Jello Pistachio Pudding Bundt Cake

What makes this cake work

A pistachio pudding bundt is a classic shortcut cake. Instead of making a batter from scratch, you start with a boxed white or yellow cake mix and add an instant pistachio pudding mix, eggs, oil and sour cream. The pudding mix adds flavor and contributes to a soft, moist, slightly dense crumb, and the sour cream adds richness and a little tang that keeps the cake from tasting too sweet.

Some recipes online use a from-scratch batter with chopped pistachios and a pudding glaze, so you will see both styles. This page focuses on the cake mix version, with notes on how to borrow ideas from the scratch version.

Ingredients

• 1 box white or yellow cake mix
• 1 small box (about 3.4 ounces) instant pistachio pudding mix
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup water or milk
• Optional: 1/2 to 3/4 cup chopped pistachios
• Powdered sugar, or a simple glaze, for finishing

Check the cake mix box, since the amount of liquid and number of eggs can vary by brand. Use the instant pudding mix, not the cook-and-serve type.

How to make it

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Grease and flour a 10 or 12 cup bundt pan thoroughly, getting into every ridge.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix and pudding mix. Add the eggs, sour cream, oil and water, and mix with an electric mixer until smooth, about 2 minutes.
4. If using nuts, fold them in at the end. Tossing chopped nuts in a spoonful of the dry mix first helps keep them from sinking.
5. Pour the batter into the pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, usually about 45 to 55 minutes. Start checking toward the early end.
6. Cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes, then invert onto a rack and cool completely.

Pan prep and getting it out cleanly

The most common problem with any bundt is sticking. Use a pastry brush to spread melted shortening or softened butter into every groove, then dust with flour, or use a baking spray that contains flour. Let the cake rest in the pan for about 10 to 15 minutes before turning it out. If it does not release, a warm towel on the pan can help loosen it.

Glaze and topping options

• Dusting of powdered sugar for the simplest finish.
• Vanilla glaze: powdered sugar whisked with milk and vanilla, as in our two-ingredient icing recipe.
• Pistachio pudding glaze: a spoonful of the dry pudding mix whisked into a milk-and-powdered-sugar glaze gives a pale green drizzle, similar to one popular from-scratch version.
• Fresh fruit and whipped cream on the side.

Let the cake cool fully before glazing so the glaze sets instead of sliding off.

Tips

• Do not overmix once the ingredients are combined; mix until smooth, then stop.
• Bring eggs and sour cream to room temperature for a more even batter.
• If you add nuts, use raw or lightly toasted unsalted pistachios so the cake does not turn out salty.
• Bake in a round or loaf pan if you do not have a bundt pan, but expect a different bake time and test for doneness with a toothpick.

Substitutions and variations

• Plain yogurt can replace sour cream.
• Butter can replace the oil for a more buttery flavor, though the texture will be slightly different.
• Almond extract (a small amount) pairs well with pistachio.
• You can use a vanilla or French vanilla cake mix in place of white.

Storage and make-ahead

Store the cake, covered, at room temperature for a day or two, or refrigerate it if it has a perishable topping. You can freeze it unglazed, well wrapped, and thaw at room temperature. Glaze it the day you serve it.

Pistachio pudding FAQ

Do they still make pistachio pudding? Jell-O instant pistachio pudding mix has been sold in the United States, but availability varies by store and season. If you cannot find it, try a larger grocery store or an online retailer, and check the product listing for the current packaging.

How can I make pistachio cake with cake mix? Use the method above: a white or yellow mix, instant pistachio pudding mix, eggs, oil, sour cream and water, baked in a bundt pan.

Does Whole Foods Market sell pistachio cake? Bakery selections change by location, so we cannot confirm this. Your local store’s bakery counter or website is the best source.

Is Jello pistachio pudding gluten free? Formulations and manufacturing practices can change, so check the current package label or contact the manufacturer. Also note that standard cake mix usually contains wheat flour, so this cake is not gluten free unless you use a gluten-free cake mix labeled as such.

What to serve with it

A pistachio bundt pairs well with coffee or tea, fresh berries (or roasted strawberries), or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It also travels well to potlucks.

Related recipes

For another mix-based cake with a different flavor, try our blueberry cake with cake mix. If you like bundts with a hot syrup poured over, our best crack cake recipe is a good next step. For breakfast, see the easy cinnamon coffee cake with cake mix.