Best Pistachio Cake Recipe – Moist, Nutty, Fluffy & Delicious

Pistachio Cake Recipe– Few cakes strike a balance between elegance, flavor, and visual beauty like a classic pistachio cake. With its naturally green crumb, delicate nutty aroma, and tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, this dessert stands out as a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a festive celebration, or simply craving something uniquely satisfying, this Pistachio Cake Recipe offers the perfect blend of richness and lightness.

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Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: Mediterranean / American

• Course: Dessert

• Servings: 12

• Calories per Serving: ~410 kcal

• Prep Time: 25 minutes

• Active Baking Time: 30–35 minutes

• Resting & Cooling Time: 1 hour

• Total Time: ~2 hours

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour

• 1 cup finely ground pistachios (unsalted, shelled)

• 1 ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup light brown sugar

• 3 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp almond extract (optional, enhances pistachio flavor)

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 3–4 drops green food coloring (optional, for a brighter pistachio hue)

Equipment Needed

• Food processor (to grind pistachios)

• Stand mixer or electric hand mixer

• Mixing bowls

• Whisk and spatula

• Measuring cups & spoons

• 9×13-inch pan OR two 8-inch round cake pans

• Parchment paper

• Cooling rack

 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pistachios

Place shelled pistachios in a food processor and pulse until finely ground.
A sandy texture works best—avoid over-blending into pistachio butter.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease your cake pan and line with parchment.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together:

• Flour

• Ground pistachios

• Baking powder

• Baking soda

• Salt

This ensures even distribution of nuts and leavening.

Step 4: Cream Butter, Oil & Sugars

Beat softened butter and vegetable oil until smooth.
Add granulated sugar and brown sugar.
Mix on medium-high for 2–3 minutes until fluffy.

Step 5: Add Eggs & Extracts

Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
Beat in vanilla and almond extract.

These extracts elevate the natural pistachio flavor beautifully.

Step 6: Add Buttermilk & Dry Ingredients Alternately

Add ½ of the dry mixture → mix gently
Add ½ of the buttermilk → mix
Repeat until everything is combined

Avoid overmixing; it can toughen the cake.

Optional: Add a few drops of green food coloring for a vibrant look.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until:

• A toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean

• The top is lightly golden

Step 8: Cool

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely—about 1 hour.

Nutrition Information per Serving

(Values may vary depending on frosting.)

Serving Ideas

• Top with fresh berries

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

• Drizzle with honey or pistachio syrup

• Pair with tea, coffee, or a latte

• Decorate with edible flowers for celebrations

This cake is equally beautiful for birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers, or festive holidays.

Conclusion

This beautifully moist, aromatic pistachio cake brings together a rich nutty flavor, a soft crumb, and a hint of elegance that elevates any dessert table. Easy enough for everyday baking yet impressive enough for events, it’s a recipe you’ll want to return to often. The combination of ground pistachios, buttermilk, and creamy frosting creates a luxurious experience with every bite.