Saint Patrick’s Day Pistachio Pudding Cake

Looking for a fun, festive dessert to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day? Look no further! This Saint Patrick’s Day Pistachio Pudding Cake is a total showstopper. Think of it as the perfect blend of a rich, tender cake with a creamy pistachio pudding filling that makes each bite melt in your mouth. The bright green hue makes it the perfect festive treat for the holiday—plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festivities. Whether you’re celebrating with family or hosting a Saint Patrick’s Day party, this cake will quickly become a crowd favorite!

Why You’ll Love Saint Patrick’s Day Pistachio Pudding Cake

Perfect for Saint Patrick’s Day

The vibrant green color not only fits the Saint Patrick’s Day theme perfectly, but the nutty pistachio flavor adds a delicious twist that’s totally unexpected and amazing.

Easy to Make

This cake is simple to prepare with just a few ingredients and minimal steps. You don’t need to be a baking pro to make something as delicious as this.

Moist and Flavorful

With the combination of pistachio pudding and cake, you’re left with a cake that’s both moist and full of flavor, while the pudding layer adds a delightful creamy texture.

Crowd-Pleasing

It’s the type of dessert that appeals to all ages. Kids will love the color, while adults will appreciate the unique flavor combination. It’s a win-win!

Ingredients

For the Pistachio Cake:

• Boxed Yellow Cake Mix: This is the base of the cake, and it gives us that soft, tender crumb with minimal effort.
• Pistachio Pudding Mix: This gives the cake both its green color and a nutty, creamy flavor that everyone will love.
• Eggs: Help bind everything together and create a light, airy texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and keeps the cake soft.
• Water: To help mix everything together and create the perfect batter consistency.

For the Pistachio Pudding Layer:

• Instant Pistachio Pudding Mix: The star of the show! This will create that rich, creamy pudding layer in the cake.
• Milk: To make the pudding smooth and creamy.
• Whipped Topping or Heavy Cream: Adds extra creaminess to the pudding and a touch of richness.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Prepare the Cake:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish, or use non-stick spray for easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, pistachio pudding mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Beat everything together until smooth and fully combined.
3. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan.

Prepare the Pistachio Pudding Layer:

4. Make the Pudding: In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant pistachio pudding mix and milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken.
5. Add Whipped Topping: Once the pudding has set, fold in the whipped topping or heavy cream to make it extra smooth and creamy.

Assemble the Cake:

6. Layer the Pudding: Once the cake has cooled, carefully cut small holes into the cake using a fork or skewer (this helps the pudding seep into the cake). Spread the pistachio pudding layer evenly over the top of the cake, making sure to fill the holes.
7. Chill the Cake: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld together and allow the pudding to firm up.

Serve:

8. Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, slice the cake into squares, and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or extra pistachio pieces for a fun garnish. You’re ready to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day in delicious style!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 220
Fat per serving: 12g
Carbs per serving: 25g
Protein per serving: 2g
Sugar per serving: 15g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes

How to Serve Saint Patrick’s Day Pistachio Pudding Cake

As a Festive Dessert:

Perfect for a Saint Patrick’s Day gathering, this cake looks beautiful on a dessert table and adds a fun pop of color to the celebration.

With Whipped Cream or Ice Cream:

A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the moist cake and creamy pistachio pudding layer.

With Fresh Fruit:

For a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cake, serve it with fresh berries, like strawberries or raspberries. The tartness complements the sweetness of the cake.

Additional Tips

Make It a Day Ahead:

This cake actually gets better after chilling for a day, as the pudding layer has more time to set. It’s a great make-ahead option for busy holiday celebrations!

Use a Hand Mixer:

To get that light and fluffy cake texture, using a hand mixer can make the process easier. It ensures everything is mixed smoothly and evenly.

Top with Chopped Pistachios:

For an added crunch and a more intense pistachio flavor, sprinkle some chopped pistachios over the top of the cake after serving.

Go for a Fun Garnish:

A drizzle of chocolate sauce or some green sprinkles would be a fun way to elevate this cake for Saint Patrick’s Day!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a homemade cake mix instead of boxed?
A1: Absolutely! If you prefer to make the cake from scratch, just substitute a homemade yellow cake recipe. The pistachio pudding mix will still give the cake its flavor and color.

Q2: Can I use a different flavor of pudding mix?
A2: You can experiment with other flavors of pudding, but pistachio is the classic choice for this cake. If you want something different, try vanilla or chocolate for a twist.

Q3: Can I freeze this cake?
A3: Yes! You can freeze the cake (without the pudding layer) for up to a month. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw it in the fridge before adding the pudding layer.

Q4: How long does the cake last in the fridge?
A4: This cake will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s stored in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Q5: Can I make the cake gluten-free?
A5: Yes! Use a gluten-free cake mix, and make sure the pudding mix is gluten-free as well.

Q6: Can I use dairy-free alternatives?
A6: Yes! You can substitute dairy-free milk (like almond or oat milk) and use a dairy-free whipped topping or heavy cream if needed.

Q7: Can I make this cake in advance?
A7: Definitely! This cake actually gets better the longer it sits in the fridge. It’s perfect for making a day or two ahead of time.

Q8: How do I prevent the pudding from separating from the cake?
A8: Make sure to cool the cake completely before adding the pudding layer, and press the pudding gently into the cake holes to help it set in place.

Q9: Can I add food coloring to make the cake a brighter green?
A9: If you want a more intense green color, feel free to add a few drops of green food coloring to the cake mix or the pudding layer.

Q10: What should I do if the cake isn’t done in the middle?
A10: If your cake isn’t fully cooked, continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking the center with a toothpick to make sure it comes out clean.

Conclusion

This Saint Patrick’s Day Pistachio Pudding Cake is a fun, easy, and festive dessert that will wow your guests and leave them asking for more. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, nutty, and sweet, all with the beautiful green color that’s perfect for Saint Patrick’s Day. So grab your ingredients and get ready to indulge in this deliciously simple treat!

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