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Pistachio Cake with Lemon Buttercream Frosting

2022-02-15 - Written by: Sophia P. Jenkins

Dessert Cakes Pistachio Lemon

Pistachio Cake with Lemon Buttercream Frosting

A moist and flavorful pistachio cake paired with a tangy lemon buttercream frosting, perfect for springtime celebrations.

Pistachio Cake with Lemon Buttercream Frosting

Introduction

This delightful pistachio cake is infused with the subtle nutty flavor of ground pistachios and topped with a zesty lemon buttercream frosting. The perfect combination of flavors and textures makes this cake ideal for springtime gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 2 1/4 cups (285g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (235ml) whole milk, at room temperature
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup (30g) ground pistachios

For the Lemon Buttercream Frosting:

  • 1 cup (200g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (400g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

Instructions

Preparing the Cake:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and ground pistachios.
  4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.

Baking the Cake:

  1. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  2. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Preparing the Lemon Buttercream Frosting:

  1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy.
  2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until smooth and creamy.
  3. Beat in the lemon juice and zest until well combined.

Assembling the Cake:

  1. Once the cakes are completely cool, place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
  2. Spread a thick layer of lemon buttercream frosting over the top of the first cake layer.
  3. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining lemon buttercream frosting.

Tips and Variations

  • To ensure the cake is moist, don't overmix the batter, and make sure to not overbake it.
  • For a more intense pistachio flavor, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of pistachio syrup or extract to the batter.
  • If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, you can increase the amount of lemon juice in the frosting.

Enjoy your delicious Pistachio Cake with Lemon Buttercream Frosting!