Pistachio Cake with Pistachio Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both stunning and satisfying, Pistachio Cake with Pistachio Cream Cheese Frosting delivers in every bite. Soft, moist, and delicately flavored, this cake combines the rich nuttiness of pistachios with the tangy smoothness of cream cheese frosting for a showstopping treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or simply when you want to treat yourself, this pistachio cake balances sweetness with subtle earthiness, creating a flavor that feels both luxurious and comforting. Topped with a silky frosting and a sprinkle of crushed pistachios, it’s a dessert that looks like it came straight from a bakery — but you can easily make it at home.

Why You’ll Love This Pistachio Cake

This isn’t just another layer cake — it’s a tender, flavorful dessert with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a hint of sophistication. Here’s why it’s worth baking:

1. Nutty and Unique: Ground pistachios give this cake a natural, delicate flavor you won’t find in ordinary vanilla or chocolate cakes.

2. Moist and Tender: Buttermilk and oil keep the crumb soft, while the nuts add gentle texture.

3. Beautiful Presentation: Its pale green hue and creamy frosting make it a showpiece dessert.

4. Perfectly Balanced: Sweet, tangy, and nutty — every element complements the other.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup finely ground pistachios (unsalted, shelled)
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, enhances pistachio flavor)
• ½ cup buttermilk
• ½ cup milk
• Few drops of green food coloring (optional, for color)

For the Pistachio Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup finely ground pistachios
• Pinch of salt

For Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios

Prep and Cook Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
• Cool Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: About 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: One 8-inch layer cake (8–10 servings)

How to Make Pistachio Cake

1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans (or one 9×13-inch pan) with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ground pistachios, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat butter, oil, and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla and almond extract.

4. Combine Wet and Dry
Alternate adding the dry mixture with buttermilk and milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. If desired, add a few drops of green food coloring for a classic pistachio hue.

5. Bake
Divide the batter evenly between pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Make Pistachio Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Beat the Base
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.

2. Add Sweetness and Flavor
Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy. Stir in vanilla, salt, and ground pistachios.

3. Frost the Cake
Once the cake layers are completely cool, spread frosting between the layers, then cover the top and sides. Garnish with chopped pistachios for a decorative touch.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 420
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 43g
Sugar: 28g
Protein: 6g
Fiber: 1g

This cake is rich and satisfying but not overly sweet — a perfect balance for pistachio lovers.

Presentation and Serving Suggestions

Classic Celebration Cake: Frost and decorate with crushed pistachios and a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Elegant Twist: Add edible flowers, lemon zest, or white chocolate curls for a sophisticated finish.

Everyday Treat: Bake in a loaf pan or as cupcakes for a simpler, portable version.

Pair It Up: Serve with a cup of coffee, chai, or green tea to highlight the nutty flavors.

Flavor Variations

• Lemon Pistachio Cake: Add zest of 1 lemon to the batter for a citrusy lift.
• White Chocolate Pistachio: Fold ½ cup white chocolate chips into the batter for extra richness.
• Pistachio Rose Cake: Add a splash of rose water to the frosting for a Middle Eastern-inspired touch.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for the flour.

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Pistachios: Unsalted, shelled pistachios give the best color and flavor.
• Grind Carefully: Pulse pistachios in a food processor until fine, but not oily.
• Cool Before Frosting: Warm cake will melt the frosting, so let it cool completely.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers refrigerated and let sit at room temperature before serving.

Why You’ll Love Having This Recipe on Hand

Pistachio Cake with Pistachio Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect dessert when you want something refined yet comforting. The soft, nutty cake pairs beautifully with the creamy, tangy frosting — a combination that feels both classic and fresh.

Whether you bake it for a celebration or just because you’re craving something special, this cake never fails to impress. It’s visually stunning, delightfully flavorful, and guaranteed to leave guests asking for the recipe.

So preheat your oven, grab those pistachios, and prepare to bake a cake that’s as elegant as it is irresistible.eet tooth.