There’s something truly special about the delicate, nutty flavor of pistachios combined with the luscious richness of cream. This Pistachio Cream Cake is a dreamy dessert with a soft, moist crumb and a silky pistachio-infused frosting that melts in your mouth. Perfect for special occasions or just because you deserve a treat!

I first discovered this recipe when searching for a cake that felt elegant yet simple to make. After a few tweaks, it became an absolute favorite in my home. The subtle crunch of ground pistachios, the airy texture of the cake, and the lightly sweetened cream frosting make it irresistible.

Why You'll Love This Pistachio Cream Cake

Get ready to indulge in a dessert that will become a new staple in your recipe collection. This Pistachio Cream Cake isn’t just beautiful—it’s absolutely delicious.

First, it’s surprisingly easy to make. While it looks like something from a bakery, the process is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy techniques. Even beginner bakers can achieve perfect results.

The flavor is unmatched. The combination of real pistachios and vanilla cake creates a subtle, nutty sweetness that’s balanced with a light and airy whipped cream frosting. No artificial pistachio pudding here—just pure, natural goodness.

It’s also incredibly versatile. Whether served as a simple tea-time cake or dressed up for a birthday or holiday, this cake fits any occasion. You can even make it ahead of time, and it only gets better as the flavors meld.

And let’s not forget the texture. Every bite delivers the perfect contrast of tender cake, smooth cream, and a gentle crunch from chopped pistachios sprinkled on top.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this cake comes from its carefully chosen ingredients, each adding a unique touch to its taste and texture.

Pistachios are the star of the show. Using unsalted, shelled pistachios gives the best natural flavor. Be sure to grind some finely for the batter while keeping a few roughly chopped for garnish.

Cake flour is key to achieving a light and fluffy crumb. It has a lower protein content than all-purpose flour, resulting in a softer texture. If you don’t have cake flour, you can make a substitute by mixing all-purpose flour with a bit of cornstarch.

Butter and oil work together to create the perfect cake texture. Butter adds richness and depth of flavor, while oil ensures the cake stays moist for days.

Heavy cream makes the frosting extra luxurious. Whipping it with a touch of powdered sugar and vanilla creates a cloud-like topping that pairs beautifully with the nutty cake layers.

If you want to enhance the green hue of the cake, a drop of natural food coloring can be added, though it’s completely optional. The pistachios already give it a lovely hint of green on their own.

How To Make This Pistachio Cream Cake

Creating this cake is a joy, and the process is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps for a perfectly moist, flavorful result.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing two 8-inch round cake pans. Line them with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Finely grind a portion of your pistachios using a food processor. You want a texture similar to almond flour so it blends seamlessly into the cake batter. Keep some larger chopped pieces aside for garnish.

In a bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: cake flour, ground pistachios, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This ensures even distribution and a well-balanced batter.

In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the batter. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. This method keeps the batter stable and prevents overmixing.

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for about 25-30 minutes. The cakes should be lightly golden and spring back when touched. Let them cool completely before frosting.

For the frosting, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. This creates a light, airy topping that complements the richness of the cake.

Assemble the cake by layering whipped cream between the cooled cake layers and spreading more on top. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped pistachios for a beautiful presentation.

Storage Options

This cake stores beautifully, making it perfect for preparing in advance. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to develop, making each slice even more delicious.

If you need to freeze it, wrap the unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.

For leftover frosted cake, cover it loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The whipped cream holds up well for a couple of days, though it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Variations and Substitutions

This cake is wonderfully adaptable, allowing for various tweaks based on your preferences.

For a dairy-free version, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use coconut milk in place of regular milk. Coconut whipped cream also makes a great frosting substitute.

Want an extra flavor boost? Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the batter to complement the pistachios beautifully. It enhances the nutty notes without overpowering them.

For a more decadent dessert, spread a thin layer of pistachio paste between the cake layers before adding the whipped cream. This intensifies the pistachio flavor for true pistachio lovers.

If you don’t have cake flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour plus a tablespoon of cornstarch per cup. This mimics the softness of cake flour while keeping the cake tender.

Experiment with different toppings! A drizzle of white chocolate, fresh berries, or even a dusting of cocoa powder can give this cake a unique twist every time you make it.

However you choose to make it, this Pistachio Cream Cake is sure to become a favorite. With its delicate flavors, creamy texture, and elegant presentation, it’s a dessert worth savoring.