Name: Raspberry Pistachio Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 1 cup all purpose flour; 1.5 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon matcha powder (optional); 0.25 teaspoon salt; 0.75 cup granulated sugar; 0.5 cup roasted salted pistachios (no shell) (plus extra for decorating); 0.25 cup oil (such as olive or any neutral liquid oil); 1 large egg (at room temperature); 0.5 cup full fat plain yogurt; 0.25 cup whole milk (at room temperature); 0.5 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 0.25 teaspoon pure almond extract; 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries; 0.75 cup frozen raspberries; 3 tablespoon granulated sugar; 2 teaspoon corn starch; 0.67 cup 35% heavy whipping cream; 1 tablespoon powdered confectioner's sugar; 0.25 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Introduction to Raspberry Pistachio Cake

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert to showcase your baking skills, look no further than Raspberry Pistachio Cake. This cake is not just visually stunning with its vibrant red raspberries and green pistachios, but also offers a beautiful medley of flavors that will wow your family and friends. The balance of earthy pistachios and tangy raspberry compote creates a taste sensation that is both decadent and refreshing.

Why Raspberry Pistachio Cake is Perfect for Home Baking

One of the best things about this cake is its versatility. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself to a sweet indulgence, Raspberry Pistachio Cake is a crowd-pleaser. The recipe is quite forgiving, making it ideal for novice bakers. In just about an hour, you can create a soft, moist cake that pairs beautifully with vanilla whipped cream—perfect for any gathering.

What makes this cake even more appealing is the use of fresh or frozen raspberries, which add a vibrant color and a delicious tartness. And let's not forget about the pistachios! Roasted and ground into the batter, they provide a unique depth of flavor along with a satisfying crunch. For detailed instructions, check out the full recipe below!

Learn more about raspberries, and how they can enhance your desserts.

Ingredients for Raspberry Pistachio Cake

Essential Ingredients for the Cake Batter

To craft a delightful raspberry pistachio cake, you'll need some key staples for the batter. Gather:

1 cup (142g) all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
½ cup (60g) roasted salted pistachios (no shell), plus extra for decoration
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup (60g) oil (olive or neutral like canola)
1 large egg, at room temperature
½ cup (120ml) full-fat plain yogurt
¼ cup (60ml) whole milk, at room temperature
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon pure almond extract
1 cup (100g) fresh or frozen raspberries

These basic ingredients come together beautifully to create a moist cake.

Ingredients for the Raspberry Compote

Next, let's make that luscious raspberry compote to add a zingy twist to our cake. You'll need:

¾ cup (80g) frozen raspberries
3 tablespoons (40g) granulated sugar
2 teaspoons (6g) cornstarch

The sweetness of the sugar balances the tartness of the raspberries perfectly.

Ingredients for the Whipped Cream Frosting

Finally, let's sweeten it all up with a dreamy whipped cream frosting. Gather:

⅔ cup (160ml) 35% heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon powdered confectioner's sugar
¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

This fluffy frosting is the perfect finishing touch for your raspberry pistachio cake, adding creaminess that complements the cake's textures.

With these ingredients ready, you'll be well on your way to baking a deliciously unique dessert!

Step-by-step Preparation of Raspberry Pistachio Cake

Following these simple steps will lead you to a delightful Raspberry Pistachio Cake that is not only stunning but delicious. Let’s dive right in!

Preheat the oven and prepare the baking pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, take an 8x8-inch metal baking pan and line it with parchment paper. This will make it much easier to remove the cake after baking. No one enjoys dealing with a cake that sticks, right?

Grind the pistachios

Next, it’s time to bring out the nuts! Grab about ½ cup (60g) of roasted salted pistachios and place them in a food processor. Pulse until you achieve fine crumbs—around 10-15 seconds should do the trick. Just be cautious: over-processing can lead to a pistachio paste. If you have extra on hand, feel free to chop them up for garnish later!

Make the cake batter

Now for the fun part! In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, matcha (optional for that pop of color), and salt. Add the granulated sugar and the ground pistachios, whisking until everything is nicely blended. In a separate medium bowl, combine oil, egg, yogurt, milk, and vanilla and almond extracts. Whisk until smooth. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mix. Gently fold until just combined, avoiding any overmixing. Finally, fold in your fresh or frozen raspberries, taking care not to turn your batter into a swirl of gray.

Bake the cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Afterward, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 20 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the raspberry compote

For the raspberry compote, combine ¾ cup of frozen raspberries and 3 tablespoons of sugar in a small heatproof bowl. Mash them with a fork until they resemble a jam-like consistency. Heat this mixture in the microwave for intervals of 30 seconds, stirring in between, until it boils and thickens—roughly 1.5 to 2 minutes should suffice. Let it cool, allowing it to thicken further.

Make the whipped cream frosting

In a medium bowl, whip together ⅔ cup of heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This creamy frosting will add a delightful touch to your cake.

Assemble and decorate the cake

Once the cake is cool, spread the whipped cream frosting generously over the top. Add dollops of the cooled raspberry compote and swirl it through the frosting for a visually appealing effect. Sprinkle with the reserved chopped pistachios for that extra crunch.

