If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both stunning and delicious, look no further than this Pistachio Raspberry Cake. Picture a soft, buttery cake infused with the rich, slightly nutty flavor of pistachios, complemented by the burst of tart raspberries in every bite. It’s a perfect blend of elegance and indulgence—ideal for special occasions or just a cozy treat when you want to spoil yourself. Trust me, once you sink your fork into this beauty, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love Pistachio Raspberry Cake
This cake is more than just a pretty dessert—it’s a total game-changer. Here’s why you’ll want to add it to your baking rotation:
- Unique Flavor Combo: The combination of pistachios and raspberries is a match made in dessert heaven. The pistachios bring a wonderful, earthy flavor, while the raspberries add a fresh, fruity pop that cuts through the richness.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon, this cake works for any time you want to treat yourself (or impress your friends and family!).
- Moist and Flavorful: Thanks to the ground pistachios and fresh raspberries, this cake stays moist and tender while offering a delightful contrast of textures in each bite.
- Beautifully Presented: The green of the pistachio and the red of the raspberries create a striking visual contrast that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s sure to wow anyone who sees it.
- Versatile: You can easily adjust this cake for different occasions. Want to make it extra fancy? Add a drizzle of white chocolate or top it with a dollop of whipped cream. The options are endless!
Ingredients
Let’s take a look at the magic ingredients that make this cake so special. It’s simple yet full of flavor:
- Pistachios: Ground pistachios bring that nutty flavor to the cake, making it rich and unique.
- Flour: A staple in any cake, it gives the base a fluffy structure.
- Baking Powder: To ensure your cake rises perfectly and stays light.
- Sugar: Just the right amount of sweetness to balance the pistachios and raspberries.
- Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake. It also gives that tender crumb we all love.
- Eggs: For structure and binding the ingredients together.
- Milk: Helps to make the batter smooth and gives the cake a soft texture.
- Fresh Raspberries: These juicy little bursts of sweetness add a pop of tart flavor that pairs beautifully with pistachios.
- Vanilla Extract: To round out the flavor profile with a hint of warmth.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, can be found in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Let’s get to the fun part: making this stunning Pistachio Raspberry Cake!
Prepare Your Equipment
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a round cake pan with parchment paper. This will help ensure your cake comes out nice and easy when it’s done baking.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground pistachios, and baking powder. Set this aside for now.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. You can do this with an electric mixer or a good old-fashioned whisk. This step helps to incorporate air into the batter, making the cake light and airy.
Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract, which adds a lovely, warm flavor to the cake.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
Fold in the Raspberries
Gently fold in the fresh raspberries, taking care not to crush them too much. You want them to stay whole so they can pop beautifully when you bite into the cake.
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and slightly spring back when touched.
Cool and Frost (Optional)
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. If you’d like to add an extra layer of indulgence, top with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar once it’s cool. You could also drizzle with a bit of white chocolate for a decadent touch.
Serve and Enjoy
Slice up the cake, serve with a cup of tea or coffee, and enjoy the beautiful contrast of flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Bake Time: [Time to bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve Pistachio Raspberry Cake
This cake is perfect on its own, but here are a few ways to make it even more special:
- With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla or raspberry ice cream for a refreshing contrast to the cake’s rich, nutty flavors.
- Top with Whipped Cream: A light and fluffy topping of whipped cream (or even a dollop of mascarpone) will add richness and make the dessert feel extra indulgent.
- With Fresh Berries: Enhance the raspberry flavor by serving the cake with additional fresh berries on top or on the side.
Additional Tips
- Make Ahead: This cake can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container. It will stay moist and flavorful.
- Substitute the Fruit: If raspberries aren’t your thing, feel free to use strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a different twist.
- Add a Glaze: A simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk (or lemon juice for a tangy twist) can be drizzled over the cake for an added touch of sweetness.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use salted pistachios?
A1: It’s best to use unsalted pistachios in this recipe, as salted pistachios can throw off the flavor balance. But if you only have salted pistachios, be sure to reduce the added salt in the recipe.
Q2: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A2: Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and it should work just fine.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, refrigerate it.
Q4: Can I freeze this cake?
A4: Yes! You can freeze the cake (either whole or in slices) for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing.
Q5: How can I make this cake dairy-free?
A5: To make the cake dairy-free, you can swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk.
Q6: Can I double this recipe?
A6: Absolutely! Just be sure to use a larger pan, and adjust the baking time as needed.
Q7: What can I use instead of raspberries?
A7: If you’re not a fan of raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, or even cherries would work wonderfully in this cake.
This Pistachio Raspberry Cake is bound to be a hit at your next gathering, or simply as a treat to enjoy with a cup of tea. Happy baking!
PrintPistachio Raspberry Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A luxurious dessert featuring layers of nutty pistachio sponge cake, tart raspberry gelée, creamy vanilla frosting, and a glossy mirror glaze. This elegant cake is perfect for special occasions or as a standout treat.
Ingredients
For the Pistachio Sponge Cake:
- 1 cup shelled pistachios, finely ground
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
For the Raspberry Gelée:
- 2 cups fresh raspberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp gelatin powder
For the Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 lb cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Mirror Glaze:
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tbsp gelatin powder
- 1/2 cup condensed milk
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- Green food coloring
Garnishes:
- Fresh raspberries
- Shelled pistachios
- Edible gold leaf (optional)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Cake Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottoms of two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
-
Make the Pistachio Sponge Cake:
- In a bowl, combine the ground pistachios, flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until pale and doubled in size.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture, then fold in the melted butter.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
-
Prepare the Raspberry Gelée:
- Blend raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice until smooth. Strain to remove seeds.
- Heat the purée in a saucepan and stir in gelatin until dissolved. Cool slightly and spread over one cooled cake layer. Chill until set.
-
Make the Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract until fluffy.
- Spread evenly over the set raspberry gelée layer.
-
Prepare the Mirror Glaze:
- Mix sugar, water, and gelatin in a saucepan and heat until dissolved. Add condensed milk, pour over white chocolate chips, and stir until smooth. Mix in green food coloring. Let cool slightly, then pour over the frosted cake.
-
Garnish and Serve:
- Decorate with fresh raspberries, pistachios, and edible gold leaf if desired. Chill until the glaze is set before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the raspberry gelée is fully set before adding the cream cheese frosting to avoid mixing.
- The mirror glaze should be slightly warm when poured over the cake for a smooth finish.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 56 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 41 g
- Saturated Fat: 23 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg