If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping dessert that combines gorgeous color, delicate nutty flavor, and a luscious frosting, the Pistachio Bundt Cake with Green Candy Melts and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is exactly what you need in your baking repertoire. This cake marries the earthy richness of shelled pistachios with the creamy tang of cream cheese frosting, all beautifully adorned with vibrant green candy melts. From its tender crumb to the satisfying crunch of pistachios on top, every bite feels like a little celebration. Whether it’s for a special occasion or simply to brighten your afternoon tea, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up of a single slice of pistachio cake with a moist, crumbly texture showing green and brown bits of pistachio nuts inside. The slice is topped with a smooth layer of pale green frosting, decorated with whole and halved pistachio nuts on top. The slice sits on a white plate with a pink rim, with a fork partly inserted at the bottom right of the slice. There are a few loose pistachio nuts and crumbs scattered on the plate. The background shows a blurred view of the rest of the cake on a white plate, set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for simple but carefully chosen ingredients that come together to create the perfect texture, flavor, and stunning look of your Pistachio Bundt Cake with Green Candy Melts and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Each component plays an important role—from the cake flour providing a tender crumb to the Greek yogurt ensuring moistness and a subtle tang.

Cake flour: The key to a soft, light bundt cake texture that melts in your mouth.
Baking powder and baking soda: Essential leavening agents to help your cake rise beautifully.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture, giving the cake a tender crumb.
Avocado oil: Keeps the cake moist and adds a subtle, neutral flavor.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens perfectly without overpowering.
Eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the structure.
Full-fat Greek yogurt: Brings moisture and a slight tang for depth.
Raw, unsalted shelled pistachios (ground): The star ingredient delivering nutty flavor and a lovely texture.
Pure vanilla extract: Brings warmth and flavor complexity.
Almond extract: Enhances the pistachio notes with subtle sweetness.
Full-fat milk: Adds richness and helps the dry ingredients blend smoothly.
Green food coloring (optional): For that beautiful, eye-catching green hue.
Green candy melts: To drizzle a sweet, colorful finish.
Additional shelled pistachios: For topping and extra crunch.
Cream cheese frosting: The creamy, tangy layer that complements the nutty cake perfectly.

How to Make Pistachio Bundt Cake with Green Candy Melts and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Proper oven temperature ensures even baking, which is crucial for getting that perfect bundt cake texture. Grease or spray a 10-12 cup bundt pan thoroughly—this prevents any sticking and lets your cake pop out smoothly when it’s done.

Step 2: Grind the Pistachios

Take your shelled pistachios and pulse them in a food processor or use a hand blender to grind them into fine crumbs. These finely ground pistachios will enrich the cake batter with a wonderful nutty aroma and subtle crunch without feeling too coarse.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Sifting aerates the dry ingredients, which helps your cake rise evenly and remain light.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer with a whisk attachment or a handheld mixer, beat the butter and sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—about 3 to 4 minutes. This step incorporates air, giving your cake a tender crumb. Next, add the avocado oil and beat it in for extra moisture and a nice texture.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Flavors

Now add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they’re fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl so everything combines evenly. Then, beat in Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and almond extract, which bring moisture and enhance the pistachio’s flavor.

Step 6: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Milk

With your mixer on low speed, add half of the sifted dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Then pour in the milk along with optional green food coloring to achieve that vibrant green tint, followed by the remaining dry ingredients. Mix gently and only until the batter is just combined — overmixing can make the cake dense.

Step 7: Bake Your Cake

Pour the luscious batter into your prepared bundt pan. Bake for 40 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, let the cake cool for 10 to 15 minutes, then carefully run a plastic knife around the edges to loosen it. Invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting and decorating.

Step 8: Add Candy Melts and Frosting

Melt half a cup of the green candy melts in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to prevent burning. Once slightly cooled but still pourable, drizzle the candy melts over your cooled cake for a sweet, colorful glaze. Finally, top with more shelled pistachios and a generous spread or dollops of cream cheese frosting for irresistible richness.

How to Serve Pistachio Bundt Cake with Green Candy Melts and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A round cake with a light brown texture sits on a white plate with a scalloped edge. The top of the cake is covered with a thick, bright green frosting that drips down the sides unevenly. Scattered over the green frosting are many whole and halved pistachio nuts, showing their green and golden colors. The setup is on a white marbled surface with some pistachio nuts placed loosely around the plate in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The best part about this cake’s presentation is its gorgeous green candy melt drizzle studded with crunchy shelled pistachios. For an extra special touch, you can sprinkle edible gold leaf, add a few whole pistachios or even scatter some rose petals around the serving plate for an elegant finish that screams celebration.

Side Dishes

Keep it simple but complementary with a fresh berry salad or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. These sides add a refreshing contrast to the nutty richness and creamy frosting, bringing balance and elevating the overall experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your Pistachio Bundt Cake with Green Candy Melts and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe to the next level by slicing into bite-sized pieces and serving on mini dessert plates with a dollop of whipped cream and mint leaf. Alternatively, transform it into an elegant dessert centerpiece by placing it on a cake stand surrounded by fresh pistachios and delicate sprigs of greenery.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cake stays fresh stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it moist longer, pop it in the refrigerator but allow it to come back to room temperature before serving for best taste and texture.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect from freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and frost or drizzle candy melts just before serving for the freshest flavor.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to bring back softness and warmth. Be careful not to overheat, especially with the candy melts and cream cheese frosting, so they stay creamy and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use salted pistachios instead of unsalted?

Unsalted pistachios are best as salted nuts can make your cake too salty. If you only have salted pistachios, reduce added salt in the recipe accordingly to maintain balance.

Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt?

If you don’t have Greek yogurt, sour cream or crème fraîche work as great alternatives. They provide similar moisture and a slight tang that complements the cake’s nuttiness.

Do I have to use green food coloring?

Green food coloring is optional but it enhances the cake’s visual appeal. If you prefer a more natural look, just omit it; the pistachios still give a subtle green tint and lovely flavor.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can swap butter for a dairy-free alternative and use a plant-based yogurt and milk. Cream cheese frosting also has dairy, so consider a vegan frosting option if needed.

How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the bundt pan?

Be sure to grease the pan thoroughly, including all the crevices, and consider dusting with flour or using a non-stick baking spray specifically for bundt pans. Cooling the cake for 10-15 minutes before unmolding also helps it release cleanly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dessert that brings brightness to the table with its lovely green hues, a satisfyingly moist crumb, and a frosting that’s just the right level of tangy sweetness, the Pistachio Bundt Cake with Green Candy Melts and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is your new go-to. This recipe has such a wonderful balance of flavors and textures that it truly feels like a gift to anyone lucky enough to enjoy it. Don’t hesitate—grab those pistachios and start baking something magical today!