Pistachio Cake With Buttercream Frosting (Printable)
Moist pistachio cake layers with creamy buttercream frosting, perfect for special occasions and celebrations.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pistachio Cake
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→ Pistachio Buttercream Frosting
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# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
02 - Process 1 1/2 cups pistachios in a food processor until finely ground. Set aside.
03 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
04 - Beat butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
05 - Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
06 - Mix in the ground pistachios until evenly distributed.
07 - Alternately add flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with flour. Add sour cream and mix until just combined.
08 - Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 28-32 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
09 - Process 1 cup pistachios until very finely ground or beginning to form a paste.
10 - Beat butter until creamy. Add pistachio paste and mix well to combine.
11 - Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy. Add vanilla and salt. Add cream 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
12 - Once cakes are completely cooled, spread frosting between layers and over top and sides. Decorate with extra chopped pistachios if desired.
# Expert Suggestions:
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- The nutty aroma alone is worth baking this, but the real magic is how incredibly moist it stays even days later
- Frosting made with actual pistachio paste puts regular buttercream to shame
- It looks stunning with minimal decoration, just those gorgeous green flecks throughout
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- Overprocessing pistachios creates paste instead of fine crumbs, so watch closely and pulse frequently
- Room temperature ingredients incorporate better and prevent curdled batter or grainy frosting
- Cooling cakes completely before frosting prevents melting and sliding layers
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- Toasting pistachios for 5 minutes before grinding intensifies their natural flavor
- Weighing your ingredients ensures consistent results every single time