Luscious Pistachio Cream Cake

Why Make This Recipe

Luscious Pistachio Cream Cake is a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of pistachios with the creaminess of mascarpone or cream cheese. It’s perfect for celebrations or simply when you want to enjoy something special. This cake is moist, flavorful, and has a beautiful presentation, making it a favorite among dessert lovers. Whether for a birthday, a gathering, or a cozy dessert at home, this cake is sure to impress.

How to Make Luscious Pistachio Cream Cake

Ingredients

• 200 g (1 2/3 cups) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 115 g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 120 ml (1/2 cup) whole milk
• 60 g (1/2 cup) shelled pistachios, finely ground
• 250 g (9 oz) mascarpone cheese or cream cheese, softened
• 200 ml (3/4 cup) heavy cream
• 80 g (2/3 cup) powdered sugar
• 3 tbsp pistachio paste (or finely ground pistachios)
• 100 ml (1/2 cup) whipped cream
• 2 tbsp chopped pistachios
• White chocolate shavings (optional)

Directions

Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans. In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground pistachios. In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each. Then, stir in the vanilla. Gradually add the flour mixture and milk to the batter, mixing until smooth. Divide the batter equally between the prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely.

Make Pistachio Cream: In a large bowl, beat the mascarpone (or cream cheese) with pistachio paste until well blended. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pistachio mixture until smooth and fluffy.

Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the pistachio cream filling over the first layer. Top it with the second cake layer and cover it with the rest of the pistachio cream.

Decorate: Spread whipped cream on top of the cake and sprinkle with chopped pistachios and white chocolate shavings if desired.

How to Serve Luscious Pistachio Cream Cake

Serve the Luscious Pistachio Cream Cake chilled or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For added elegance, slice the cake with a sharp knife and serve each piece on a dessert plate.

How to Store Luscious Pistachio Cream Cake

Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator. Make sure to cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If the cake is not frosted, it can be stored at room temperature.

Tips to Make Luscious Pistachio Cream Cake

• Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing.
• To enhance the pistachio flavor, you can toast the finely ground pistachios slightly before adding them to the mix.
• If you want a more vibrant green color, you can add a drop of green food coloring to the pistachio cream.

Variation

You can switch the flavors by using different types of nuts like almonds or hazelnuts. Additionally, substituting almond extract for vanilla can give the cake a lovely nutty flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of nut instead of pistachios?
Yes, you can use almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts. Just make sure to adjust the grind to match the texture of pistachios.

2. Is there a gluten-free option for this cake?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure to check the right proportion for best results.

3. Can I freeze the cake?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cake before frosting it. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.