• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Burnt Apple
  • About
  • Recipes
    • Amazon
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipes
    • Amazon
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Desserts

    2 Ingredient Pistachio Cake Frosting

    Published: Feb 17, 2024 by burntapple · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Top your pistachio pudding cake recipe with this beautiful pistachio cake frosting. Finish your pistachio cake with a creamy, rich frosting recipe! The best part is you only need 2 ingredients to make this frosting!

    A close-up photo of a pistachio cake decorated with a thick and creamy pistachio cake frosting. The frosting is a light green color, speckled with finely ground pistachios, and has a smooth, piped swirl design on top of the cake. The cake itself is visible underneath, showing a moist, golden brown crumb with flecks of pistachios throughout.

    This recipe is perfect for Saint Patrick's Day but can be enjoyed year round! It's the perfect finish to any cake and will easily frost a small pistachio layer cake too!

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • FAQ
    • Related
    • Pistachio Cake Frosting
    • Pairing

    Ingredients

    You will only need 2 ingredients to make this recipe! It's so simple and easy for this frosting to come together!

    ingredients needed for pistachio pudding cake frosting
    • milk
    • pistachio pudding mix
    • chopped pistachios (optional)

    See recipe card for quantities.

    Instructions

    Now let's get started on making this recipe!

    pistachio cake frosting process shot 1

    Combine your milk and pistachio pudding mix in a bowl

    pistachio cake frosting process shot 2

    Stir until smooth, then allow to set and thicken for several minutes.

    pistachio cake frosting process shot 3

    Frost your cake

    pistachio cake frosting process shot 4

    Garnish with chopped pistachios if desired.

    In a small bowl, combine the Jello pistachio instant pudding mix with the milk until well combined. Allow the mixture to set. Once set, transfer it onto the top of the bundt cake and garnish with the remaining pistachios.

    Substitutions

    This recipe is naturally gluten free. I'm trying super hard to make this cake friendly for anyone but one of my biggest hold ups is finding a dairy free pistachio pudding mix for those who can't have dairy.

    • Dairy free and vegan: One substitution I did find was to mix one tablespoon pistachio butter with one package dairy free vanilla pudding. Use dairy free milk in place of the milk and stir together until smooth. For a thicker frosting, you can use dairy free heavy whipping cream.
    Dairy free Vegan Vanilla Pudding, Pistachio Butter

    Variations

    For a thicker frosting, substitute heavy whipping cream or dairy free heavy whipping cream in place of the milk.

    This frosting can also be used on top of a variety of different cakes. This pistachio frosting pairs well with a variety of cake flavors, including vanilla, chocolate, and almond.

    Equipment

    You will want to use a whisk to combine the ingredients.

    Storage

    The frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before using, allow the frosting to come to room temperature and give it a quick whisk to restore its creamy texture.

    Share something here that you think is key to making this recipe well, such as: Don't overcook the burgers! Sear the outside and cook to a minimum internal temperature, but they should still be juicy for best results.

    FAQ

    Can you frost a pistachio layer cake with this frosting?

    This frosting yields enough to frost a small round pistachio cake.

    Can I use regular pudding mix instead of instant pudding mix?

    Instant pudding mix is recommended for this frosting recipe as it provides a smoother consistency without the need for additional cooking or thickening. Using regular pudding mix may result in a different texture and taste.

    Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

    Yes, you can prepare the frosting in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Just be sure to give it a quick whisk before frosting the cake to ensure a smooth and creamy consistency.

    Can I add food coloring to the frosting for a brighter green color?

    While the natural green hue of the pistachio pudding mix provides a subtle and appealing color, you can certainly add a drop or two of green food coloring for a more vibrant shade if desired. Just remember that a little goes a long way!

