If you’re searching for a festive dessert that’s guaranteed to steal the show, this Saint Patrick’s Day Pistachio Pudding Cake is about to become your new holiday favorite. With its impossibly soft crumb, splash of green, and a sweet, nutty glaze, every slice bursts with charm and flavor. Whether you’re hosting a spirited party, treating your loved ones, or simply craving a slice of something special, this celebration-worthy cake brings a playful touch and melt-in-your-mouth texture that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this cake is just how easy it is to pull off with a handful of accessible ingredients. Each one, from the pudding mix to a splash of soda, is carefully picked to add extra flavor, a vibrant color, and that famous super-moist bite.
- White cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): The perfect blank canvas for all the pistachio flavors—plus, it makes things extra simple.
- Instant pistachio pudding mix (1 box, 3.4 oz): This is the flavor booster! It adds color, moisture, and that signature nutty sweetness.
- Large eggs (4): Four eggs create a rich, supple cake that holds its shape with every slice.
- Vegetable oil (1 cup): For that luscious, tender crumb—don’t skimp, it really makes a difference.
- Club soda or lemon-lime soda (1 cup): Adds lift and a delicate airiness you’ll love. Lemon-lime soda gives an extra hint of citrus zing!
- Chopped pistachios (½ cup, optional): If you want a little crunch and extra pistachio punch, toss these in.
- Green food coloring (optional): A drop or two brings that iconic “luck of the Irish” green to your Saint Patrick’s Day Pistachio Pudding Cake.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): The foundation of your silky glaze. Can’t skip this sweet finish.
- Milk (2–3 tablespoons): Helps get the glaze to that perfect drizzling consistency.
- Almond extract (¼ teaspoon, optional): Just a hint takes the flavor to a whole new level of irresistible.
- Green sprinkles or chopped pistachios (for topping): Because a little sparkle makes every cake more fun!
How to Make Saint Patrick’s Day Pistachio Pudding Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab your favorite bundt pan and grease it generously—either with butter and flour or a nifty baking spray that includes flour. This keeps your Saint Patrick’s Day Pistachio Pudding Cake from sticking and ensures that gorgeous, detailed shape comes out intact.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a big mixing bowl, whisk together your white cake mix and instant pistachio pudding mix. This combo not only saves time but also delivers unbeatable flavor and keeps the cake gloriously moist.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients and Color
Into the bowl, add the eggs, vegetable oil, and your choice of club soda or lemon-lime soda. Beat everything together with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2–3 minutes, until your batter is smooth and a bit fluffy. If you’re going for the trademark green, add a few drops of food coloring at this stage. Fold in those chopped pistachios if you love a little nutty bite.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into the greased bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Your kitchen will start to smell absolutely heavenly! Check for doneness with a toothpick—if it comes out clean, your cake is ready.
Step 5: Cool and Release
Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes to help it firm up and release cleanly. Then gently invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. That’s when all the magic happens and your Saint Patrick’s Day Pistachio Pudding Cake reveals its sculpted bundt edges.
Step 6: Glaze and Decorate
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and optional almond extract until your glaze is smooth and just pourable—not runny. Drizzle it slowly over the cooled cake, letting it cascade into every beautiful groove. Shower with green sprinkles or a scattering of chopped pistachios to finish!
How to Serve Saint Patrick’s Day Pistachio Pudding Cake
Garnishes
A cake this playful calls for a garnish that’s just as fun! Try finishing your Saint Patrick’s Day Pistachio Pudding Cake with a cascade of bright green sprinkles, a handful of extra pistachios, or even edible gold stars for a magical touch. The glaze will help everything stick beautifully, making every slice picture-perfect and extra festive.
Side Dishes
This cake is stunning all on its own, but it also plays well with others! Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a swirl of lightly whipped cream, or a fresh fruit salad featuring juicy green grapes and kiwi. These sides complement the flavors and let the cake take center stage at your celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Get into the holiday spirit by serving your cake on a shamrock-shaped platter or individual slices on festive green plates. You could even cut slices into mini “cakelettes” and top each one with a dab of frosting and a lucky charm pick for a playful spin. However you slice it, this Saint Patrick’s Day Pistachio Pudding Cake makes a show-stopping centerpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Thanks to the pudding mix and soda, your cake will stay moist for days! Just cover your Saint Patrick’s Day Pistachio Pudding Cake with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, pop it in the fridge so every bite tastes as fresh as the first.
Freezing
If you want to get a head start on your holiday baking, this cake freezes beautifully. Wrap the completely cooled cake (unglazed is best) tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Defrost at room temperature, then add your glaze and garnishes just before serving for a fresh, bakery-quality finish.
Reheating
Saint Patrick’s Day Pistachio Pudding Cake is delicious at room temperature, but if you want a warm slice, simply pop a piece in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. Be sure not to overheat, especially once it’s glazed. A warm slice pairs irresistibly with a scoop of ice cream or hot cup of tea.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of pudding mix?
Technically yes, but if you swap out the pistachio mix, you’ll miss that signature green color and nutty flavor that makes Saint Patrick’s Day Pistachio Pudding Cake so special. Stick with pistachio for tradition and maximum flavor!
Is it better with club soda or lemon-lime soda?
Both will do the job, but lemon-lime soda adds a subtle citrus brightness that works beautifully with the pistachio. Go with whatever you have on hand—or try each version and see which you love!
Do I have to use green food coloring?
Not at all! The pudding mix gives the cake a gentle green hue on its own, but a drop or two of food coloring really brings that festive, “pot of gold” look that everyone associates with Saint Patrick’s Day Pistachio Pudding Cake.
Can I make this cake without a bundt pan?
You sure can! Try using a standard 9×13-inch pan or even divide the batter into cupcakes. Just adjust the baking time accordingly and keep an eye on doneness—a toothpick test is always your best friend.
How do I keep the glaze smooth and shiny?
Whisk your glaze ingredients until completely smooth before drizzling, and pour it over a fully cooled cake for the glossiest result. If you want a thicker glaze, use less milk; for a thinner drizzle, add an extra spoonful as needed.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to wait for March to enjoy the joy (and the compliments) that come with serving up this vibrant treat. Whip up a Saint Patrick’s Day Pistachio Pudding Cake and watch every face light up as you slice into its emerald green layers. Trust me, friends and family will be asking for the recipe long after the last crumb disappears!
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Saint Patrick’s Day Pistachio Pudding Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with this delightful Saint Patrick’s Day Pistachio Pudding Cake. A moist and fluffy cake infused with the nutty flavor of pistachios, topped with a sweet glaze and festive green sprinkles.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant pistachio pudding mix
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup club soda or lemon-lime soda
- ½ cup chopped pistachios (optional)
- green food coloring (optional for a deeper green color)
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- green sprinkles or chopped pistachios for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a bundt pan (or use baking spray with flour).
- Prepare the cake: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix and pistachio pudding mix. Add the eggs, vegetable oil, and soda. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2–3 minutes, until smooth and slightly fluffy. Add green food coloring if desired. Fold in chopped pistachios.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract. Drizzle over the cooled cake and top with sprinkles or chopped pistachios.
Notes
- This cake stays incredibly moist thanks to the pudding mix and soda.
- Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a sweet green celebration!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
