Pistachio Cream Cake Recipe

The Dreamiest Pistachio Cream Cake Recipe for Sweet Moments

Green and nutty pistachio cream cake whispers tales of indulgence from Mediterranean kitchens.

Soft layers promise a delectable journey through subtle flavors.

Delicate crumbs melt like silk on your palate, revealing rich pistachio essence.

Bakery-style elegance meets home kitchen charm in this dreamy dessert.

Culinary magic happens when simple ingredients dance together with precision.

Smooth cream and ground pistachios create a symphony of textures that beckon you to slice and savor.

Each bite carries the warmth of traditional baking and innovative spirit.

What Makes Pistachio Cream Cake Irresistible

  • Quick Kitchen Win: Master this pistachio cream cake with minimal effort, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers rich, nutty flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making it an ideal dessert for family gatherings and potlucks.
  • Time-Saving Delight: Requires only 30-35 minutes of baking time, allowing you to whip up an impressive dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Versatile Celebration Treat: Works wonderfully for birthdays, holidays, or as a luxurious weekend baking project that impresses without complex techniques.

Pistachio Cream Cake Ingredient Breakdown

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Essential base for cake structure, provides necessary gluten and texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Pistachio Pudding Mix: Provides intense pistachio flavor and helps ensure a moist cake.
  • Baking Powder: Key leavening agent for rising and creating a light texture.
  • Baking Soda: Helps neutralize acidity and supports cake's rise.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Unsalted Butter, Vegetable Oil: Contribute moisture and rich, tender texture to the cake.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps bind ingredients together.
  • Eggs: Provide structure, richness, and help with cake's binding.
  • Vanilla Extract: Offers deep, complementary flavor to pistachio.
Garnish:
  • Pistachios (Finely Chopped): Adds crunch, visual appeal, and intensifies the nutty flavor profile. Best when using fresh, high-quality, unsalted pistachios.

Pistachio Cream Cake Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare The Oven And Pan

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350°F.

Grab your 9-inch cake pan and give it a generous coating of grease to prevent any sticking.

Step 2: Create A Fluffy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • Softened butter
  • Sugar
  • Cooking oil

Blend these ingredients until they become light, airy, and wonderfully creamy.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs And Flavor

Add eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Pour in vanilla extract and blend until the mixture looks smooth and inviting.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Pistachio pudding mix
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Ensure all dry ingredients are well combined and lump-free.

Step 5: Combine Wet And Dry Mixtures

Gradually fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with milk.

Stir gently until everything is just incorporated, avoiding overmixing.

Step 6: Add Nutty Crunch

Fold chopped pistachios into the batter, distributing them evenly for a delightful texture.

Step 7: Bake The Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool Down

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

Patience is key for perfect frosting.

Step 9: Whip Up Pistachio Cream Frosting

In a clean bowl, whip:
  • Heavy cream
  • Powdered sugar

Beat until soft, pillowy peaks form.

Gently fold in pistachio paste for an extra nutty flavor.

Step 10: Frost And Garnish

Spread the luscious pistachio cream frosting over the cooled cake.

Sprinkle additional chopped pistachios on top for a beautiful, crunchy finish.

Pistachio Cream Cake With Moisture and Frosting Know-How

  • Add an extra tablespoon of milk to prevent dryness and create a softer, more tender crumb.
  • Toast chopped pistachios lightly before folding into batter to intensify their nutty flavor and add delightful crunch.
  • Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend to make the cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Chill mixing bowl and whisk before whipping cream to help achieve more stable and fluffy frosting peaks.
  • Store cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to meld and develop deeper richness.

Chill Pistachio Cake For A Second Slice

  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping it fresh and moist.
  • Wrap the cake loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
  • Remove the cake from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to restore its soft texture and enhance flavor.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power to maintain the cake's delicate cream and prevent becoming tough.

