If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that brings together nutty goodness, creamy sweetness, and a stunning presentation, this Pistachio Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Pistachio Garnish Recipe is exactly what you need. Each bite bursts with the subtle crunch and rich flavor of pistachios, perfectly balanced by a luscious cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, this cake is guaranteed to become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Pistachio Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Pistachio Garnish Recipe lies in ingredients that are simple yet essential. Each one plays a crucial role in building the cake’s moist texture, nutty flavor, and eye-catching color—ingredients you can easily find and trust.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for a tender and sturdy cake crumb that holds everything together beautifully.
- Ground pistachios: Adds natural nutty flavor and delightful texture, making the cake uniquely pistachio-forward.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Provide the perfect lift for a light, airy cake.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture, essential for a tender crumb and creamy frosting.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping with the structure and browning.
- Eggs: Bind ingredients and contribute to a fluffy cake texture.
- Vanilla extract: A flavor booster bringing warmth and balance to the batter and frosting.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Brings moisture, slight tang, and softness to the cake.
- Milk or dairy-free milk: Keeps the batter smooth and helps dissolve sugars.
- Pistachio extract (optional): Intensifies the pistachio flavor for those who want an extra nutty kick.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to that perfect creamy texture.
- Green food coloring (optional): Adds a charming, pale green hue to the frosting for a festive look.
- Finely ground pistachios (for garnish): Offers a lovely crunch and an impressive finishing touch.
How to Make Pistachio Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Pistachio Garnish Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or cover it with parchment paper for an easy release after baking. This first step sets the stage for a flawlessly baked cake with clean edges and no sticking.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, ground pistachios, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these thoroughly ensures that your cake rises evenly and the pistachio flavor is distributed in every bite.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This step is key to an airy texture and that tender crumb everyone loves.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to maintain a smooth batter. Stir in the vanilla extract for a lovely, fragrant base that amplifies the cake’s overall flavor.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients
Slowly add the dry flour mixture and the wet ingredients (sour cream and milk) alternately into the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined for a light and moist cake, avoiding overmixing which could toughen the texture.
Step 6: Enhance with Pistachio Extract (Optional)
If you want that pistachio flavor to sing louder, fold in a quarter teaspoon of pistachio extract now. This is optional but highly recommended for pistachio lovers yearning for an intense, nutty punch.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even baking. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will soon be filled with the warm, inviting aroma of toasted pistachios.
Step 8: Cool the Cake
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes to firm up before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling it thoroughly is essential before frosting so you get a smooth spread without melting the icing.
Step 9: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed. Once combined, add milk and vanilla, increasing beating speed to get a light and fluffy frosting. If desired, add a few drops of green food coloring for a delightful touch of color.
Step 10: Add Textural Interest
Fold in finely ground pistachios to the frosting for a subtle crunch that beautifully complements the creamy texture and adds extra pistachio flair.
Step 11: Assemble and Garnish
Spread a generous layer of frosting over the cooled cake using an offset spatula. Sprinkle additional chopped pistachios on top for a glorious garnish that looks as wonderful as it tastes.
Step 12: Serve and Celebrate
Slice your cake into generous wedges and serve. This Pistachio Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Pistachio Garnish Recipe shines on any table—perfect for celebrations or simple everyday indulgence!
How to Serve Pistachio Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Pistachio Garnish Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the classic chopped pistachio topping, consider using edible flower petals or a dusting of powdered sugar for added elegance. Each garnish adds a visual appeal that makes serving this cake a delightful experience.
Side Dishes
Pair this rich pistachio cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. Fresh berries or a lightly brewed herbal tea also complement the nutty sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve individual mini cakes or cupcakes using this recipe, decorated with piped frosting and pistachio sprinkles. For a festive twist, try layering the cake with fresh fruit slices or creating a pistachio trifle using cut cake pieces, frosting, and layers of cream or berries.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover slices tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay moist and flavorful for up to 4 days, making for a perfect ready-to-eat treat.
Freezing
This Pistachio Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Pistachio Garnish Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the unfrosted cake layers well in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Frost after thawing to maintain the best texture and taste.
Reheating
Because this cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, reheating is not recommended. If you prefer it slightly warm, allow the slice to sit out at room temperature for 30 minutes before eating.
FAQs
Can I use almond flour instead of ground pistachios?
While almond flour can provide a similar texture, it will change the distinct pistachio flavor. For the signature taste, it’s best to stick with ground pistachios.
Is there a dairy-free option for the frosting?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free butter and plant-based milk alternatives to make a delicious vegan-friendly frosting that still stays creamy and smooth.
How can I prevent the cake from drying out?
Be sure not to overbake the cake and store it properly in an airtight container. The sour cream in the batter also helps keep it moist and tender.
Can I make cupcakes instead of a cake?
Yes! This batter works wonderfully for cupcakes. Bake at the same temperature but reduce the time to 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
What is the best way to chop pistachios for garnish?
Use a sharp knife to roughly chop pistachios by hand to maintain texture. Avoid ground nuts here, as you want a noticeable crunch and visual appeal on top of the frosting.
Final Thoughts
This Pistachio Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Pistachio Garnish Recipe is a delightful treat that captures the essence of pistachios in both taste and texture. Give this recipe a try, and I promise you’ll be rewarded with a show-stopping dessert that brings smiles and satisfied sighs at every slice. Happy baking!
Print
Pistachio Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Pistachio Garnish Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delightful Pistachio Cake combines a moist, tender crumb with the rich, nutty flavor of ground pistachios. Topped with a creamy pistachio-infused buttercream frosting and garnished with finely ground pistachios, it makes an elegant dessert perfect for celebrations or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup ground pistachios (unsalted, shelled)
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup whole milk (or dairy-free milk)
- 1/4 tsp pistachio extract (optional)
Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar (adjust as needed)
- 1–2 tbsp milk (or dairy-free milk)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Green food coloring (optional)
- 1/4 cup finely ground pistachios (for garnish and folding into frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground pistachios, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully blended. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternate adding the flour mixture and the wet ingredients (sour cream and milk) to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overmixing which can result in a tough cake.
- Add Pistachio Extract: If using, stir in the pistachio extract now to enhance the nutty flavor of your cake batter.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the prepared batter into the greased cake pan and smooth the surface evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat the softened butter in a large bowl for about 2 minutes until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed.
- Adjust Frosting Consistency: Once the sugar is incorporated, add the milk and vanilla extract and beat on medium speed until the frosting is light and fluffy. Adjust thickness by adding more powdered sugar to thicken or more milk to thin as desired.
- Add Color and Nuts: For an optional green tint, add a few drops of green food coloring to the frosting. Fold in the finely ground pistachios to add texture and enhance flavor.
- Assemble the Cake: Spread a generous layer of the pistachio frosting over the completely cooled cake with an offset spatula for a smooth finish.
- Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle additional chopped pistachios on top of the frosted cake for a crunchy texture and appealing presentation.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice into wedges and serve. This cake is perfect for tea parties, birthdays, or simply as a delightful treat with your favorite beverage.
Notes
- For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before beginning.
- If you don’t have pistachio extract, the ground pistachios alone will provide good flavor.
- To make dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan butter and milk with your favorite plant-based milk.
- Powdered sugar quantity in frosting can be adjusted based on your preferred consistency and sweetness level.
- Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh.
