Decadent Pistachio Cream Cake Recipe

Dreamy Pistachio Cream Cake Recipe: A Sweet Nutty Delight

Baking a delightful pistachio cream cake brings pure joy to any kitchen gathering.

Nutty aromas will instantly captivate your senses with rich, verdant notes.

Elegant desserts like this transform ordinary moments into memorable celebrations.

Smooth pistachio-infused layers promise a decadent experience that feels both luxurious and comforting.

Passionate bakers appreciate how simple ingredients can create extraordinary results.

Smooth cream and delicate green hues make this cake a stunning centerpiece.

Each slice promises a delectable journey into culinary bliss that you won’t want to miss.

Pistachio Cream Cake: A Nutty and Luxurious Delight

  • Craft a Nutty Masterpiece: Create a stunning dessert that showcases the rich, unique flavor of pistachios, turning an ordinary cake into a gourmet experience.
  • Minimal Skill Required: Perfect for bakers of all levels, this recipe offers simple steps that guarantee a professional-looking result without complex techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Impress family and friends with a sophisticated cake that combines creamy textures, subtle nutty undertones, and a luxurious mascarpone frosting.
  • Versatile Celebration Cake: Ideal for special occasions like birthdays, dinner parties, or weekend gatherings, this cake brings a touch of elegance to any event.

Ingredients for Perfectly Balanced Pistachio Cream Cake

Cake Base:
  • Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cake.
  • Ground Pistachios: Adds nutty flavor and unique green color to the cake.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter, Sugar, Oil: Combine to create a rich and moist cake base.
  • Eggs: Provide binding and help create a smooth cake texture.
  • Vanilla Extract, Almond Extract: Add depth and complementary flavor to the cake.
  • Milk: Helps to create a tender and soft cake crumb.
Frosting Components:
  • Heavy Cream, Powdered Sugar, Vanilla: Whip together to create a light and airy frosting base.
  • Mascarpone Cheese: Adds creamy richness and smooth texture to the frosting.
  • Chopped Pistachios: Provides a crunchy garnish and extra nutty flavor to the finished cake.

Stepwise Baking Instructions for a Fluffy Pistachio Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350F. Grab your 9-inch round cake pan and give it a generous coating of grease and flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Dry Mix

Whisk together the following dry ingredients:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Finely ground pistachios
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Step 3: Cream the Base

In a separate mixing bowl, blend butter, sugar, and oil until the mixture becomes light and airy. The texture should look fluffy and smooth.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Flavors

Add eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Pour in vanilla and almond extract, stirring until completely combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually blend dry ingredients and milk into the wet mixture. Start and end with dry ingredients.

Mix until ingredients are just combined – avoid overmixing.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool Down

Remove cake from oven and let it cool completely before frosting.

Step 8: Whip Up the Frosting

Whip together:
  • Heavy cream
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla

Beat until soft peaks form.

Gently fold in mascarpone cheese.

Step 9: Decorate and Serve

Spread the creamy frosting over the cooled cake.

Sprinkle chopped pistachios on top for a delightful crunch and visual appeal.

Pro Tips to Achieve Creamy Pistachio Filling Perfection

  • Grind fresh pistachios for maximum flavor intensity and ensure a finely ground texture for smooth cake consistency.
  • Sift dry ingredients thoroughly to prevent lumps and create an ultra-light, tender cake crumb.
  • Bring eggs and butter to room temperature before mixing to help ingredients blend seamlessly and create a more uniform batter.
  • Use high-quality mascarpone cheese for a rich, creamy frosting that enhances the delicate pistachio flavor.
  • Chill the cake for 30 minutes after frosting to help stabilize the cream and allow flavors to meld together perfectly.

Flavorful Twists to Make Pistachio Cream Cake Your Own

  • Gluten-Free Pistachio Paradise: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly option.
  • Vegan Green Dream: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of butter, and substitute dairy milk with almond milk.
  • Low-Sugar Nutty Delight: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener in place of sugar, and reduce overall sweetness while maintaining cake's rich pistachio flavor.
  • Dairy-Free Pistachio Cream Alternative: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream, use dairy-free mascarpone substitute, and keep cake's authentic nutty essence.

Serving Inspirations for Pistachio Cake Celebrations

  • Elegant Afternoon Tea Delight: Slice this pistachio cream cake into delicate triangles and serve alongside Earl Grey tea for a sophisticated dessert experience.
  • Festive Celebration Centerpiece: Decorate the cake with additional whole pistachios and edible gold leaf to create a stunning centerpiece for special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries.
  • Brunch Dessert Extravaganza: Pair cake slices with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for a light and decadent brunch dessert that will impress guests with its nutty, creamy flavors.
  • Summer Garden Party Treat: Serve chilled cake on elegant platters with fresh mint leaves and a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for a refreshing and visually appealing dessert perfect for outdoor gatherings.

How to Store Pistachio Cream Cake Without Losing Freshness

  • Store leftover Pistachio Cream Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  • Keep the cake in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and texture.
  • For best results, store the cake without additional garnishes to prevent sogginess.

FAQs

  • Are pistachios essential in this recipe?

Yes, ground pistachios are key for adding unique flavor and texture to the cake’s batter, creating a distinctive nutty taste.

  • Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have all of them?

You can replace almond extract with vanilla extract, and mascarpone can be substituted with cream cheese if needed.

  • How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake – if it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done baking.

  • Do I need special equipment to make this cake?

A standard mixer, cake pan, and basic baking tools are sufficient to create this delicious pistachio cream cake.

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Decadent Pistachio Cream Cake Recipe

Decadent Pistachio Cream Cake Recipe


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4.9 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Silky pistachio cream cake brings Middle Eastern elegance to classic dessert traditions. Creamy layers and nutty pistachios create a luxurious experience you’ll savor with each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (125 grams) shelled pistachios, finely ground
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by lightly greasing and dusting with flour.
  2. Create a dry mixture by whisking together flour, finely ground pistachios, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl.
  3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter, sugar, and oil until the mixture becomes pale and airy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, thoroughly blending after each addition. Mix in vanilla and almond extracts until fully integrated.
  5. Gradually combine dry ingredients and milk, alternating between the two, ensuring the batter remains smooth. Mix until ingredients are just incorporated, avoiding overmixing.
  6. Transfer cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly, and bake for 30-35 minutes until a testing skewer emerges clean when inserted into the center.
  7. Allow cake to cool completely at room temperature, which typically takes about 1 hour.
  8. Prepare frosting by whipping heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft, billowy peaks develop.
  9. Gently fold mascarpone cheese into the whipped cream mixture until smooth and consistent.
  10. Once cake has cooled, generously spread the cream frosting across the top and sides, creating an even layer.
  11. Finish by sprinkling chopped pistachios over the frosted cake for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Enhance pistachio flavor by toasting ground pistachios before mixing into dry ingredients for a deeper, nuttier taste.
  • Create gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring texture remains light and tender.
  • Prevent dry cake by avoiding overmixing batter and checking doneness early, as overmixing can develop tough gluten and overbaking leads to dryness.
  • Stabilize whipped cream frosting by chilling mixing bowl and whisk beforehand, which helps achieve more stable and longer-lasting soft peaks.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 330 kcal
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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