    Related

    Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

    • Brown and white dog with a yak chew in its mouth
      Dairy-Free Yak Chew
    • A top-down view of a single, shiny Cheddar's honey butter croissant on a round, white plate featuring black abstract floral and geometric designs. A partial croissant on a wooden board and a grey cloth napkin are visible at the edges, with white orchid flowers in the upper left corner.
      Copycat Cheddars Honey Butter Croissants
    • A mason jar filled with a Sonic-style Dirty Dr Pepper sits on a rustic white wooden surface. The drink is dark brown, filled with ice, and has visible carbonation bubbles on top. A fresh lime wedge is perched on the rim of the jar, while two additional limes, one whole and one sliced in half, rest nearby on the table. The background features a weathered wood texture, adding to the casual, homemade aesthetic.
      Copycat Sonic Dirty Dr Pepper
    • Top-down view of a white plate with a folded scrambled egg and avocado with salsa. The omelet is topped with slices of bright green avocado and a spoonful of chunky red salsa. A silver fork lies across the omelet. To the left of the plate is a folded white cloth napkin. In the upper right corner, a wooden cutting board holds half of a sliced avocado, a small pile of orange powder (possibly paprika), and a small pile of black peppercorns. A white bowl of red salsa is also on the cutting board. The scene is set on a light-colored marble countertop.
      Scrambled Eggs and Avocado with Salsa
    A close-up photo of a pistachio cake decorated with a thick and creamy pistachio cake frosting. The frosting is a light green color, speckled with finely ground pistachios, and has a smooth, piped swirl design on top of the cake. The cake itself is visible underneath, showing a moist, golden brown crumb with flecks of pistachios throughout.

    Pistachio Cake Frosting

    Traci Wennerholm
    Make your pistachio pudding cake extra special with a flavorful pistachio cake frosting. This recipe only takes 2 ingredients and it's a snap to make!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 0 minutes mins
    5 minutes mins
    Total Time 10 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 servings
    Calories 26 kcal

    Equipment

    • mixer optional
    • whisk

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 box pistachio pudding mix
    • 1 ½ cups milk
    • 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios optional

    Instructions
     

    • In a small bowl, combine the Jello pistachio instant pudding mix with your milk. Whisk for approximately 2-3 minutes, then allow to set. Once set, transfer it onto the top of a bundt cake and garnish with the remaining pistachios.

    Notes

    This recipe yields a more glaze like frosting. For a fluffy pistachio cake frosting, use heavy whipping cream in place of the milk. Mix the pudding and cream on medium high speed in a mixer for 2-3 minutes until peaks form. Frost. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 26kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 1gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 13mgPotassium: 59mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 55IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 39mgIron: 0.05mg
    Keyword pistachio cake frosting, pistachio layer cake
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Pairing

    These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:

    • A plate of folded breakfast scrambled eggs seasoned with pepper, served with sliced avocado, a sprinkle of orange powder (possibly paprika), and a side of red salsa.
      Breakfast Scrambled Eggs
    • Four gluten-free strawberry coconut macaroons gluten free drizzled with chocolate on a red speckled enamel tray, with a red spoon and white daisies in the background.
      Strawberry Coconut Macaroons Gluten Free Version Too!
    • A top-down view of square pieces of dark spicy chocolate on a crumpled white surface. Some of the squares have a dusting of red chili powder and a few have chocolate chips scattered around them. A sprig of greenery and a few extra chocolate chips are visible in the bottom right corner.
      4 Ingredient Spicy Chocolate
    • Three chicken breasts topped with melted cheese are arranged on a blue and white patterned platter as part of a Spanish chicken recipe.
      5 Ingredient Spanish Chicken Recipe
    « Strawberry Mojito Mocktail
    5 Ingredient Pistachio Pudding Cake Recipe »

    Reader Interactions

    5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    traci burntapple website featuring recipes with five ingredients or less

    Hi, I'm Traci! Cooking hasn't always come easy. I'm the burnt pancake on one side and perfect on the other pancake person that serves it to you with the pretty side up. I've learned to cook and make it look easy to my family and others. I'm now helping you save time & money with easy simple recipes with five ingredients or less!

    More about me →

    Popular

    • A white bowl filled with red rice sits on a dark wooden table. A silver spoon is resting in the Spanish rice box recipe.
      Homemade Spanish Rice Box Recipe
    • A batch of rich, dark chocolate fudge has been cut into squares and placed on a sheet of parchment paper. The fudge has a glossy, slightly textured surface
      3 Ingredient Dark Chocolate Fudge
    • A delicious-looking sourdough grilled cheese sandwich with bacon bits and a side of macaroni and cheese.
      Sourdough Grilled Cheese with Bacon Bits and Cheese
    • A close-up of a glass jar filled with vanilla root beer, with ice cubes melting and creating bubbles.
      Vanilla Root Beer

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Burnt Apple

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.