Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup high-quality shelled and unsalted pistachios (finely ground)
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk or cream
Frosting
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- ½ cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Pistachios: Finely grind the pistachios until they reach a texture similar to coarse flour. This ensures even flavor distribution and a natural green tint without adding crunch.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground pistachios in a large bowl to combine and aerate.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully combining each before adding the next. Stir in vanilla extract for aromatic warmth.
- Combine All Ingredients: Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and milk or cream to the butter-egg blend, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix gently to keep the batter light.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch cake pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the Mascarpone Frosting: Whip mascarpone cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Adjust sweetness as desired.
- Assemble and Decorate: Spread the mascarpone frosting evenly over the cooled cake, covering the top and sides. Optionally, sprinkle chopped pistachios on top for extra texture and visual appeal.
Notes
- Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for smoother batter and improved rise.
- Use fresh, high-quality pistachios to maximize flavor and avoid bitterness.
- Do not overmix the batter; stir only until combined to keep the cake light and tender.
- Cool the cake completely before frosting to prevent mascarpone melting.
- Refrigerate the frosted cake to maintain freshness and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour substitute)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of cake)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: pistachio cake, mascarpone cake, elegant cake, nutty dessert, creamy frosting, gluten-free cake option