Made with a simple cake mix and a box of instant pistachio pudding, this recipe has been a family favorite since the 1970s, when pudding-mix cakes first became popular.
It’s topped with a light and creamy pistachio frosting made from whipped topping and more instant pudding for a dessert that’s as dreamy as it is nostalgic.
Why You Will Love This Pistachio Cake
- Simple ingredients – Just a cake mix, pudding, eggs, and a few pantry staples.
- Moist and tender texture – The pudding mix locks in moisture, keeping the cake soft for days.
- Nostalgic flavor – This dessert has that vintage '70s charm, reminding many of church potlucks and holiday dinners.
- Eye-catching color – The natural green hue makes it perfect for spring, Easter, Christmas, or St. Patrick’s Day.
- Crowd pleaser – Even people who don’t usually love pistachios fall in love with this cake!
Tips To Make Pistachio Cake
- Use soda instead of water – Lemon-lime soda or club soda makes the cake extra light.
- Try bundt style – Bake it in a bundt pan for a pretty presentation.
- Add coconut or pineapple – Mix in crushed pineapple or shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
- Make it extra nutty – Sprinkle chopped pistachios or pecans on top of the frosting for crunch.
- Chill before slicing – This cake tastes best after chilling for a few hours to let the flavors blend.
- Substitute lemon soda for water or lemon-lime soda.
- Add more nuts like pistachios or almonds
- Don't overbake this
- Do heavily grease whatever pan you're using
- Add funfetti sprinkles to the batter to make a fun children's party cake!
- Add a chocolate chip for a different pistachio and chocolate chip cake
- Pistachio-Pineapple Cake (aka Watergate Cake): Add crushed pineapple to the batter and frosting for a fruity retro version.
- Chocolate Pistachio Cake: Fold in mini chocolate chips or swirl with chocolate batter for a pistachio-chocolate combo.
- Holiday Pistachio Cake: Add red maraschino cherries for a festive Christmas look.
Fun Recipe Facts
This cake dates back to the mid-1970s, when Kraft introduced pistachio instant pudding mix.Around that time, “Watergate Salad” and “Watergate Cake” recipes took off, named after the famous political scandal.
Since then, pistachio pudding cake has remained a beloved retro dessert that still finds its way to family gatherings today.
Final Thoughts on Pistachio Cake
This Pistachio Instant Pudding Cake with Whipped Topping Frosting is more than just a dessert—it’s a slice of history.Light, fluffy, creamy, and slightly nutty, it’s the kind of recipe that gets passed down through generations.
Whether you serve it at a holiday dinner, potluck, or just because, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles and second servings.
Pistachio Cake Pin for later
Yield: 15
Pistachio Cake
This Pistachio Instant Pudding Cake with Whipped Topping Frosting is more than just a dessert—it’s a slice of history. Light, fluffy, creamy, perfect!
Prep time: 14 MinCook time: 35 MinTotal time: 49 Min
Ingredients
- 1 package yellow or white cake mix
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup of water
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 package instant pistachio pudding
- 1/4 cup oil (I use vegetable)
- Optional: 4 drops green food coloring, 1/2 cup chopped pistachios. (The pudding makes it light green.)
- Frosting:
- 1 - 8-ounce tub of whipped topping or heavy cream, sweetened and whipped
- 1 box pistachio instant pudding
- 1/2 cup cold milk
Instructions
- Place all in a bowl, using an electric mixer, beat for 3 minutes.
- Pour into a 13 x 9 greased pan or bundt pan.
- Bake at 350 degrees until the middle comes clean with a toothpick.
- Around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the pan you use.
- Frost or dust with powdered sugar.
- Frosting:
- Mix both pudding and milk until blended evenly, and fold thawed whipped topping or real whipped cream into the mixture.
- Spread on cooled cake.
- Refrigerate. I like to decorate the top of mine with whole pistachios and some chopped or shaved chocolate.
Notes
Tips To Make Pistachio Cake
- Use soda instead of water – Lemon-lime soda or club soda makes the cake extra light.
- Try bundt style – Bake it in a bundt pan for a pretty presentation.
- Add coconut or pineapple – Mix in crushed pineapple or shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
- Make it extra nutty – Sprinkle chopped pistachios or pecans on top of the frosting for crunch.
- Chill before slicing – This cake tastes best after chilling for a few hours to let the flavors blend.
- Substitute lemon soda for water or lemon-lime soda.
- Add more nuts like pistachios or almonds
- Don't overbake this
- Do heavily grease whatever pan you're using
- Add funfetti sprinkles to the batter to make a fun children's party cake!
- Add a chocolate chip for a different pistachio and chocolate chip cake
- Pistachio-Pineapple Cake (aka Watergate Cake): Add crushed pineapple to the batter and frosting for a fruity retro version.
- Chocolate Pistachio Cake: Fold in mini chocolate chips or swirl with chocolate batter for a pistachio-chocolate combo.
- Holiday Pistachio Cake: Add red maraschino cherries for a festive Christmas look.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
251Fat (grams)
8 gSat. Fat (grams)
2 gCarbs (grams)
43 gFiber (grams)
0 gNet carbs
42 gSugar (grams)
28 gProtein (grams)
3 gSodium (milligrams)
401 mgCholesterol (grams)
45 mgThe default measuring system for this website is US Customary. Unit conversions are provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. While we strive to provide accurate unit conversions, please be aware that there may be some discrepancies.
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Pistachio Cake Pin for later
Don't Forget To Try Some Of My Other Pistachio Recipes!
Shamrock Cookies
Pistachio Ambrosia
Pistachio Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream
Pistachio Cake with Sugar Cone Christmas Trees
Halloween Pistachio Witches Fingers
Pistachio and Amaretto Fudge
Disclosure: This recipe was originally shared in 2016. It was edited and re-published in 2020.
