Easy & Delicious Pistachio Poke Cake Recipe: A Crowd-Pleasing Dessert
This Pistachio Poke Cake is a true game-changer in the world of easy desserts. Starting with a simple cake mix, it transforms into an incredibly moist and flavorful treat that consistently delights everyone who tries it. While my Pistachio Cake made in a Bundt pan is a beloved classic, this baking pan version offers a deliciously different experience, creating a tender, pudding-infused delight. I can honestly say I’ve never made this cake without being showered with requests for the recipe! Topped with crunchy pecans and generously filled with delightful pistachio pudding, this cake is the epitome of simplicity meets irresistible flavor. It’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth any day of the week.
The Story Behind This Beloved Pistachio Poke Cake
My mom, bless her heart, isn’t exactly known for her baking prowess. She excels at countless other things, but baking has never been her forte. Yet, for as long as I can remember, this particular Pistachio Poke Cake has been her signature dessert, turning out perfectly every single time. It’s truly a testament to how foolproof this recipe is! I’ve been sharing recipes on my blog for about seven years now, and I’m honestly not sure why it took me so long to introduce this gem to you. Every time my mom brings this cake to an event, she invariably returns home with a stack of recipe requests.
The deliciousness of this cake is almost legendary in our family. I once sent a slice with my husband to a social gathering, and he came home jokingly telling me I had received several marriage proposals – that’s how good it is! It’s not just a cake; it’s a conversation starter, a mood lifter, and an absolute must-try for anyone who loves easy, flavorful desserts.
RELATED: You might also enjoy this vibrant recipe – Strawberry Cake
What Makes a Poke Cake So Irresistible?
If you’re new to the world of poke cakes, prepare to have your dessert horizons expanded! The genius of a poke cake lies in its name: after baking, the warm cake is “poked” with holes, then a liquid (like pudding, condensed milk, or a glaze) is poured over the top. This allows the delicious liquid to seep down into the cake, infusing every crumb with extra moisture and flavor. In the case of this Pistachio Poke Cake, it means an unbelievably moist crumb that melts in your mouth, enhanced by the rich, nutty flavor of pistachio pudding.
The combination of a tender cake base, the creamy pistachio filling, and a sweet, drizzly glaze creates a texture and taste sensation that is truly unique. This method ensures your cake is never dry and always packed with an extra layer of deliciousness. It’s an effortless way to elevate a simple box cake mix into something extraordinary, making it perfect for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike.
Ingredients for Your Pistachio Poke Cake: The Essentials
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful dessert. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, utilizing readily available items to achieve incredible flavor.
- 1 box white cake mix: The foundation of our easy cake.
- 4 egg whites: These contribute to a lighter, fluffier cake texture.
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil: For moistness and richness.
- 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons water: To achieve the perfect cake batter consistency.
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant pistachio pudding: This is the star ingredient, providing both flavor and an incredible moisture boost to the cake. Remember, use the dry mix only!
- 2.25 oz package of chopped pecans: Adds a wonderful nutty crunch to the topping.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Forms the base of our luscious, sweet glaze.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla: Enhances the sweetness and overall flavor of the glaze.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Adds richness and depth to the glaze.
- 1/3 cup water: To thin the glaze to a pourable consistency.
Handy Tools for Baking Success
Having the right kitchen tools makes the baking process even smoother. These are the essentials you’ll want on hand:
- 13×9 baking pan: The ideal size for this recipe, ensuring even baking and serving.
- Mixing bowls: You’ll need at least two – one for the cake batter and one for the frosting.
- Electric mixer: Essential for achieving a smooth, well-combined cake batter quickly.
- Whisk: Perfect for whisking the frosting ingredients until silky smooth.
- A sturdy skewer, chopstick, or the handle of a wooden spoon: For poking those essential holes!
Tips for a Perfectly Moist and Flavorful Pistachio Poke Cake
Creating a truly memorable Pistachio Poke Cake is easier than you think, especially with a few helpful tips:
- Choosing Your Cake Mix: While any white cake mix will work, some bakers prefer a specific brand. Opt for a quality mix, and ensure it’s a “white” cake mix, as this allows the pistachio’s green color to shine through beautifully.
- The Magic of Pudding Mix: Don’t skip the instant pistachio pudding mix! This ingredient is crucial. Not only does it impart that classic pistachio flavor and lovely green hue, but it also significantly contributes to the cake’s incredible moisture. Remember to use it unprepared, as a dry mix directly into the batter.
