You guys know I’m all about choosing the path of least resistance (ie. work). At the same time, I’m also a big fan of accolades and require a certain amount of daily recognition to keep my brain in working order (I’ve trained my kids to say things like, “Mom, would you mind not singing? It’s just you’re too good at it.”) So, basically, I like things that look like they took all afternoon to make, but actually only took the 30 minutes before I’m supposed to be somewhere and still allow for time to look for my phone and shoes.

This recipe, you guessed it, fulfills the criteria. It is delicious, moist and decadent, and tastes like home. Yet it also comes from a box, uses orange juice, and can be thrown together in less than 10 minutes (sans baking time).

It’s my go-to dessert when I’m having people over or headed to a holiday party because nobody doesn’t like this cake. At least nobody you’d want to be friends with so not only is it so good, it’s also a friendship litmus test. God, I’m a giver.

And, in case you need step-by-step instructions, Shirley walks you through the whole procedure. Plus, offers AWESOME advice to moms everywhere for the holidays. And makes a total mess of the frosting (seriously, just look below for the actual way to make it, unless you want to sweat and curse then you should totally follow the video instructions).
Happy Baking!

Pistachio Cake Recipe

Ingredients:
1 yellow cake mix
1 pkg instant pistachio pudding
4 eggs
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup water
4 drops green food coloring
5 1/2 oz. Hershey’s chocolate syrup (2/3 cup)

-Mix all ingredients together except chocolate syrup and food coloring.
-Add syrup to 1 1/2 cups of batter. Add food coloring to remaining batter. This will make it real purdy.
-Alternate batter starting with green in a bundt pan that is greased and floured.
-Bake 50 minutes at 350 degrees.
-Frost cake with frosting, unless you followed video instructions. Then you’re on your own.

Frosting:
1 sq unsweetened chocolate
1 T butter
1 cup sifted powdered sugar
2 T boiling water (approximately)

-Melt chocolate and butter together in microwave. Blend in sugar and water. Beat until smooth.