Name: Pistachio Raspberry Cake
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Cake:; 250g unsalted butter, softened (16 tablespoons); 240g golden caster sugar (1 cup + 2 tbsp); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 large eggs; 150g plain flour (1 cup + 1/4 scant cup); 2 teaspoons baking powder; ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt; 100g shelled pistachios (¾ cup); For the Buttercream:; 175g softened unsalted butter (13 tablespoons + 1 tsp); 280g sifted icing sugar (2 ⅓ cups); 2 tablespoons smooth pistachio cream; ½ teaspoon fine sea salt; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; For the Decoration:; 3 tablespoons raspberry jam; 250g fresh raspberries (roughly 2 cups); 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios; Sprigs of fresh mint

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If you’re looking for a cake that combines rich, nutty flavors with a burst of fresh fruitiness, this Pistachio Raspberry Cake is the perfect choice. With its moist pistachio sponge layers, sweet pistachio buttercream, fruity raspberry jam, and a gorgeous finish of fresh raspberries, chopped pistachios, and sprigs of mint, this cake is both visually stunning and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this cake is sure to impress.

Pistachio Raspberry Cake

Why You’ll Love This Cake:

Rich Pistachio Flavor: The pistachio sponge and buttercream give the cake a delightful, nutty taste that pairs beautifully with the tangy raspberries.
Moist & Flavorful: The soft and fluffy texture of the cake, along with the smooth pistachio cream and raspberry jam, makes every bite heavenly.
Elegant & Festive: With its vibrant green pistachio layers, bright red raspberries, and elegant mint garnish, this cake is perfect for any celebration or special gathering.
Versatile: This cake works wonderfully for birthdays, afternoon teas, or any occasion that calls for a showstopper dessert.

Perfect For:

Special Occasions: Celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays with this beautiful and delicious cake.
Afternoon Tea: The nutty flavor and fruity topping make this an elegant choice for a cozy tea gathering.
Coffee Lovers: The combination of pistachio and raspberry pairs beautifully with a rich cup of coffee or tea.

Preparation & Cooking Time:

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories per Serving: Approximately 350 kcal

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

250g unsalted butter, softened (16 tablespoons)
240g golden caster sugar (1 cup + 2 tbsp)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 large eggs
150g plain flour (1 cup + 1/4 scant cup)
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
100g shelled pistachios (¾ cup)

For the Buttercream:

175g softened unsalted butter (13 tablespoons + 1 tsp)
280g sifted icing sugar (2 ⅓ cups)
2 tablespoons smooth pistachio cream
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
1 teaspoon lemon juice

To Decorate:

3 tablespoons raspberry jam
250g fresh raspberries (roughly 2 cups)
2 tablespoons chopped pistachios
Sprigs of fresh mint

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Cake Tins
Preheat your oven to 160°C (fan) / 180°C (conventional) / 355°F. Grease and line two 20cm (8-inch) loose-based round cake tins with non-stick baking paper.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, use a handheld mixer or stand mixer with the paddle attachment to cream together the butter and sugar for 3-5 minutes until the mixture becomes light, smooth, and mousse-like. Add the vanilla extract and mix again.

Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well between each addition until the batter is smooth.

In a food processor or blender, grind the pistachios into a fine crumb, similar to the texture of almond meal. Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into the bowl, then add the ground pistachios. Fold everything together carefully until just combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared tins and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for about 35 minutes, or until the cakes are well risen and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the tins for 15 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Buttercream
While the cakes are cooling, make the buttercream. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sifted icing sugar until pale and fluffy. Add the pistachio cream, salt, and lemon juice, then beat again. Taste and adjust the lemon if necessary for the perfect balance of flavors.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes have cooled completely, place one cake on a flat plate. Pipe half of the buttercream onto the cake in an even layer. Use a palette knife to spread the raspberry jam on top in a smooth layer. Be careful not to spread it too close to the edges, as it might spill over. Place the second cake layer on top and spread the remaining buttercream over the top.

Step 6: Decorate the Cake
Finish the cake by decorating it with fresh raspberries, chopped pistachios, and sprigs of fresh mint. The vibrant colors of the fruit and nuts will add a beautiful and festive touch to the cake.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy
Slice and serve the cake, and enjoy the delightful balance of nutty pistachio, sweet buttercream, and tangy raspberry jam.

Tips & Variations:

Pistachio Cream: If you can’t find pistachio cream, you can use pistachio paste or even a smooth nut butter to achieve the same flavor.
Cake Variations: For a more decadent twist, you could fill the cake with a layer of whipped cream or mascarpone cheese alongside the jam and buttercream.
Milk Options: You can substitute the butter for a dairy-free option to make this cake suitable for vegan diets, but the texture might vary slightly.
Raspberry Jam: If fresh raspberries aren’t in season, try using a high-quality raspberry jam to get that sweet and tangy flavor.

How to Serve:

This Pistachio Raspberry Cake is perfect for:

Dessert: Serve it as the grand finale to a delicious meal.
Special Celebrations: A gorgeous centerpiece for birthdays, holidays, or anniversaries.
Afternoon Tea: Pair it with a pot of tea or coffee for a delightful treat in the afternoon.

Conclusion:

This Pistachio Raspberry Cake is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the rich flavor of pistachios paired with the fruity brightness of raspberries. Its elegant layers of pistachio sponge, buttercream, and jam make it a standout dessert for any occasion. The fresh raspberries, mint, and pistachio decorations add the perfect finishing touches, making it as beautiful as it is delicious. Enjoy every bite of this indulgent and festive cake!