Pistachio Cake Recipe

This moist pistachio cake recipe features real pistachio paste, crunchy chopped pistachios, and a rich, fluffy Italian meringue buttercream. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions, this homemade pistachio dessert has a soft, tender crumb and vibrant flavor. Learn how to make an easy pistachio cake from scratch with simple ingredients like butter, sour cream, and almond extract. Customize with green food coloring for a beautiful bakery-style presentation. A must-try recipe for pistachio lovers looking for a showstopping layer cake.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 1 cup (227g) butter
• 2 cups (400g) white sugar
• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup (115g) sour cream
• 1 cup (240ml) milk
• 6 tablespoons pistachio paste
• 2 tablespoons almond extract
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ⅔ cup (80g) pistachios, chopped
• 1 drop avocado green food coloring (optional)

For the Frosting

• 1 batch Italian Meringue Buttercream
• 2 tablespoons pistachio paste
• 1 teaspoon almond extract

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Instructions

Make the Pistachio Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Mix in the sour cream until fully incorporated.
5. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add one-third of the dry ingredients to the batter and mix until combined.
6. Add half the milk, mix, then repeat with another third of the dry ingredients, the remaining milk, and finally the remaining dry ingredients.
7. Stir in the pistachio paste, almond extract, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
8. If desired, add a drop of green food coloring for a hint of color.
9. Fold in the chopped pistachios.
10. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Let the cakes cool completely in the pans before turning them out. The sponge is delicate, so handle with care.

Make the Frosting

1. Prepare a batch of Italian Meringue Buttercream according to your favorite recipe.
2. Once made, whip in the pistachio paste and almond extract. Adjust quantities to taste.

Assemble and Decorate

1. Level the tops of the cooled cakes if necessary, then slice each cake horizontally to create four even layers.
2. Stack the layers, spreading an even layer of pistachio buttercream between each.
3. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining buttercream.
4. Decorate with a palette knife to create texture, and sprinkle with additional chopped pistachios if desired.

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Tips

• Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
• Be gentle when folding in pistachios to avoid deflating the batter.
• Cool cakes completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
• Chop pistachios finely if you prefer a smoother cake texture.

Variations and Substitutions

• Swap pistachio paste for finely ground pistachios if needed (add a little extra milk to adjust).
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a slightly tangier flavor.
• Replace almond extract with orange blossom water for a floral twist.
• Frost with cream cheese frosting instead of Italian meringue buttercream for a different flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cake layers up to two days in advance and store them tightly wrapped at room temperature or freeze for longer storage.

What can I use instead of pistachio paste?
You can make your own by blending shelled pistachios with a bit of sugar and oil until smooth.

Do I have to use food coloring?
No, the cake will still be a lovely pale green due to the pistachio paste.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a cup of coffee or green tea.
• Garnish with fresh berries for a beautiful contrast.
• Add a drizzle of white chocolate over the top for extra indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist, tender crumb packed with real pistachio flavor.
• Luxurious Italian meringue buttercream adds a silky finish.
• Beautiful presentation that’s perfect for celebrations.
• Customizable with different flavors and decorations.