Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (115g) shelled, unsalted pistachios
  • ¼ cup (60ml) water
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
  • Green food coloring (gel, optional)
  • 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
  • Chopped pistachios, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Make the Pistachio Paste: Pulse pistachios, water, sugar, and almond extract in a food processor until a smooth paste forms.
  2. Prep the Pans: Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper rounds.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
  4. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  5. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
  6. Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  7. Fold in Pistachio Paste and Food Coloring (Optional): Gently fold in the pistachio paste and green food coloring (if using).
  8. Divide and Bake: Divide batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool Cakes: Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Make the Frosting (Optional): Beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat until light and fluffy. Add milk or cream to achieve desired consistency.
  11. Assemble and Frost: Once cakes are completely cooled, level the tops if necessary. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Frost the top, then top with the second cake layer. Frost the entire cake.
  12. Garnish: Sprinkle chopped pistachios over the top of the cake.