- The Art of Poking: Once your cake has cooled slightly but is still warm, it’s time to poke. I find that a candy stick, the blunt end of a wooden spoon, or even a chopstick works perfectly. Aim for holes that are about ¾ to 1 inch deep and evenly spaced, roughly an inch apart. Don’t be shy; these holes are the channels for that delicious glaze!
- Glaze Consistency is Key: The glaze recipe provided makes a generous amount, which is fantastic for ensuring every bite is sweet and moist. My mom often halves it, and I sometimes don’t use every last drop. Feel free to let your sweet tooth guide you! If the glaze is too thick, add water a teaspoon at a time; if too thin, add a little more powdered sugar. It should be pourable, allowing it to easily seep into those poked holes.
- Cooling Before Glazing: It’s essential that the cake has cooled down before you pour the glaze. If the cake is too hot, the glaze might melt too quickly and become absorbed unevenly or just make the top soggy. Allow it to cool completely in the pan for the best results, ensuring the glaze sets nicely.
- Serving and Storage: This cake is often best served chilled, allowing the flavors to meld and the glaze to firm up slightly. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The moisture from the pudding and glaze means it stays deliciously fresh!
Beyond the Basics: Serving Suggestions and Variations
This Pistachio Poke Cake is fantastic on its own, but there are many ways to make it even more special:
- Enhance with Toppings: A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream takes this dessert to the next level. A sprinkle of additional chopped pistachios (if you have them) or a light dusting of powdered sugar can also add visual appeal and extra flavor.
- Seasonal Appeal: The vibrant green tinge from the pistachio pudding makes it an absolute showstopper for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. However, its delightful flavor ensures it’s a hit all year round – don’t save it just for March!
- Flavor Variations:
- Nutty Twist: Instead of or in addition to pecans, try walnuts or even toasted almonds on top.
- Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Drizzle some melted white or dark chocolate over the top for an extra layer of decadence. Mini chocolate chips could also be folded into the batter.
- Citrus Brightness: A touch of lemon zest in the glaze or even in the cake batter can add a lovely contrasting brightness to the pistachio flavor.
- Coconut Creaminess: A sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes on top would complement the nutty flavors beautifully.
More Pistachio Recipes to Satisfy Your Cravings:
If you’re a true pistachio enthusiast, these other delicious desserts are definitely worth a try!
- Death by Chocolate Peanut Butter Pistachio Cookies – Persnickety Plates
- Creamy Cranberry Pistachio Fudge – Taste and Tell
- Pistachio Lemon Bundt Cake – Country Living
If you enjoyed this easy Pistachio Poke Cake, you might also want to explore more doctored cake mix recipes! Or perhaps give our Banana Pudding Poke Cake, Boston Cream Poke Cake, or Raspberry Dream Poke Cake a try for more poke cake goodness!
More Delightful Poke Cake Recipes to Explore
Once you fall in love with the moist, flavorful world of poke cakes, you’ll want to try them all! Here are some other fantastic poke cake recipes:
- Elvis Presley Cake
- Chocolate Poke Cake
- Pineapple Poke Cake
- Raspberry Poke Cake
- Lemon Curd Poke Cake
- Banana Pudding Poke Cake
- Red White and Blue Poke Cake
Pistachio Poke Cake
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
For the cake
- 16.25 ounce box white cake mix
- 4 large egg whites
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- ¾ cup + 2 tablespoons water
- 3.4 ounce package instant pistachio pudding mix UNPREPARED, dry mix only
- 2.25 oz package of chopped pecans
For the frosting
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ⅓ cup water
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) and generously spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, egg whites, vegetable oil, water, and the dry instant pistachio pudding mix. Use an electric mixer to beat the ingredients on medium speed until they are fully combined and smooth, typically about 2 minutes.
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Pour the prepared cake batter evenly into the greased baking pan. Sprinkle the chopped pecans uniformly over the top of the batter.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, indicating it’s fully cooked.
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While the cake is baking and then cooling slightly, prepare the frosting.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, melted butter, and water until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. Adjust water or powdered sugar slightly if a thinner or thicker consistency is desired.
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Once the cake has cooled completely (this is important for the glaze to set properly), use a candy stick, the handle of a wooden spoon, or a chopstick to poke numerous holes across the entire top surface of the cake. Then, pour the prepared frosting evenly over the top, allowing it to generously seep into all the poked holes.
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Allow the frosting to set for a bit, then slice and serve this wonderfully moist and flavorful Pistachio Poke Cake. Enjoy!
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post originally appeared here on Apr 25, 2016, and has been updated and expanded for clarity and comprehensive details.