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Deliciously moist Easy Pistachio Cake topped with creamy green cream cheese frosting

Easy Pistachio Cake

A soft and moist pistachio cake topped with tangy cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 1 box Yellow cake mix Standard box for an easy, reliable base.
  • 1 box Instant pistachio pudding mix Small box for flavor and moisture.
  • 3 large Eggs Follow your cake mix box if it differs.
  • 0.5 cup Oil (vegetable or light olive oil)
  • 1 cup Milk or sparkling water Milk makes it richer, sparkling water makes it fluffy.
  • 0.5 cup Sour cream Optional, but makes it extra tender.
  • 0.5 cup Chopped pistachios For texture and topping.
For the Frosting
  • 8 oz Cream cheese Full fat is best for stability.
  • 0.5 cup Butter Softened.
  • 4 cups Powdered sugar Add gradually to avoid puffing.
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Rounds out the flavor.
  • 1 pinch Salt Wakes up the flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, combine yellow cake mix, instant pistachio pudding mix, eggs, oil, milk, and sour cream.
  3. Mix until well combined and smooth.
  4. Fold in chopped pistachios.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
Frosting
  1. In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until creamy.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, mixing until smooth.
  3. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake.
Decorating
  1. Spread cream cheese frosting in swoops with the back of a spoon.
  2. Sprinkle chopped pistachios around the edges or in the center.
  3. Add a tiny pinch of flaky salt on top.

Notes

Can be made ahead of time. Bake a day in advance or frost a day ahead and let sit out for 15 minutes before serving. Store unfrosted in an airtight container for up to 2 months.