Pistachio Cream Cake Recipe

Fluffy Pistachio Cream Cake Recipe: A Sweet Bite of Heaven

Crafting a delectable pistachio cream cake promises pure culinary magic.

Nutty aromas drift through kitchens, beckoning dessert enthusiasts.

Sweet layers whisper promises of indulgence and comfort.

Delicate green hues hint at the elegant treat awaiting you.

Subtle pistachio notes dance across each tender crumb.

Skilled bakers can easily master this elegant dessert.

Let’s transform simple ingredients into an extraordinary celebration of flavor.

Ingredients for Pistachio Cream Cake

For the Cake Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The fundamental structure of the cake, providing a soft and tender crumb.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and create a light texture.
  • Salt: A small but crucial ingredient that enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
For the Cake Moisteners and Flavors:
  • Butter: Adds rich flavor and creates a smooth, tender cake texture.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps in creating a soft cake structure.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure and richness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, warm flavor that complements the pistachios.
  • Sour Cream, Milk: Provide moisture and contribute to the cake's soft, tender crumb.
For the Mix-Ins and Decorative Elements:
  • Pistachios, White Chocolate Chips: Add delightful crunch, nuttiness, and sweet bursts of flavor to the cake.
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet frosting base.
  • Heavy Cream: Helps achieve a creamy, spreadable frosting consistency.

Step-by-Step Guide to Pistachio Cream Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pans

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350°F. Grease three 8-inch round cake pans thoroughly and dust them with flour to ensure easy cake removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Alternate between adding dry ingredients and mixing in sour cream and milk.

Start and end with dry ingredients. Gently fold in:
  • Chopped pistachios
  • White chocolate chips

Mix until ingredients are just combined.

Step 5: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans, smoothing the tops. Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Step 6: Whip Up the Frosting

Beat softened butter until creamy in a large bowl. Gradually add:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Heavy cream
  • Vanilla extract

Continue beating until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

Place the first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top.

Repeat with remaining layers. Cover the entire cake with frosting, including top and sides.

Sprinkle finely chopped pistachios over the cake for extra crunch and decoration.

Step 8: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set.

This helps create a beautiful, stable cake that’s ready to impress your guests.

Pro Tips for Moist and Flavorful Pistachio Cake

  • Create a perfectly moist pistachio cream cake by ensuring all ingredients are at room temperature for smooth mixing. Prevent pistachios from sinking during baking by tossing them lightly in flour before adding to the batter. Enhance the cake's nutty flavor by toasting pistachios briefly before chopping, which intensifies their natural richness. Achieve a professional-looking finish by using a bench scraper or offset spatula when frosting the cake for clean, smooth edges. Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing flavors to meld and develop a more complex taste profile.

Variations on Pistachio Cream Cake to Try

  • Gluten-Free Pistachio Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Pistachio Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and dairy cream with coconut cream for a plant-based version.
  • Low-Sugar Pistachio Option: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar and reduce total sweetness while maintaining cake's rich flavor profile.
  • Nutty Chocolate Alternative: Substitute white chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips and add extra roasted pistachios for deeper, more intense flavor complexity.

Perfect Pairings for Pistachio Cream Cake

Pair Pistachio White Chocolate Cake with:
  • Sip Lavender Earl Grey Tea: Delicate floral notes complement the cake's nutty richness while cutting through its sweetness, creating a sophisticated flavor harmony.
  • Pour Moscato Wine: Sweet, light white wine enhances the cake's creamy texture and highlights the subtle pistachio and white chocolate undertones, offering a delightful dessert experience.
  • Serve Honey Vanilla Gelato: Smooth, creamy gelato provides a cool contrast to the warm cake flavors, amplifying the dessert's elegant and indulgent profile with its silky texture.
  • Match Fresh Raspberries: Tart, bright berries add a refreshing counterpoint to the cake's richness, introducing a vibrant color and zesty flavor that balances the dessert's sweetness.

How to Store Pistachio Cream Cake for Freshness

  • Store the cake in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
  • Wrap the entire frosted cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Cut individual cake slices, wrap each separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients in this Pistachio Cream Cake?

The key ingredients include flour, butter, sugar, eggs, sour cream, milk, vanilla extract, chopped pistachios, white chocolate chips, powdered sugar, and heavy cream.

  • Can I substitute any ingredients in the recipe?

You can replace sour cream with Greek yogurt, use almond extract instead of vanilla, or swap white chocolate chips with regular chocolate chips. Always match similar fat and moisture content when substituting.

  • Is this cake difficult to make for a beginner baker?

This cake is moderately easy. Follow the steps carefully, use room temperature ingredients, and don’t overmix the batter. The most critical steps are creaming butter and sugar and not overbaking the layers.

Elegant and Nutty: Pistachio Cream Cake Essentials

  • Create Stunning Dessert: Impress guests and family with a sophisticated cake that looks professionally made, featuring delicate white chocolate and pistachio accents.
  • Master Bakery-Style Treat: Perfect for bakers wanting to level up their skills, this recipe offers a balanced challenge with clear, step-by-step instructions that guarantee delicious results.
  • Celebrate Special Moments: Ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or elegant gatherings where you want a show-stopping dessert that combines rich flavors and beautiful presentation.
  • Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows simple modifications like adjusting nut quantities or experimenting with different chocolate chip variations to suit personal taste preferences.
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Pistachio Cream Cake Recipe

Pistachio Cream Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Creamy pistachio dreams come alive in this elegant dessert that whispers Mediterranean charm. Rich layers of nutty goodness and silky cream invite you to savor a slice of pure indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips

Cake Base Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup whole milk

Frosting Ingredients:

  • 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

  1. Prepare the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare three 8-inch round cake pans by greasing and dusting with flour.
  2. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl, then set aside.
  3. Cream butter and sugar until pale and airy. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough mixing after each addition. Blend in vanilla extract.
  4. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with sour cream and milk. Mix until just combined. Gently fold in chopped pistachios and white chocolate chips.
  5. Distribute batter evenly across prepared pans, smoothing the surfaces. Bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick emerges clean when inserted into the center.
  6. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
  7. Whip softened butter until smooth and creamy. Slowly integrate powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, beating until frosting becomes light and fluffy.
  8. Position first cake layer on serving plate and spread frosting generously. Layer remaining cake rounds, repeating frosting between each.
  9. Cover entire cake with remaining frosting, ensuring smooth exterior. Sprinkle finely chopped pistachios over top and sides for decorative finish.
  10. Refrigerate cake for minimum 30 minutes to stabilize frosting before serving.

Notes

  • Toast pistachios lightly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and bring out a deeper, richer taste profile.
  • Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version of the cake that maintains moisture.
  • Keep white chocolate chips and pistachios at room temperature to prevent clumping and ensure even distribution throughout the batter.
  • For a gluten-free adaptation, replace all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend and add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum to improve texture.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 372 kcal
  • Sugar: 19 g
  • Sodium: 110 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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