Name: Creamy Pistachio Bundt Cake with Chocolate Ganache Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box white cake mix; 1 box instant pistachio pudding mix (3.4 oz); 4 eggs; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 1/2 cups water; 1 teaspoon almond extract; a few drops green food coloring; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1/4 cup milk; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon almond extract; Chopped pistachios (for sprinkling)

If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert, let me introduce you to my Creamy Pistachio Bundt Cake with Chocolate Ganache Recipe. This cake is soft, moist, and packed with luscious pistachio flavor, all beautifully topped with a rich chocolate ganache that will have everyone asking for seconds.

A bundt cake sits on a white plate with a white marbled surface background. The cake has two visible layers: the bottom layer is light green, and the top layer is light brown. Thick, smooth dark chocolate glaze pours down from the top of the cake in even streams, covering parts of the sides. The top of the cake is sprinkled with crushed nuts that vary in small bits and light tan to greenish colors. The texture of the cake looks soft and spongy, and the glaze is shiny and rich. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Pistachio Bundt Cake with Chocolate Ganache Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Pistachio Bundt Cake with Chocolate Ganache Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Pistachio Bundt Cake with Chocolate Ganache Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore this cake because it combines two classic flavors in such a delightful way, and it’s surprisingly easy to make – perfect for that special occasion when you want something both unique and comforting.

Irresistibly Moist: Thanks to the pistachio pudding and cake mix combo, this bundt cake stays soft and tender.
Perfect Balance: The creamy pistachio cake and smooth chocolate ganache complement each other beautifully.
Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples come together with just a few extras like almond extract and green food coloring for that festive look.
Great for Celebrations: Ideal for St. Patrick’s Day or any time you want to wow your guests with something delicious and pretty.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before we dive in, a quick note on ingredients: using a quality white cake mix makes all the difference for a fluffy base. The instant pistachio pudding adds flavor and moisture, while a touch of almond extract enhances the nutty notes. And don’t skimp on the chocolate ganache—it’s what truly elevates this cake.

Flat lay of a small box of white cake mix in a simple white ceramic box-shaped dish, a small box of instant pistachio pudding mix in a plain white ceramic square dish, four whole brown eggs with clean shells arranged in a perfect row, a small white ceramic bowl with clear vegetable oil, a small white ceramic bowl filled with clean water, a few small sprigs of fresh green almond leaves, a tiny drop of green food coloring on a white ceramic spoon-shaped dish, a small white ceramic bowl of unsalted butter cubes, a small white ceramic bowl of milk, a small white ceramic bowl of powdered sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of cocoa powder, and a small white ceramic dish with chopped fresh green pistachios, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

White cake mix: Provides a light and fluffy structure that pairs perfectly with the pistachio pudding.
Instant pistachio pudding mix: Amplifies the pistachio flavor and keeps the cake moist.
Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and give the cake its rich texture.
Vegetable oil: Adds moisture without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Water: Needed to hydrate the cake and pudding mix for the perfect batter consistency.
Almond extract: Enhances the nutty, sweet pistachio flavor with a subtle twist.
Green food coloring: Gives your cake that festive, vibrant hue—adjust to your preference.
Unsalted butter: The base for the ganache, lending creaminess without added saltiness.
Milk: Helps smooth the ganache for easy pouring over the cake.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the ganache and helps achieve the right texture.
Cocoa powder: Brings rich chocolate flavor that contrasts beautifully with the pistachio.
Chopped pistachios: Add a crunchy finish and extra pistachio flavor to the top of the cake.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Creamy Pistachio Bundt Cake with Chocolate Ganache Recipe is wonderfully versatile — don’t hesitate to make it your own! Whether you want to dial up the pistachio flavor or experiment with different toppings, a few simple swaps can add your personal touch to this classic dessert.

Variation: For an extra nutty punch, I like to stir in ½ cup of finely ground pistachios directly into the batter. It adds a lovely texture and intensifies that pistachio goodness throughout the cake.
Dairy-Free Twist: Swap the milk and butter in the ganache for coconut milk and coconut oil to keep it completely dairy-free while still maintaining that silky ganache shine.
Festive Flair: Around St. Patrick’s Day, I sometimes add a touch more green food coloring for a vibrant hue that stands out beautifully against the rich chocolate glaze.
Nut-Free Option: If pistachios aren’t your thing or you’re serving someone with allergies, toasted slivered almonds or crushed pretzels on top can add a satisfying crunch instead.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Pistachio Bundt Cake with Chocolate Ganache Recipe

A single slice of bright green cake sits on a white plate, showing a soft and spongy texture. The cake has one thick layer, covered with a dark chocolate frosting that is rough and creamy. Small pieces of chopped nuts are sprinkled on the sides of the frosting, adding a crunch texture and light brown color contrast. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, and a silver fork is placed next to the cake slice. Blurred light brown nuts are scattered in the background, giving a simple and clean look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prep the Pan for Success

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms up, give your 10-inch bundt pan a thorough grease—this is key to a smooth release after baking. I like to use baking spray with flour or generously butter and flour the pan to make sure nothing sticks. Trust me, this step saves you from a cracked or broken cake later!

