There's something truly special about a slice of Pistachio Cream Cake. The delicate nuttiness of pistachios blends beautifully with a velvety, rich cream, creating a dessert that's both luxurious and comforting. Every bite melts in your mouth, with a perfect balance of light, fluffy cake and smooth, creamy filling.
I first made this cake for a family gathering, and it was an instant hit. The vibrant green hue makes it a showstopper at any table, and the flavor is just as impressive as the presentation. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this cake is guaranteed to bring joy to every bite.
Why You'll Love This Pistachio Cream Cake
Get ready to fall in love with a cake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. This Pistachio Cream Cake is the perfect combination of nutty, creamy, and lightly sweet flavors.
First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. While it looks like something from a professional bakery, the process is simple enough for home bakers of any level. With just a few steps, you’ll have a masterpiece on your hands.
The flavor is pure pistachio bliss. Ground pistachios infuse every layer with a natural nuttiness that pairs perfectly with the rich cream filling. Unlike artificial pistachio desserts, this cake lets the real flavors shine through.
It’s a versatile dessert that suits any occasion. Whether you're making it for a birthday, holiday, or a casual weekend treat, it always impresses. You can even dress it up with extra toppings like chopped pistachios or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Finally, this cake stays moist and delicious for days. Thanks to the creamy filling and tender crumb, leftovers taste just as amazing as the first slice—if there are any left!
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Pistachio Cream Cake comes from carefully selected ingredients that create a harmonious blend of flavor and texture.
Pistachios are the heart of this cake. Using finely ground pistachios in both the batter and the frosting ensures a rich, nutty taste. Opt for unsalted, shelled pistachios for the best results.
Almond extract enhances the pistachio flavor. A small amount adds depth and brings out the natural nuttiness without overpowering the cake.
Cake flour gives this dessert its delicate, tender crumb. If you don’t have cake flour on hand, you can substitute with all-purpose flour and cornstarch for a similar effect.
Heavy cream is essential for the luscious frosting. It creates a light, whipped texture that perfectly complements the cake’s softness. Be sure to use cold cream for the best consistency.
A touch of honey in the batter adds a natural sweetness that complements the pistachios. This secret ingredient enhances the depth of flavor and keeps the cake moist.
How To Make This Pistachio Cream Cake

Creating this dreamy Pistachio Cream Cake is easier than you think. Follow these steps for a flawless result.
Start by preheating your oven and preparing your cake pans. Grease and line them with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking. This simple step prevents sticking and guarantees beautiful cake layers.
Next, process the pistachios until they form a fine meal. Be careful not to over-process, as you don’t want them to turn into paste. Mix the ground pistachios with the dry ingredients, including cake flour and baking powder, for a light and fluffy texture.
In a separate bowl, beat together butter and sugar until light and creamy. This process incorporates air, resulting in a softer cake. Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the almond extract and honey for an extra layer of flavor.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk. This step keeps the batter smooth and prevents overmixing, which can lead to a dense cake. Once combined, divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake until golden brown.
While the cake cools, prepare the pistachio cream frosting. Whip heavy cream until soft peaks form, then fold in powdered sugar and a bit of finely ground pistachios for added flavor. The result is a silky, airy frosting that enhances the cake without overwhelming it.
Once the cakes are fully cooled, layer them with generous amounts of pistachio cream. Smooth a final coat over the top and sides, then garnish with chopped pistachios for a beautiful finish. Let the cake chill for a bit before slicing to allow the flavors to meld perfectly.
Storage Options
This cake keeps wonderfully for several days, making it a great make-ahead dessert. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The cream frosting helps maintain moisture, ensuring each bite stays delicious.
If you’d like to freeze it, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
For reheating, bring the cake to room temperature before serving. This step allows the flavors to fully develop and keeps the texture soft and creamy.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this Pistachio Cream Cake is how adaptable it is to different preferences and dietary needs.
If you're looking for a gluten-free version, swap out the cake flour for a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
For a dairy-free alternative, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream. The slight coconut flavor pairs beautifully with the pistachios, adding a unique twist to the classic recipe.
If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the sugar slightly or use maple syrup as a natural sweetener. The honey in the batter already adds a touch of natural sweetness, so a small adjustment won’t affect the overall balance.
To make a fun, layered version, add a layer of raspberry or apricot jam between the cake layers. The tartness of the fruit creates a beautiful contrast with the nutty richness of the pistachios.
Experimenting with different frostings is also an option. While the whipped pistachio cream is a classic choice, a cream cheese frosting or white chocolate ganache would also complement the cake beautifully.
No matter how you make it, this Pistachio Cream Cake is sure to impress. With its delicate flavors and creamy texture, it’s a dessert worth savoring every time!
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Pistachio Cream Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pistachio Cream Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert made with real pistachios and a velvety cream frosting. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration, this cake brings a delightful nutty sweetness in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup pistachio paste
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup chopped pistachios
For the Cream Frosting:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup pistachio paste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Mix in vanilla extract and pistachio paste.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk, mixing until combined.
- Fold in chopped pistachios. Pour batter into the pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Let cake cool completely before frosting.
- For frosting, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla, and pistachio paste until stiff peaks form.
- Spread frosting over the cake and garnish with additional chopped pistachios.
Notes
- Use high-quality pistachio paste for the best flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Toasting pistachios enhances their flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 180mg
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