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Creamy pistachio cake topped with nuts and frosting

Creamy Pistachio Cake

This Best Creamy Pistachio Cake is a moist, layered dessert with creamy pistachio frosting and a delightful crunch of pistachios, perfect for celebrations or cozy gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.75 cups granulated sugar
  • 0.75 cups unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cups whole milk
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 1 cup finely chopped pistachios (plus more for decoration)
For the Pistachio Frosting
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 0.5 cup pistachio paste
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream (or more for desired consistency)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
Mix Cake Batter
  1. Cream together the softened butter and sugar until fluffy, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  3. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry mix to the creamed butter mixture, alternating with milk, until well combined.
  6. Fold in the chopped pistachios gently.
Bake the Cake
  1. Evenly distribute the batter among the prepared pans.
  2. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  3. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Make the Frosting
  1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy.
  2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, pistachio paste, and heavy cream until reaching desired consistency.
Assemble the Cake
  1. Once the cake layers are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate and frost generously.
  2. Repeat with the second layer, then add the third layer on top.
  3. Give the entire cake a light crumb coat before adding a final generous layer of frosting.
  4. Sprinkle chopped pistachios on top for decoration.
Serve
  1. Slice, serve, and enjoy as people swoon over each bite!

Notes

For a tangy twist, add cream cheese to the frosting. If not a fan of pistachios, substitute with chopped walnuts or almonds.