Description
An elegant and moist pistachio cake layered with silky mascarpone cream a show-stopping dessert that balances nutty richness with light, creamy indulgence. Perfect for special occasions or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups shelled pistachios (unsalted)
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup olive oil
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream
Mascarpone Cream:
8 oz mascarpone cheese, chilled
1 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Topping:
Crushed pistachios
Powdered sugar for dusting
Optional: edible flowers or white chocolate shavings
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, pulse pistachios until finely ground (but not a paste).
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together ground pistachios, flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. In a large bowl, beat butter, olive oil, and sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in vanilla.
6. Alternate adding dry ingredients with milk and sour cream, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
7. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth the tops.
8. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool completely before assembling.
10. For mascarpone cream: beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Gently fold in mascarpone until smooth.
11. Spread a layer of mascarpone cream between cakes, then top with more cream.
12. Finish with crushed pistachios and a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a touch of rose water or almond extract to the mascarpone cream.
This cake tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: pistachio mascarpone cake, elegant cake, layered nut cake, special occasion dessert