Pistachio Sheet Cake
If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that’s both impressive and easy to make, you’ve come to the right place! This Pistachio Sheet Cake is a family favorite around here. The nutty flavor of pistachios combined with the moist texture of the cake makes it a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just want to treat yourself on a busy weeknight, this cake will surely brighten up your day.
What I love most about this recipe is its vibrant green color, which not only looks stunning but also brings a smile to everyone’s face. Plus, it’s made with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry! So grab your mixing bowl and let’s get started.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this cake in no time.
- Moist and Flavorful: The combination of ground pistachios and butter creates an irresistibly rich flavor.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday or a casual get-together, this cake fits right in.
- Versatile: You can enjoy it as is or dress it up with your favorite frosting!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake it in advance and serve it fresh out of the fridge for an extra refreshing treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather our ingredients! You’ll find that these are all simple, wholesome items that come together beautifully in this Pistachio Sheet Cake.
For the Cake
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup ground pistachios
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- 1 cup milk (or plant-based alternative)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: ½ tsp almond extract
Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to play around with different flavors or presentations. Here are some fun ideas to customize your Pistachio Sheet Cake:
- Add Citrus Zest: A bit of lemon or orange zest can brighten the flavor even more.
- Top with Frosting: Cream cheese frosting pairs wonderfully for an extra layer of indulgence.
- Mix in Chocolate Chips: For those who love chocolate, adding semi-sweet chocolate chips will take this cake to another level.
- Use Different Nuts: If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping pistachios for walnuts or almonds for a unique twist!
How to Make Pistachio Sheet Cake
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is essential because it ensures that your cake bakes evenly throughout. While the oven warms up, you can prepare your baking pan.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes serving easier later on. You want every slice of your gorgeous Pistachio Sheet Cake to come out perfectly!
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, ground pistachios, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first allows for even distribution of leavening agents, ensuring that your cake rises beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until well combined. Then add in the melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using. This mixture will provide moisture and sweetness to your cake.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture while stirring gently. Mix until just combined—overmixing can lead to a dense texture. It’s okay if there are still some lumps; they will bake out!
Step 6: Bake Your Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma will fill your kitchen—get ready for some compliments!
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing into squares. Enjoy every delicious bite of your delightful Pistachio Sheet Cake!
Pro Tips for Making Pistachio Sheet Cake
Making pistachio sheet cake can be a delightful experience, and a few tips can take your baking to the next level!
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Use fresh nuts: Freshly ground pistachios enhance the flavor and aroma of your cake. If you can, grind them just before using to capture their natural oils and freshness.
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Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature. This helps create a better emulsion in the batter, resulting in a lighter and fluffier cake.
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Don’t overmix: After adding the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture, so be gentle and keep some lumps for a tender crumb.
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Test for doneness: Every oven is different! Start checking your cake around 25 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
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Cool completely before frosting: Allow your cake to cool fully on a wire rack before adding any frosting or glaze. This will prevent melting and sliding off your cake, ensuring a beautiful presentation.
How to Serve Pistachio Sheet Cake
Presenting your pistachio sheet cake beautifully can make it even more inviting! Here are some ideas to elevate its appearance and taste.
Garnishes
- Chopped pistachios: Sprinkling some chopped pistachios on top adds texture and reinforces that lovely nutty flavor.
- Powdered sugar dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar creates an elegant finish that contrasts beautifully with the green hue of the cake.
- Fresh mint leaves: Placing a few fresh mint leaves on top not only adds color but also brings a refreshing aroma that complements the pistachio flavor.
Side Dishes
- Whipped coconut cream: This vegan alternative brings a light sweetness and creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the nuttiness of the cake.
- Fruit salad: A vibrant fruit salad with seasonal fruits balances out the richness of the cake while providing additional freshness.
- Vanilla almond milk: Serve chilled vanilla almond milk alongside slices of cake. Its creamy flavor enhances each bite while keeping everything dairy-free.
- Matcha tea: The earthy tones of matcha tea can be an excellent accompaniment, offering a unique twist that pairs well with the flavors in your pistachio sheet cake.
With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’ll be ready to impress everyone who gets a taste of your delightful pistachio sheet cake! Enjoy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage
This pistachio sheet cake is not only a delicious dessert but also a fantastic option for meal prep! You can easily make it in advance, ensuring that you have a delightful treat on hand for any occasion.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
- Place leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to a week.
Freezing
- Wrap slices of cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
- The pistachio sheet cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Reheating
- To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place individual slices on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.
- Alternatively, microwave one slice on medium power for about 20-30 seconds until warmed through.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about the pistachio sheet cake:
Can I use other nuts instead of pistachios in this sheet cake?
Absolutely! While this recipe shines with pistachios, you can substitute with ground almonds or walnuts for a different flavor profile.
How can I enhance the flavor of my Pistachio Sheet Cake?
Adding almond extract is a great way to deepen the nutty flavor. You might also consider pairing it with a light frosting or whipped topping that complements the nuts.
Is this Pistachio Sheet Cake suitable for special diets?
Yes, this recipe can easily be modified to suit various dietary needs. Use plant-based butter and milk alternatives to make it dairy-free!
Can I make this Pistachio Sheet Cake gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure the blend includes xanthan gum for best results!
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making this delightful pistachio sheet cake as much as I do! It’s perfect for gatherings or simply as a sweet treat at home. Each bite is packed with nutty goodness and moist texture that will surely impress everyone who tries it. So gather your ingredients and let’s get baking—your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
Pistachio Sheet Cake
Experience the joy of baking with this delightful Pistachio Sheet Cake, a dessert that’s as impressive as it is easy to make. Bursting with the nutty flavor of ground pistachios and boasting a moist texture, this cake is perfect for any occasion—from family gatherings to weeknight treats. Its vibrant green color is sure to bring smiles, and the simple ingredients mean you can whip it up anytime. Whether you enjoy it plain or dressed with frosting, each bite offers an irresistible combination of flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup ground pistachios
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- 1 cup milk (or plant-based alternative)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ground pistachios, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix the eggs and sugar until combined, then add melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture until just mixed; some lumps are okay.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg