Pistachio Cake Recipe

Pistachio cake is a delightful and nutty dessert that’s both rich in flavor and soft in texture. Perfect for a special occasion or an everyday treat, this cake combines the subtle richness of pistachios with the sweetness of a classic sponge. Whether served on its own or paired with a dollop of whipped cream, this cake is sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 cup shelled pistachios
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Prepare the pistachios: Using a food processor, pulse the pistachios until they are finely ground.
3. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the ground pistachios, flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
5. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
8. Cool the cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 slices
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes

Variations

• Add a glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cake for extra sweetness and a beautiful finish.
• Substitute nuts: While pistachios are the star of this cake, you can experiment with other nuts like almonds or walnuts for a different flavor profile.
• Add citrus zest: Incorporating a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest into the batter can add a refreshing citrus note that complements the pistachios well.
• Frosting: For a richer dessert, you can frost this cake with a cream cheese frosting or whipped cream, turning it into a more indulgent treat.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover pistachio cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can refrigerate it to extend freshness for up to 1 week.
• Reheating: To enjoy the cake warm, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place the whole cake in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use salted pistachios?
   It’s best to use unsalted pistachios for this recipe, as salted pistachios can alter the taste and texture of the cake.
2. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
   Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking. Just ensure it’s a 1:1 replacement for best results.
3. Can I freeze this pistachio cake?
   Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. To thaw, let it sit at room temperature for several hours or overnight.
4. How can I make this cake more moist?
   Adding a little more milk or incorporating sour cream into the batter can help add moisture to the cake.
5. Can I use other nuts besides pistachios?
   Absolutely! Almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts can be substituted in place of pistachios for a similar nutty flavor.
6. How do I know when the cake is done baking?
   A toothpick or cake tester should come out clean when inserted into the center of the cake, signaling it’s done.
7. Can I use a different type of milk?
   Yes, you can use any milk you prefer, including almond milk, oat milk, or whole milk.
8. Should I toast the pistachios before using them?
   Toasting the pistachios isn’t necessary for this recipe, but if you want a more intense flavor, you can lightly toast them in a pan before grinding.
9. Can I make this cake in advance?
   Yes, this cake keeps well for a couple of days, making it an excellent option to prepare ahead of time.
10. Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?
    Yes, this pistachio cake is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no animal-derived ingredients other than the eggs and butter.

Conclusion

This pistachio cake is a simple yet elegant dessert that brings the natural richness of pistachios into a light, fluffy cake. With its ease of preparation and customizable variations, it’s a recipe worth keeping in your baking repertoire. Whether enjoyed on its own or enhanced with a glaze or frosting, this cake is sure to delight anyone who tries it.

Print