There's something so irresistible about a soft, moist pistachio cake with its nutty sweetness and tender crumb. This easy recipe brings the unique flavor of pistachios to life in a dessert that's both elegant and simple to make, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a special gathering or just a treat for yourself, this pistachio cake is sure to impress.

I discovered this recipe when I was searching for a quick dessert that would still feel special. It’s become my go-to for everything from birthdays to casual family nights, and the best part? It all comes together with just a few ingredients in under an hour.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Pistachio Cake

This Easy Pistachio Cake is more than just a beautiful dessert—it’s a keeper recipe that everyone will rave about.

First, it’s incredibly quick to whip up. Using a cake mix as a base keeps it easy without compromising on taste, making it perfect for busy bakers who want something delicious without too much fuss.

Another reason to love this cake is its amazing texture. Thanks to the addition of instant pistachio pudding mix, each bite is moist and tender, with a subtle pistachio flavor that’s perfectly balanced—not too sweet, not too nutty.

And, of course, the color! This cake bakes up with a lovely pastel green hue, which is visually appealing and makes it perfect for celebrations like Easter, spring gatherings, or even St. Patrick’s Day.

Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite toppings, whether that’s a cream cheese frosting, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or a sprinkle of chopped pistachios for added crunch.

Ingredients Notes

This Easy Pistachio Cake recipe shines because of a few simple, accessible ingredients that deliver big flavor with minimal effort.

Cake Mix: Starting with a box of yellow or white cake mix saves time and creates a light, fluffy base that perfectly complements the pistachio flavor. Choose a high-quality brand for the best results.
Instant Pistachio Pudding Mix: This is the secret to the cake’s signature flavor and color. The pudding mix adds both pistachio flavor and extra moisture, making each slice wonderfully soft.
Eggs: Eggs provide structure and richness. I recommend using large eggs for this recipe for the best consistency.
Milk: Milk helps thin the batter to the right consistency while adding moisture. You can use whole milk for a richer cake, or swap it with almond milk if you prefer a dairy-free option.
Vegetable Oil: This adds a subtle richness and keeps the cake moist without overwhelming the pistachio flavor. You can also use melted butter for a slightly denser texture if you’d like.
Chopped Pistachios: Optional but highly recommended! Folding in chopped pistachios adds a bit of crunch and extra pistachio flavor to each slice.

For equipment, you’ll need a standard 9x13-inch baking pan or two 8-inch round cake pans, a mixing bowl, and an electric mixer or whisk.

How to Make This Easy Pistachio Cake

Making this cake is as easy as it gets. Let’s walk through the steps to ensure your cake turns out perfect every time.

Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking pan. If you’re using round pans, consider lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, pistachio pudding mix, eggs, milk, and vegetable oil. Use an electric mixer to blend the ingredients on medium speed until smooth, about 2-3 minutes. The batter should be thick and creamy with a lovely light green color.
Fold in Chopped Pistachios
If you’re adding chopped pistachios, gently fold them into the batter with a spatula. This adds a bit of texture and brings out the pistachio flavor even more.
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. For round cakes, start checking around the 25-minute mark to prevent overbaking.
Cool and Decorate
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, top with your choice of frosting, a dusting of powdered sugar, or more chopped pistachios for an elegant finish.

This cake should take under an hour from start to finish, making it a great option for last-minute desserts or easy weekend baking.

Storage Options

To keep this Pistachio Cake fresh and delicious, here’s how to store it:

Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’ve frosted it, make sure the frosting is suitable for room-temperature storage.
Refrigerator: If you’re in a warmer climate or want to keep the cake for longer, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to a week. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezer: This cake freezes well! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.

For reheating, a few seconds in the microwave brings back the fresh-out-of-the-oven taste, especially if you enjoy it warm.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Pistachio Cake recipe is its flexibility. Here are a few ways to customize it:

Lemon Pistachio Cake: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for a hint of citrus that pairs beautifully with the pistachio.
Chocolate Chip Pistachio Cake: Stir in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips for an added sweet surprise in every bite.
Vegan Option: Use a vegan cake mix, plant-based milk, and replace each egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
Cream Cheese Frosting: A layer of cream cheese frosting complements the pistachio flavor perfectly. Simply whip cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla extract for an irresistible topping.
Bundt Cake: If you want a more dramatic presentation, use a bundt pan for a beautifully shaped cake. Be sure to adjust the baking time slightly, as bundt cakes take a bit longer.

This cake is as adaptable as it is delicious, so feel free to experiment and make it your own!

This easy pistachio cake recipe is sure to become a staple in your baking rotation. With its moist texture, beautiful color, and quick prep time, it’s a dessert you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy every delicious slice!