Indulge in this soft, moist Pistachio Cream Cake, layered with a luscious pistachio-flavored cream and topped with crunchy pistachios!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicate Nutty Flavor: The pistachios add a subtle yet rich taste to every bite.
- Creamy and Fluffy: Soft cake layers paired with light, creamy frosting create a perfect balance.
- Eye-Catching: The pistachio garnish adds a beautiful touch to the presentation.
- Versatile: Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any celebration.
- Easy to Customize: Add your own twist with flavors like almond or lemon.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
For the frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup pistachios, finely chopped for garnish
Directions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream and milk, beginning and ending with the dry mixture.
- Fold in Add-Ins: Gently fold in the chopped pistachios and white chocolate chips.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Frosting
- Whip the Frosting: Beat the softened butter in a large bowl until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and fluffy.
Assemble the Cake
- Layer and Frost: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Repeat with the remaining layers, then frost the top and sides of the cake.
- Decorate: Garnish with finely chopped pistachios for an elegant finish.
- Chill and Serve: Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting. Slice and serve!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (plus chilling)
- Servings: 12
- Calories per Serving: ~420 kcal
Variations
- Almond Pistachio Cake: Replace vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty twist.
- Lemon Pistachio Cake: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter for a citrusy flavor.
- Chocolate Twist: Use dark chocolate chips instead of white chocolate for a deeper flavor profile.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a flax egg substitute to make this cake vegan.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-shelled pistachios?
Yes, pre-shelled pistachios save time and work just as well in this recipe.
2. How do I ensure even cake layers?
Use a kitchen scale to divide the batter evenly among the pans.
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, bake the layers a day in advance, wrap them tightly, and frost before serving.
4. What can I substitute for sour cream?
Plain Greek yogurt works as an excellent substitute for sour cream.
5. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour to replace the all-purpose flour.
6. How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pans?
Grease and flour the pans thoroughly or use parchment paper rounds.
7. What’s the best way to chop pistachios?
Use a food processor for finely chopped pistachios or chop by hand for larger pieces.
8. Can I skip the white chocolate chips?
Yes, the cake will still be delicious without them. You can also replace them with dark chocolate or additional pistachios.
9. Can I use whipped cream instead of buttercream frosting?
Yes, whipped cream frosting provides a lighter option but may not hold up as well.
10. How do I keep the cake moist?
Avoid overbaking and ensure the cake is stored in an airtight container to retain moisture.
Conclusion
This pistachio cream cake is a delightful dessert that’s both beautiful and delicious. With its light, nutty flavor and creamy frosting, it’s perfect for celebrations or as a show-stopping centerpiece at your next gathering. Give it a try and enjoy the elegance of this pistachio-infused treat!
Print
Pistachio Cream Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the rich flavors of Pistachio Cream Cake! Moist layers, creamy frosting, and crunchy pistachios make it a dessert lover’s dream.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
For the frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup pistachios, finely chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream and milk, beginning and ending with the dry mixture.
- Fold in Add-Ins: Gently fold in the chopped pistachios and white chocolate chips.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Cuisines
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Dessert