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The Ultimate Pistachio Cake Recipe: A Nutty Delight That Will Transform Your Dessert Game


  • Author: Lara Smith
  • Total Time: 55–60 mins
  • Yield: 1 two-layer cake (about 1012 servings) 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Delight in the rich, nutty flavor of pistachios with this soft and moist pistachio cake, layered and topped with a creamy frosting and finished with crunchy chopped pistachios. A beautiful dessert perfect for birthdays, holidays, or whenever you crave something special!


Ingredients

Scale
  • For the cake:
  • 1 cup shelled pistachios, finely ground
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • For the frosting:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a bowl, mix finely ground pistachios, flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, mixing until just combined.
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  8. For the frosting, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
  9. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until creamy and smooth.
  10. Once cakes are cooled, frost the top of one layer, then place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides.
  11. Sprinkle chopped pistachios over the frosted cake for garnish.

Notes

  • For a deeper pistachio flavor, add a few drops of pistachio extract to the batter or frosting.
  • Bring eggs and butter to room temperature before mixing for better texture.
  • Store covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 25–30 mins
  • Category: Dessert / Cake
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 430 kcal
  • Sugar: 38 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg

Keywords: pistachio cake, pistachio layer cake, cream cheese frosting cake, nutty cake recipe, homemade pistachio dessert, pistachio birthday cake, holiday cake, easy pistachio cake