A delicious doctored cake mix recipe using pistachio pudding mix, this Pistachio Pudding Cake is tender, flavorful and takes less than 10 minutes to whip up! It’s the perfect pistachio dessert when you want something quick and easy.

Pistachio Pudding Cake Recipe

Pistachio is one of those classic dessert flavors that is so often overlooked.

Pistachios have a subtle, slightly floral flavor while having that rich mouthfeel of other higher-fat nuts like cashews and walnuts. It’s incredibly versatile and pairs well with everything from savory dishes to chocolate or cherries.

That bright green hue lends itself perfectly to making show-stopping desserts, especially for Christmas or St. Patrick’s Day, and a bright red maraschino cherry on top really sets it off.

This pistachio pudding cake plays up the delicious flavor of pistachios by incorporating them three ways:

• doctoring up a cake mix with pistachio pudding, resulting in a tender and fluffy cake
• mixing it with Cool Whip for a light, creamy frosting
• and finally, topping the finished cake with more crushed pistachios for added texture and gorgeous presentation

This pistachio pudding cake is a pistachio lover’s dream!

The pistachio pudding mix already has little bits of chopped pistachios, but if you want to take this cake to the next level you can swirl chopped maraschino cherries, nuts, white chocolate chips or sprinkles into the batter.

Check out our quick recipe video to see how easy this pistachio pudding cake is to make – and then don’t forget to scroll down to grab your free printable recipe card:

More Pistachio Recipes

• Honeyed Ricotta Crostini with Pistachios and Pomegranate Seeds
• Pistachio Dessert Lasagna
• Pistachio Pudding Ice Cream
• Pistachio Pudding Cookies

Pistachio Pudding Cake Ingredients

Cake Ingredients:

• White Cake Mix
• Pistachio Pudding Mix
• Eggs
• Vegetable Oil
• Milk

Frosting Ingredients:

• Cool Whip
• Pistachio Pudding Mix
• Milk

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped Pistachios
• Maraschino Cherries

Scroll down to the printable recipe card for full measurements.

Tip: you can also swirl maraschino cherries, nuts, white chocolate chips or sprinkles into the batter.

Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer <– this is a great hand mixer if you don’t want to make the investment into a stand mixer
• 9″ x 13″ Casserole Dish <– I love these Pyrex dishes with fitted lids for easy transportation to parties or leftover storage
• Off-set spatula

How to Make Pistachio Cake Using Pudding Mix

Preheat the oven to 350F

Grease and line a 9″ x 13″ cake pan. Set aside.

Combine all of the cake ingredients together and beat for two minutes until completely smooth.

Fold the cake batter into the cake pan and smooth down evenly.

Bake for 30 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

Remove from oven and allow to cool in the pan.

Cool completely before frosting.

To make the frosting, combine the Cool Whip and pudding mix until completely combined. Add the milk, as needed, until you achieve your desired frosting consistency.

Spread the frosting on the cooled cake and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Pin this Easy Pistachio Cake for your next baking session:

Grab your free printable for our pistachio pudding cake recipe:

I hope the pistachio lovers in your home love this easy pistachio pudding cake recipe!

For more delicious recipes using pistachio pudding mix, check out our Pistachio Lush or our Pistachio Pudding Cookies.