The vibrant green hue from the pistachios and optional food colouring makes this cake a visual treat, perfect for impressing guests or adding a pop of colour to your table. This cake is versatile enough for any occasion, be it a casual get-together, a festive celebration or a quiet afternoon tea.
For the cake:
- Cooking oil or spray
- All-purpose flour (to dust the tin)
- 1 cup unsalted, finely ground pistachios or pistachio butter
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1 packet instant pistachio baking mix
- 1 cup water
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- Green food colouring (a few drops, optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon pistachio extract (optional)
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (more if needed for desired consistency)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- chopped pistachios (optional garnish)
Method of preparation:
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour your cake tin with cooking oil or spray and dust with all-purpose flour.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, instant pistachio pudding mix, water, eggs and vegetable oil. Whisk until well mixed.
Fold in the ground pistachios or pistachio butter. Add the green food colouring and pistachio extract if using and mix until just combined.
Pour the mixture into the prepared cake tin and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool completely before glazing.
To make the icing, whisk together the icing sugar, heavy cream and vanilla extract until smooth. If the icing is too thick, add more cream until it reaches a pourable consistency.
Pour the glaze over the cooled cake and sprinkle with chopped pistachios if desired.