Step 2: Whip Up the Pistachio-Infused Batter

In your mixer bowl, combine the white cake mix with the instant pistachio pudding mix. This combo gives the cake its classic moist and fluffy texture. Add the eggs, vegetable oil, almond extract, water, and a few drops of green food coloring – adjust the color until it looks just right for your celebration. Beat everything together at medium speed for at least 2 minutes. You’ll notice the batter become smooth and slightly thickened, ready to pour.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared bundt pan. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 55 minutes. Use the classic toothpick test—insert a toothpick in the center of the cake, and if it comes out clean, your cake is perfectly baked. The aroma of pistachio and almond extract filling your kitchen is a great sign you’re on the right track!

Step 4: Patience is a Virtue – Let Your Cake Cool

Once out of the oven, let the cake rest in the pan for about 15 minutes. This short cooldown helps it firm up and makes it easier to unmold. After that, carefully invert the bundt pan onto a cake platter and let the cake cool completely before moving on to frosting. Handling the cake gently now preserves its beautiful shape and texture.

Step 5: Make Your Silky Chocolate Ganache

Place the unsalted butter, milk, and cocoa powder in a small saucepan over low heat. Whisk occasionally as the butter melts and the mixture smooths out — be careful not to let it boil. Once smooth, remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar and almond extract until luscious and glossy. This ganache is the perfect rich contrast to the soft pistachio cake.

Step 6: Frost and Finish with a Crunch

Pour the warm ganache over your slightly warm cake, letting it cascade down the sides naturally. The warmth helps the ganache spread with ease, creating a beautiful glossy coat. Finally, sprinkle chopped pistachios generously on top for added texture and that irresistible pistachio crunch. Allow it to set for a bit before slicing and serving to friends and family.

Top Tip

Mastering the Creamy Pistachio Bundt Cake with Chocolate Ganache Recipe is all about the little details that bring out the best in flavor and texture. These tips come from my own kitchen experiments and are sure to help you bake with confidence.

Use Quality Cake Mix: Choosing a good-quality white cake mix gives your bundt cake the perfect soft and moist crumb every time—I never compromise on this for the best results.
Mix Batter Thoroughly: Be sure to beat the batter for at least 2 minutes at medium speed as instructed; I learned that it ensures the pudding mix fully incorporates creating that signature creamy pistachio texture.
Grease Your Pan Well: I always grease my bundt pan thoroughly and sometimes even dust it lightly with flour to prevent any sticking, making sure the cake turns out beautifully shaped.
Pour Ganache Warm: Pour your ganache over the cake while it’s still warm but not hot for a glossy, smooth finish. I used to rush this step and ended up with uneven frosting before I figured this out!

How to Serve Creamy Pistachio Bundt Cake with Chocolate Ganache Recipe

In a round silver bundt cake pan, there is a batter with two layers: a thick pale green layer filling the pan and a thinner dark brown layer swirled on top in a decorative pattern. The dark brown layer forms elongated teardrop shapes and curves that create a spiral around the center hole of the pan. A woman's hand is holding a spoon, drawing through the layers to create the swirled design. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Alongside the classic chopped pistachios sprinkled on top, you can add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for extra indulgence. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries offer a lovely contrast of color and a tart pop that brightens the rich flavors. If you’re feeling festive, a light dusting of powdered sugar on the sides can also add elegance.

Side Dishes

This pistachio cake pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or a delicate green tea. For celebrations like St. Patrick’s Day, you might serve it alongside a refreshing cucumber-mint salad or a citrusy fruit compote to complement the nutty sweetness of the cake. Keep sides simple to let the dessert shine as the star of the occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cake keeps best when stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want it to last longer, refrigerate it for up to 5 days—just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent the cake from drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze the un-frosted cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap, then placing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and prepare the chocolate ganache fresh before frosting.

Reheating

To enjoy the cake at its best after refrigeration or freezing, bring it to room temperature before serving. This helps the ganache soften slightly and enhances the moist, creamy texture. If desired, a few seconds in the microwave can gently warm individual slices without melting the chocolate too much.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

This recipe uses a standard white cake mix which contains gluten. However, you can substitute with a gluten-free white cake mix and ensure that your instant pistachio pudding mix and other ingredients are gluten-free as well to adapt this recipe.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

Almond extract adds a lovely subtle nutty note that complements the pistachio and chocolate, but if you don’t have it, vanilla extract can be used as a substitute without drastically changing the flavor.

Can I use regular pistachios instead of instant pudding mix?

While you can add finely ground pistachios to the batter (up to ½ cup) to enhance the pistachio flavor, the instant pistachio pudding mix adds moisture and texture that are integral to this cake’s creamy character.

How do I prevent the ganache from becoming too thick?

Make sure to pour the ganache over the cake while it is still warm but not boiling hot. If the ganache thickens too much, you can gently rewarm it on low heat and whisk in a tiny bit of milk to loosen it to your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

Baking the Creamy Pistachio Bundt Cake with Chocolate Ganache Recipe is truly a rewarding experience, especially when you see how the vibrant pistachio flavor and rich chocolate ganache come together. It feels like a celebration in every slice, perfect for festive gatherings or simply to treat yourself. I hope these tips and serving suggestions inspire you to enjoy this cake as much as I do—happy baking!