounds like you may have overmixed the batter or not added enough leavening. Double check your ingredients and make sure everything was fresh! 🤔
Not gonna lie, I was skeptical about using instant pudding in a cake mix, but it came out surprisingly flavorful. I’d add a pinch of salt though—the sweetness was a bit much for me.
Instant pudding in a cake mix sounds sus 😅 But if it’s flavorful, ok. I might cut the sugar next time? Also I usually forget the salt so… yeah that’d help. Just me though.
I was the same—thought instant pudding would turn it weirdly gelatin-y, but it really doesn’t. A tiny pinch of salt makes total sense though; it balances the sweetness.
Followed the reciep but it turned out super dry. Not sure what went wrong.
My family loved this cake! Even my picky eater enjoyed it! Will be making again!
Why so many eggs? Can’t I use just one? I ain’t got that many eggs at home.
You could try it with one egg, but the cake might not rise as well. Eggs help it be fluffy! 🍰
I don’t get how this is a pudding cake. It just feels like regular cake to me 😕.
I’m not a fan of using so much boxed stuff, but I figured I’d try it. Honestly, it tastes like a fancy dessert. Great for potlucks.
Honestly same—boxed stuff isn’t my favorite either, but this one really does come out tasting way more “dessert-y” than I expected. Potlucks love it!
I tried it and it was kinda meh for me. Like, mine didn’t set right in the middle, and I think I overbaked it? Also I used salted pistachios—maybe that’s why it tasted off. Still, the topping was good.
This is weird… pistachio cake shouldn’t be this easy lol
I cooked it 50 minutes and it came out gummy in the middle—maybe I didn’t cool it long enough. The flavor was good but texture was off.
Ugh, I’m sorry! If it was gummy in the middle, cooling time is only part of it—often it’s underbaked or the toothpick test isn’t reliable with this kind of pudding cake. I’d try baking closer to 50–55 min and make sure the center is set (not just “mostly”). Also, don’t slice until it’s fully cool in the pan—at least 1–2 hours for me.
I absolutely love pistachios, and this cake is to die for! The flavor is fantastic!
This is basically just a cake mix with some pudding in it. C’mon! You could bake a rock and people would say it’s good if you dress it up right. 2 stars.
Pistachios? What are those? Just used sunflower seeds instead, still tastes good.
Sunflower seeds? Well, that’s different! But if it tastes good, who cares what you use! 😊
Mine came out kind of dense in the middle. I’m not sure if I underbaked or mixed too long. Anyone else have that happen?
Yummm!!! The best cake I’ve ever made. Everyone loved it at the party!
I’m skeptical of anything that starts with a box cake mix, but wow. This one actually tastes homemade. The sour cream + oil combo is doing work.
Totally get the skepticism, but I agree—using sour cream + oil makes a huge difference. I did this once and it really doesn’t taste like “boxed” at all. Might have to make it again for the holidays.
Ugh, I forgot to add the eggs! My cake came out like soup. So sad right now.
This cake is fantastic! I love pistachios and this recipe did not disappoint. Super moist and delicious!
Dissappointed. I expected better tbh. I hope it turns out better next time.
Yay! Easy recipe and great birthday cake idea!