Pistachio Bundt Cake with Pudding Mix

Want to make this cake even more decadent? Top it with a simple glaze or cream cheese frosting for a showstopping dessert perfect for any special occasion, from baby showers to St. Patrick’s Day.

Looking for more delicious cake recipes? Try my Tres Leches Bundt Cake or Mexican Chocolate Bundt Cake for more dessert inspiration!

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Recipe: Using a stand mixer or electric mixer, this cake comes together quickly with basic pantry staples and a few special ingredients for a flavorful cake that tastes completely homemade.
• Perfect Texture: The addition of instant pistachio pudding mix ensures a tender crumb and moist cake every time, while real pistachios add wonderful texture and enhance the natural flavor of pistachios.
• Make Ahead Friendly: This cake can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container, making it perfect for party planning or when you want to get ahead on your baking.
• Versatile Dessert: Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, hosting a baby shower, or just want a good book club dessert, this bundt cake fits any occasion with its elegant appearance and delicious taste.

Recipe Ingredients

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

Ingredient Notes:

• Unsalted butter – Let your butter come to room temperature for the best results. This allows it to cream properly with the sugar for a more buttery flavor and perfect cake texture.
• All-purpose flour – The foundation of our cake batter, properly measured flour ensures a tender crumb. You can sift it with the dry ingredients for an even finer texture.
• Eggs – Use large eggs at room temperature to help them incorporate better into the batter.
• Superfine sugar – This finer sugar dissolves easily into the batter, creating a smooth texture.
• Baking powder – Fresh baking powder is essential for proper rise and texture of the cake.
• Pistachios and hazelnuts – These nuts add wonderful texture and enhance the nutty flavor. You can process them in the bowl of a food processor for finer pieces.
• Instant pistachio pudding mix – This adds moisture, flavor, and a lovely pale green color to the cake.
• Whole milk – Adds richness and helps create the proper cake batter consistency.

Substitutions and Additions

• Extracts – Add almond extract or vanilla extract to enhance the flavor
• Food coloring – A couple drops of green food coloring can intensify the color
• Nuts – Replace hazelnuts with additional chopped pistachios
• Topping options – Try chocolate ganache or powdered sugar glaze instead of the pudding glaze

How to Make Pistachio Bundt Cake (step-by-step directions)

STEP 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Thoroughly grease a 9-inch bundt cake pan, ensuring you coat all the sides of the bowl.

STEP 2. In a large mixing bowl or bowl of a stand mixer, cream together room temperature butter, and sugar at medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

STEP 3. Add eggs one at a time at low speed, scraping down the sides of the bowl between additions.

STEP 4. In a medium bowl, combine flour and baking powder. Soak nuts briefly, then toss with the dry ingredients, reserving some pistachios for garnish.

STEP 5. Gradually fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. (Photo 1)

STEP 6. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for approximately 40 minutes or until a tester comes out clean. (Photos 2, 3 & 4)

Recipe Tips

• Grease your bundt pan thoroughly with nonstick spray or use a pastry brush with melted butter for easy release
• Bring all refrigerated ingredients to room temperature for the best results
• Don’t overmix the batter once you add the flour to ensure a tender crumb
• Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack

Storing Tips

• Storage: Keep at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Store for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: Wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the cake a day in advance and add the glaze before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delicious pistachio bundt cake alongside other treats like No Bake Cherry Cheesecake In A Jar or Blueberry Buckle Coffee Cake for a stunning dessert spread. For more inspiration, check out these Best Pumpkin Dessert Recipes for your next special occasion.

Recipe FAQs