Description
An Elegant Pistachio Mascarpone Cake that’s tender, rich, and subtly nutty layers of moist pistachio sponge with luscious mascarpone cream and a hint of citrus for a refined and stunning dessert.
Ingredients
For the Pistachio Cake:
1 cup shelled pistachios
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp orange zest (optional)
For the Mascarpone Frosting:
8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
1 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For Garnish:
Chopped pistachios
Orange zest or edible flowers (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Grind pistachios in a food processor until finely ground (not a paste).
3. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and ground pistachios together.
4. In another large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and orange zest.
5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, mixing until smooth.
6. Divide batter between pans and bake for 25–28 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
7. For frosting, beat mascarpone, cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla together until thick and spreadable.
8. Layer the cakes with mascarpone cream, then frost the top and sides.
9. Garnish with chopped pistachios and optional orange zest or edible flowers.
Notes
For extra flavor, brush cake layers with simple syrup before frosting.
Can be made a day ahead and chilled — serve at room temperature.
Pairs beautifully with a cup of espresso or dessert wine.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 28 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: pistachio mascarpone cake, italian dessert, nutty layer cake, elegant celebration cake