Description
A decadent layer cake with creamy mascarpone and earthy pistachios, perfect for family gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup raw pistachios, shelled
- 2 cups cake flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Additional crushed pistachios for garnish
- Optional: honey for drizzling
Instructions
- Process the pistachios in a food processor until finely ground, reserving some for garnish.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, and ground pistachios.
- In another bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, alternating with milk until smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- For the frosting, beat the mascarpone cheese and heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and reserved pistachios to combine.
- Once cooled, spread a layer of mascarpone frosting between each cake layer and cover the top and sides with remaining frosting.
- Garnish with crushed pistachios and drizzle with honey if desired.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before slicing and serving.
Notes
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results. Don’t overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Pistachio Cake, Mascarpone, Layer Cake, Dessert, Family Recipe