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Moist Pistachio Layer Cake with Easy Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting

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A moist and flavorful pistachio layer cake paired with tangy cream cheese frosting, perfect for celebrations or a comforting treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ¾ cups (350 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon fine salt
  • ¾ cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (120 grams) roasted pistachios, finely ground
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
  2. Grind the pistachios finely using a food processor or nut grinder. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, cream ¾ cup softened unsalted butter with 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes on medium speed.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping down the bowl.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt.
  6. Alternately add the flour mixture and 1 cup buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and the finely ground pistachios. Mix just until combined.
  7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Tap the pans lightly on the counter to release air bubbles.
  8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
  10. To make the frosting, beat 8 ounces cream cheese with ½ cup softened butter until smooth. Gradually add 3 cups powdered sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until fluffy and spreadable.
  11. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thick, even layer of frosting. Top with the second cake layer and frost the top and sides. Smooth with an offset spatula.
  12. Chill the assembled cake for 20 minutes before serving to let the frosting set.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter after adding flour to avoid toughness. Use room temperature ingredients for best texture. Chill the assembled cake before slicing for cleaner cuts. Store cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze layers separately for longer storage.

Nutrition

Keywords: pistachio cake, cream cheese frosting, moist cake, layer cake, easy dessert, homemade frosting, nutty cake

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/moist-pistachio-layer-cake-recipe-easy-homemade-cream-cheese-frosting/