Throughout my efforts this year to become a better baker, I have been trying to work from scratch as much as possible. Occasionally I will go with a premade crust for pie, but usually I try to do completely homemade. However, this week I tried a box mix special – Pistachio Pudding Bundt Cake. The ingredients include eggs, water, milk, pistachios (optional), and vanilla extract. And a box of cake mix and a box of pudding mix. Basically, you throw them in a bowl, mix them up, and bake.
So how did it go?

Pretty good! I’m tempted to say homemade would be better, but that may be just my desire to complicate things beyond what’s necessary.
If it looks like the cake has an odd shape, that’s because it does.

I baked it in this pan, which I could not resist. I think next time I use it, a batter with no inclusions will make the details stand out a little more. Or maybe a little bit of decorating? We will see.
So this is a good reminder to me that it’s OK to shortcut sometimes. I do like baking, and generally don’t mind taking time to make something. However, sometimes you really need to get a cake made and don’t have a ton of time. Box mixes to the rescue!
How about you? Do you like to bake? If so, what is your favorite thing to make?
I like this cake and have made it myself. I’m a big fan of the box mix-pudding cakes where you can add nuts or other flavors. Easy peasy and tasty and moist!
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Yes for sure! The pudding mix definitely helps keeping it moist. And really, really easy!
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I have never ever seen anyone else mention the Pistachio Pudding Bundt Cake before, and yet it is a family tradition at my house. (Well, not an annual tradition, but we make it frequently enough to count.)
Our modifications: we don’t include chopped pistachios, we do include green food coloring, and we top it with a simple powdered sugar icing glaze (green food coloring in the glaze optional). Then decorate with spearmint leaves and red hots, and it’s a perfectly festive Christmastime cake!
In fact, I found an old pic of one of the times I made it! It’s here: https://flic.kr/p/2qwzZKc
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Very cool! That looks so festive 🙂 I love the look of yours!
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Thank you! It’s always a good festive cake to bring to a holiday potluck.
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Pistachio! Oh my goodness I LOVE pistachio flavored baking items! Unfortunately technology hasn’t gotten to the point I can sample through my screen!!!
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Hopefully one of these days it will get there!
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Richard Sax’s cloud cake is always pretty, and delicious, too. It’s basically a fallen chocolate soufflé, filled with whipped cream. Gluten free. What’s not to like? And you want the soufflé to fall, so no worrying about that. https://food52.com/recipes/78350-richard-sax-s-chocolate-cloud-cake
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Wow! That looks amazing! Thank you for the link!
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