Name: Tender Pistachio Bundt Cake with Chocolate Ganache Recipe
Prep time: 10 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 large 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 love a dessert that's both moist and packed with flavor, this Tender Pistachio Bundt Cake with Chocolate Ganache Recipe is absolutely going to steal your heart. It’s got that gorgeous green hue and a luscious chocolate topping that makes every bite a celebration.

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 Tender Pistachio Bundt Cake with Chocolate Ganache Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Tender Pistachio Bundt Cake with Chocolate Ganache Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Tender Pistachio Bundt Cake with Chocolate Ganache Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember making this cake for the first time around St. Patrick's Day and being totally blown away by how tender and flavorful it was. The mix of pistachio and chocolate ganache is honestly irresistible – a real crowd-pleaser.

Effortless Flavor Boost: The instant pistachio pudding mix makes this cake incredibly moist and nutty without any extra fuss.
Beautiful Presentation: The green tint paired with glossy chocolate ganache turns a simple bundt cake into a showstopper.
Perfect for Celebrations: Whether it’s St. Patrick’s Day or a special occasion, this cake adds a festive touch to your dessert table.
Crunchy Texture Play: Topping it off with chopped pistachios introduces a delightful crunch that complements the soft cake perfectly.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, let’s chat about the ingredients you'll need for this recipe. You’ll find a mix of pantry staples and that secret little ingredient—the instant pistachio pudding—which is key to the cake’s tender texture and flavor.

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: A reliable base that keeps things easy and consistent for a moist, tender cake every time.
Instant pistachio pudding mix: This adds rich pistachio flavor and keeps the cake incredibly moist.
Large eggs: Essential for structure and richness.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the crumb tender and soft.
Water: Hydrates the batter and ensures the perfect bake.
Almond extract: Enhances the nutty pistachio notes beautifully.
Green food coloring: Just a few drops to achieve that festive, inviting color.
Unsalted butter: For that creamy, rich ganache without an overpowering salty edge.
Milk: Helps smooth out the ganache and adds creaminess.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the ganache to the perfect consistency.
Cocoa powder: Gives the ganache its deep chocolate flavor.
Chopped pistachios: Sprinkled on top for a prettily crunchy finish.

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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

One of the best things about this Tender Pistachio Bundt Cake with Chocolate Ganache Recipe is how easily it adapts to your tastes and occasions. Feel free to tweak the colors, extracts, or toppings to make it truly yours.

Variation: For an extra nutty crunch, try folding in ½ cup chopped pistachios directly into the cake batter. I love how this adds a delightful texture contrast and doubles down on that pistachio flavor throughout the cake!
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the milk and butter in the ganache with coconut milk and dairy-free margarine to keep things creamy without dairy. It’s just as luscious and perfect for guests with dietary restrictions.
Festive Twist: Swap the almond extract for a splash of orange or lemon extract for a citrusy zing that brightens up the rich chocolate and nutty cake. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate spring holidays beyond St. Patrick’s Day.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Tender 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 and Prep Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Greasing your 10-inch bundt pan thoroughly is key—use butter or non-stick spray and make sure every nook is coated so your beautiful cake will come out without a hitch. This simple step sets you up for success!

Step 2: Whip Together the Batter

Combine the white cake mix and instant pistachio pudding mix in a large mixer bowl. Add 4 large eggs, ¼ cup vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon almond extract, 1½ cups water, and just a few drops of green food coloring until you reach that lovely soft green hue. Beat at medium speed for at least 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and fully combined — you’ll notice it’s nicely thick yet pourable.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared bundt pan. Place it in the oven and bake for exactly 55 minutes. Remember to use a toothpick test—insert it in the center; when it comes out clean, your cake is perfectly baked. Let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes to firm up before carefully turning it onto a cake tray to cool completely.

Step 4: Craft the Silky Chocolate Ganache

While the cake cools, start your ganache. In a small saucepan over low heat, whisk together ¼ cup unsalted butter, ¼ cup milk, and 2 tablespoons cocoa powder. Stir occasionally until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth—but be careful not to let it boil! Remove from heat and whisk in 1½ cups powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon almond extract until silky and lump-free.

Step 5: Assemble and Dress to Impress

Pour the warm ganache evenly over the warm cake, letting it cascade down the sides in luscious drizzles. Finally, sprinkle chopped pistachios generously over the top for a delightful crunch and vibrant garnish. This final touch makes your cake look as stunning as it tastes.

Top Tip

Making the perfect Tender Pistachio Bundt Cake with Chocolate Ganache Recipe is all about the little details that ensure a moist, flavorful cake and a luscious ganache finish. Here are some of my favorite tips to help your cake turn out beautifully every time.

Greasing the Bundt Pan Properly: Make sure to generously grease all the nooks and crannies of your 10-inch bundt pan. I like to use a pastry brush with softened butter followed by a light dusting of flour to prevent any sticking.
Mixing Batter Well: Beat the batter for at least 2 minutes at medium speed to fully incorporate the pistachio pudding and cake mix, which results in a wonderfully tender crumb.
Watch the Ganache Temperature: When heating the butter, milk, and cocoa powder, keep the heat low and never let it boil. This keeps your ganache silky smooth rather than grainy.
Drizzling Ganache Warm: Pour the chocolate ganache over the cake while it’s still warm to let it drip naturally down the sides for a gorgeous effect. If the cake cools too much, the ganache won’t spread as nicely.

How to Serve Tender 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

While chopped pistachios sprinkled on top add the perfect crunch and pop of color, you can also try adding a light dusting of powdered sugar for extra elegance. Fresh mint leaves or edible flowers make a beautiful garnish for festive occasions, enhancing the cake’s visual appeal and complementing the nutty flavor.

Side Dishes

This cake shines as a dessert on its own, but pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream brings a lovely balance to the richness. For a refreshing twist, serve alongside fresh berries or a simple fruit compote — the tartness plays wonderfully against the chocolate ganache and pistachio flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps your Tender Pistachio Bundt Cake moist and delicious without drying out.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the cake (without ganache) by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before preparing the ganache and serving.

Reheating

If you enjoy your cake slightly warm to appreciate the silky ganache, gently warm single slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the cake or melting the ganache too much.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use homemade pistachio pudding instead of the instant mix?

While homemade pudding can add a fresh touch, the instant pistachio pudding mix helps the cake maintain its structure and moisture perfectly. If you substitute, be sure to keep the consistency similar and watch the baking time closely.

What if I don't have almond extract—can I omit it?

You can omit almond extract, but it adds a lovely complementary nutty note that enhances the pistachio and chocolate flavors. If you do skip it, consider adding a little vanilla extract instead.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Use a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake; it should come out clean without wet batter. Baking at 350°F for about 55 minutes usually works perfectly for the 10-inch bundt pan.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute the milk and butter in the ganache with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and dairy-free margarine. Be aware the texture and flavor may differ slightly.

Final Thoughts

This Tender Pistachio Bundt Cake with Chocolate Ganache Recipe is one of those joyous desserts that always feels a little extra special, whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just treating yourself. The delicate balance of nutty pistachio flavor and rich chocolate ganache creates a comforting yet elegant bite. I hope these tips and serving ideas inspire you to give this cake a try—and most importantly, enjoy every slice with your loved ones!