Now, cut a slice and enjoy your beautifully crafted Raspberry Pistachio Cake! It's not just a feast for the eyes but a burst of flavors waiting to be savored. Happy baking!

Variations on Raspberry Pistachio Cake

Alternate Nut Options

Experimenting with different nuts can give your raspberry pistachio cake a unique twist! Consider swapping pistachios for almonds or hazelnuts for an interesting flavor profile. Each nut brings its own texture and taste, allowing you to create something special every time you bake.

Adding Chocolate or Lemon Zest for Flavor

Looking to elevate your raspberry pistachio cake? Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips for a delightful chocolatey surprise, or stir in some fresh lemon zest to brighten the flavors. Both options take the cake from delicious to exceptional, making it a memorable treat for any occasion!

For more tips on enhancing your baking, check out this resource on flavor pairings to inspire your next kitchen adventure!

Cooking Tips and Notes for Raspberry Pistachio Cake

Tips for achieving moist cake texture

To ensure your raspberry pistachio cake stays delightfully moist, be careful not to overmix the batter. Gently fold the ingredients just until combined—this keeps the cake light and fluffy. Also, consider using oil in addition to butter; oil adds moisture while butter contributes flavor. Lastly, the addition of yogurt not only enhances the texture but also enriches the cake with tang.

Importance of ingredient temperature

Using room temperature ingredients, like eggs and dairy, is crucial in baking. It promotes even mixing, helping the cake rise properly, resulting in a uniform texture. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to seize up, leading to a denser cake. So, remember to take your eggs and milk out ahead of time for the best outcome! Consider checking out this guide on ingredient temperatures for more insights.

With these tips in mind, you’re on your way to creating a cake that's not just beautiful but also deliciously unforgettable!

Serving Suggestions for Raspberry Pistachio Cake

Ideal Occasions for Enjoying This Delight

The Raspberry Pistachio Cake is perfect for a variety of gatherings. Its elegant flavors make it a wonderful addition to:

Birthday celebrations
Afternoon tea parties
Bridal showers
Holiday brunches
Casual get-togethers with friends

No matter the occasion, this cake is sure to impress!

Perfect Beverage Pairings

To elevate your experience, consider pairing your raspberry pistachio cake with complementary beverages. Here are some options to explore:

Herbal teas: A calming chamomile or a fragrant hibiscus tea pairs beautifully with the cake’s fruity and nutty flavors.
Iced coffee: The rich notes of coffee enhance the cake’s sweetness, making it a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
Sparkling water: A refreshing and light choice, it cleanses the palate between bites, emphasizing the cake's delicious flavors.

Explore these pairings for a truly memorable dessert experience!

Time Breakdown for Raspberry Pistachio Cake

Preparation time

Get your kitchen ready in just 30 minutes! This includes gathering ingredients, preheating the oven, and mixing everything to create that delicious cake batter.

Baking time

The cake takes about 30-35 minutes in the oven to achieve that perfect golden brown finish. You'll know it's ready when a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Total time

In total, you’ll need about 1 hour from start to finish for this delectable Raspberry Pistachio Cake. Perfect for a weekend treat or a special occasion!

For more tips on baking, check out resources like King Arthur Baking for expert advice. Don’t forget to enjoy the process!

Nutritional Facts for Raspberry Pistachio Cake

Calories

This delightful Raspberry Pistachio Cake contains approximately 290 calories per serving. It's a delightful treat that brings a balance of flavor without overindulgence!

Sugar Content

With about 20 grams of sugar in each slice, the raspberry pistachio cake offers sweetness largely from the fresh raspberries and the added sugar in the compote, giving it that lovely tart contrast.

Protein

You’ll find around 6 grams of protein per serving, thanks to ingredients like pistachios and yogurt. It’s a sweet way to enjoy a little protein boost while indulging your dessert cravings!

Remember, these values can vary based on portion size and ingredient variations. For more detailed nutrition breakdowns, sites like NutritionData or the USDA's food database can be quite helpful!

FAQs about Raspberry Pistachio Cake

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This raspberry pistachio cake is perfect for prepping in advance. You can bake it a day or two ahead of your event. Just make sure to store it properly to maintain its moisture and flavor.

How do I store any leftovers?

To keep your raspberry pistachio cake fresh, place any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, pop it in the fridge for up to a week. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before serving for that delightful moistness.

Can I substitute ingredients in the recipe?

Yes! If you’re in a pinch, you can swap ingredients. For example, Greek yogurt can be used in place of regular yogurt, or you can use almond milk instead of whole milk. Just keep in mind these changes might slightly alter the flavor and texture of your cake. Don’t hesitate to get creative, but it’s always best to stick with the original recipe for that perfect balance of flavors.

For more tips and tricks, check out King Arthur Baking's substitution guide.

Conclusion on Raspberry Pistachio Cake

Baking a raspberry pistachio cake is not just about creating a delicious dessert; it's a delightful journey in your kitchen! The joy of homemade baking shines through each slice, showcasing vibrant flavors and textures. So, gather your ingredients, share this experience with friends, and relish the sweet rewards of your efforts!