Pistachio Pudding Cake

This cake starts with a cake mix which is slightly doctored by adding additional ingredients; jello pudding mix and sour cream. There are several versions of doctored cake recipes each with slightly different measurements but this one is my favorite. You could also use chocolate, and lemon too!
Cake:

1 (432 gram or 15.25 ounce) package french vanilla cake mix
1 (4 serving) package instant pistachio pudding mix
3/4 cup sour cream
3/4 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup warm water

Frosting:

8 oz (225 grams) full fat cream cheese
1/2 cup butter, softened to room temperature
3-4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
3 tablespoons half and half
1 cup chopped pistachios for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 2 9-inch cake pans with paper liners or spray with non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, beat together the cake and pudding mixes, sour cream, oil, eggs, vanilla and water. Beat for about two minutes on medium speed until well combined.
3. Pour batter evenly between 2 greased 9-inch cake pans.
4. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean.
5. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before adding the frosting.
6. In a large bowl, whip together the cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy.
7. Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time and whip on high speed until smooth.
8. Add the half and half one spoonful at a time until a spreadable consistency is reached.
9. Spread the frosting over the cake and top with chopped pistachios, if desired.
10. Chill until ready to serve.

Link: Pistachio Pudding Cake

Doctored cake ingredients

In  a large bowl, beat together the cake and pudding mixes, sour cream, oil, eggs, vanilla and water. 

Line 2 9-inch cake pans with paper liners and/or spray with non-stick cooking spray.

Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean. Cool cakes on wire rack.

In a large bowl, mix together  frosting ingredients as per instructions.

Frost  1st layer of cake.

Add 2nd layer and frost  top and sides.

Decorate the top and sides with chopped pistachios. Chill until ready to serve.