Indulge your senses with this dreamy Pistachio Cake, a symphony of delicate flavors and textures that will transport you to pastry paradise. Imagine layers of moist, subtly sweet pistachio cake, infused with the vibrant green hue and unmistakable aroma of fresh pistachios. This isn't your average cake; it's a masterpiece of culinary artistry, boasting a creamy, luscious frosting that perfectly complements the cake's delicate crumb. The rich, nutty flavor of pistachios is balanced beautifully, creating a dessert that's both sophisticated and utterly irresistible.
Prepare to be amazed by the simplicity and effectiveness of this recipe. Forget complicated techniques and fussy ingredients; this recipe focuses on achieving maximum flavor with minimal effort. From the perfectly balanced batter to the effortlessly smooth frosting, every step is designed for success, even for novice bakers. Ready to create your own slice of pistachio heaven? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step process.
Tools Needed
- Oven
- 8x3 inch cake tins
- Food processor
- Whisk
- Hand or stand mixer
- Offset spatula
- Cake scraper
- Piping bag
- Large round piping tip
- Wire rack
Ingredients
- Pistachios: 175g (1 1/4 cups)
- Plain all-purpose flour: 300g (2 1/3 cups)
- Cornstarch: 25g (1/4 cup)
- Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Unsalted butter: 113g (1/2 cup)
- Vegetable oil: 105g (1/2 cup)
- White granulated sugar: 332g (1 2/3 cups)
- Large eggs: 3
- Vanilla extract: 1 tablespoon
- Almond extract: 1/2 teaspoon
- White vinegar: 1 teaspoon
- Buttermilk: 168g (3/4 cup) x 2 = 336g (1 1/2 cups)
- Green food coloring: a tiny bit
- Powdered sugar: 375g (3 cups)
- Whipping cream: 120g (1/2 cup)
- Cream cheese: 112g (1/2 cup)
- Crushed pistachios (for frosting): 70g (1/2 cup)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare & Bake the Pistachio Cake
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease two 8x3 inch cake tins.
- Process 175g pistachios into fine crumbs.
- Sift together 300g flour, 25g cornstarch, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt.
- Cream together 113g butter, 105g oil, and 332g sugar for 2 minutes.
- Add 3 eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed.
- Add 1 tbsp vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp almond extract, 1 tsp white vinegar, and 168g buttermilk. Mix until combined.
- Fold in half the dry ingredients, then remaining buttermilk, then remaining dry ingredients. Avoid overmixing.
- Add crushed pistachios and a tiny bit of green food coloring. Fold until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared cake tins. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in tins for 20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2. Create the Dreamy Pistachio Frosting
- Cream together 340g butter and 375g powdered sugar. Add 1 1/2 tsp vanilla, 1/2 tsp almond extract, 120g whipping cream. Whip for 10 minutes.
- Add 112g cream cheese and 70g crushed pistachios. Mix until combined.
- Add green food coloring to frosting.
Step 3. Assemble & Decorate the Cake
- Level cake layers, trim edges (optional). Frost the cake layers, smoothing the sides and top.
- Pipe frosting around the top edge. Decorate with additional crushed pistachios (optional).
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Tips
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature for proper mixing.
- Don't overmix the cake batter to prevent a dense cake.
- Use a small amount of green food coloring for a pastel shade.
- If frosting is too stiff, microwave in short bursts, mixing between bursts.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the pistachios?
While pistachios are key to the flavor, you could try substituting with other nuts like almonds or pecans. The flavor will be different, but still delicious. Be sure to adjust the amount of flour to compensate for any differences in moisture content.
2. How far in advance can I bake the cake?
The cake is best enjoyed fresh, but you can bake it a day or two in advance. Store it airtight at room temperature. The frosting might soften slightly in warm temperatures, so consider refrigerating it if needed and letting it come to room temperature before serving.
This dreamy pistachio cake is the perfect ending to any special occasion or a delightful treat for a simple weeknight indulgence. Its delicate flavor and creamy texture will leave you craving more, and the relatively simple recipe makes it accessible to bakers of all skill levels. So, gather your ingredients and prepare to be amazed by the delicious results!