Copycat Starbucks Chocolate Pistachio Loaf

Chocolate Pistachio Loaf on a platter showing swirled pistachio and chocolate cake with pistachios on top.

Copycat Starbucks Chocolate Pistachio Loaf

This easy Chocolate Pistachio Loaf combines swirled pistachio and Devil's Food cake batters with chocolate chips and salted pistachios for a moist, dense Starbucks-inspired loaf.

Prep Time15

Cook Time1

Cool Time, divided1 20

Total Time2 35

Servings: slices (8 per loaf)

Calories: 227kcal

Author: Karin and Ken

Ingredients

Pistachio Batter

1 box (15.25 oz) Pillsbury Moist Supreme Pistachio Cake Mix
¾ cup water
½ cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs

Chocolate Batter

1 box (15.25 oz) Pillsbury Moist Supreme Devil's Food Cake Mix
¾ cup water
½ cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs

Mix-Ins and Toppings

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips divided
⅓ cup chopped pistachios

Instructions

Prepare the Pans and Batters. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease two 9x5-inch loaf pans and line them with parchment slings. In separate bowls, prepare each cake mix with ¾ cup water, ½ cup vegetable oil, and 3 eggs. Mix until smooth. Fold ¾ cup chocolate chips into the chocolate batter, reserving ¼ cup for topping.
Fill and Swirl. Alternate spoonfuls of chocolate and pistachio batter between the prepared pans until each is about ⅔–¾ full. Run a knife gently through each loaf 2–4 times to create a marble. Don't over-swirl or the colors will blend together.
Top and Bake. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips and coarsely chopped pistachios evenly over both loaves. Bake for 50–60 minutes, with about 55 minutes being our sweet spot. Begin checking at 45 minutes. The loaves are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out without wet batter.
Cool and Slice. Cool the loaves in their pans for 15–20 minutes, then use the parchment slings to transfer them to a wire rack. Cool for about 1 hour more, or until no warmth remains in the centers, before slicing.

Notes

Water: Use ¾ cup per cake mix rather than the 1 cup directed on the boxes for the thicker batter and denser crumb we preferred.
Cake Mix: Pillsbury Moist Supreme produced our closest Starbucks-like result in testing.
Swirling: Limit yourself to 2–4 gentle knife passes for distinct chocolate and pistachio sections.
Chocolate Chips: Regular chips work well; mini chips can be substituted for smaller pieces throughout.
Cooling: Allow the loaves to cool completely before slicing for the cleanest swirl and least crumbling.
Freezing: Cool completely before wrapping. Freeze whole or in individual slices.

Nutrition