Flavor Matches for Pistachio Cream Cake

  • Elevate Flavor Harmony: Pair this delicate pistachio cream cake with complementary tastes that enhance its nutty, sweet profile.
  • Sip and Savor: Serve with a delicate lavender Earl Grey tea, its floral notes balancing the cake's rich pistachio essence and creating a sophisticated flavor experience.
  • Wine Elegance: Choose a light moscato or sweet riesling, whose subtle sweetness and crisp finish will perfectly complement the cake's creamy texture and nutty undertones.
  • Garnish and Enhance: Top the cake slice with fresh raspberries or a drizzle of honey, adding bright acidity and subtle sweetness that amplifies the pistachio's delicate flavor.

Pistachio Cream Cake with Nutty and Light Notes

  • Gluten-Free Pistachio Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Pistachio Cream Cake: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based butter, swap heavy cream for coconut cream, and replace milk with almond milk for dairy-free option.
  • Low-Sugar Pistachio Cake: Use sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reduce sugar quantity, and incorporate sugar-free pudding mix for diabetic-friendly version.
  • Nut-Free Alternative: Omit pistachios, replace with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for those with nut allergies, maintaining similar texture and crunch.

FAQs

  • What makes the frosting unique in this Pistachio Cream Cake?

The frosting is special because it combines whipped heavy cream with pistachio paste, creating a light, creamy topping with an intense nutty flavor that perfectly complements the cake’s texture.

  • Can I use different types of pistachios in the recipe?

Yes, you can use either roasted or raw pistachios. Just ensure they are finely chopped to distribute evenly throughout the cake batter and provide a consistent texture and nutty crunch.

  • Is the pudding mix necessary for this recipe?

The pudding mix helps create a moist, tender cake by adding extra moisture and improving the cake’s overall texture. If you don’t have pudding mix, you can substitute with an additional 1/4 cup of flour, though the texture might be slightly different.

  • How can I tell if the cake is fully baked?

Use the toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. Avoid overbaking, which can make the cake dry.

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Pistachio Cream Cake Recipe

Pistachio Cream Cake Recipe


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4.9 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sumptuous pistachio cream cake delights with luxurious layers of nutty richness and silky smooth frosting. Green-hued elegance invites bakers to savor each delectable slice of Mediterranean-inspired perfection.


Ingredients

Scale

Major Ingredients:

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 12 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 12 cup vegetable oil

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 package (3.4 ounces / 96 grams) instant pistachio pudding mix
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 12 teaspoon baking soda
  • 12 teaspoon salt

Flavor and Garnish:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 12 cup finely chopped pistachios

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by setting the temperature to 350°F and coating a 9-inch cake pan with a thin layer of grease to prevent sticking.
  2. Create a smooth, aerated base by vigorously blending butter, sugar, and oil until the mixture achieves a light, fluffy consistency.
  3. Incorporate eggs individually into the mixture, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding the next, then blend in vanilla extract for aromatic depth.
  4. Combine dry ingredients in a separate vessel, whisking flour, pudding mix, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution.
  5. Gradually introduce dry ingredients and milk into the butter mixture, alternating between the two to maintain a smooth, lump-free batter.
  6. Gently fold chopped pistachios throughout the batter, distributing them evenly for consistent nutty flavor and texture.
  7. Transfer the prepared batter into the greased cake pan, spreading it uniformly to ensure even baking.
  8. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, monitoring for a golden surface and checking doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center.
  9. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack, preventing moisture buildup and ensuring structural integrity.
  10. Prepare the frosting by whipping heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft, pillowy peaks form.
  11. Carefully fold pistachio paste into the whipped cream, creating a smooth, nutty frosting with a delicate green hue.
  12. Once the cake has cooled, apply the pistachio cream frosting evenly across the surface.
  13. Enhance the presentation by sprinkling additional chopped pistachios over the frosted cake, adding visual appeal and textural contrast.

Notes

  • Enhance the cake’s moisture by ensuring all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing, which helps create a smoother, more uniform batter.
  • Prevent pistachios from sinking to the bottom by lightly coating chopped nuts in flour before folding into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the cake.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the cake’s rich texture and nutty flavor.
  • Boost the pistachio intensity by adding a touch of almond extract alongside vanilla, which complements the nutty profile and deepens the overall taste.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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