Lemon Pistachio Cake with Lovely Lemon Frosting

Beautiful lemon pistachio cake with a lovely lemon frosting and fresh berries is the perfect treat for any occasion. This gluten-free pistachio cake is not only delicious but also beautifully vibrant, thanks to the fresh lemon juice and zest baked right in. Whether it’s for Valentine’s Day, a birthday celebration, or just a special dessert, this cake will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pistachios and lemons creates a unique, refreshing taste that’s hard to resist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Made with almond flour and oat flour, this cake is suitable for those on a gluten-free diet.
• Versatile Occasions: Perfect for celebrations like birthdays, anniversaries, or even casual get-togethers.
• Beautiful Presentation: Topped with lovely lemon frosting and fresh berries, this cake is as stunning as it is tasty.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and easily accessible ingredients, you’ll find this recipe approachable.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Lemon Pistachio Cake with Lovely Lemon Frosting, having the right tools on hand makes all the difference. Here are the essential tools you will need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Food processor
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Cake pans (6-inch or 8-inch)
• Parchment paper
• Offset spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Helps in achieving a smooth batter by thoroughly mixing wet ingredients.
• Food processor: Essential for finely grinding pistachios to ensure they blend seamlessly into the cake batter.
• Cake pans: Proper pans ensure even baking; using parchment paper prevents sticking.
• Offset spatula: Great for spreading frosting evenly over the cake layers for a professional finish.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup (135g) roasted shelled pistachios
• 1 ½ cups (169g) fine blanched almond flour
• 1 cup (95g) oat flour, gluten free if desired
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Wet Ingredients:

• Zest from 2 large lemons
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar (I use organic cane sugar)
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• ½ cup (113g) plain or vanilla whole-milk Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup (50g) fresh squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon almond extract

For the Cake:

• 1 batch Lovely Lemon Frosting
• 6 tablespoons low sugar strawberry jam (or substitute blueberry!)
• Strawberries (or berries of choice), for topping

How to Make Lemon Pistachio Cake with Lovely Lemon Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line the bottom of three 6-inch round cake pans or two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper rounds. Spray both the parchment paper and sides of the pans with nonstick cooking spray. Using parchment paper is crucial; otherwise, your cakes may stick to the pan.

Step 2: Prepare Pistachios

Add 1 cup of pistachios to a food processor. Process on high until finely ground, which should take about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Reserve 1 to 2 tablespoons of ground pistachios for decorating later.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground pistachios (minus the reserved amount). Whisk in almond flour, oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well blended.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another large bowl, combine sugar and lemon zest. Use your fingers to rub the zest into the sugar for about a minute to enhance flavor infusion. Add eggs, yogurt, lemon juice, and almond extract; whisk until smooth. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until fully combined. Optionally add dye-free food coloring for an extra pop of color!

Step 5: Bake the Cakes

Divide batter evenly between your prepared pans. Smooth out tops with a spatula. Bake for 18–25 minutes if using two 8-inch pans or 22–28 minutes if using three 6-inch pans. They’re done when a tester comes out clean or has just a few crumbs attached. Allow cakes to cool completely before removal from pans.

Step 6: Make Your Frosting

Prepare your Lovely Lemon Frosting according to your preferred recipe.

Step 7: Frost the Cake

Spread about 1–2 tablespoons of frosting onto your cake stand before placing a layer down (flat side up). Invert one layer onto it and spread roughly half a cup of frosting on top. Add about three tablespoons of strawberry jam on top of this layer’s frosting; spread towards edges while leaving about a quarter-inch border. Repeat layering process with remaining layers and frostings.

Step 8: Chill & Finish Frosting

Refrigerate decorated layers for about 15–20 minutes until crumb coat has set. Once chilled, apply remaining frosting smoothly over top and sides using an offset spatula.

Step 9: Garnish & Serve

Dust with reserved ground pistachios and top with fresh strawberries just before serving to ensure freshness! Enjoy immediately or store in the fridge for up to five days under proper coverage for best results.

This delightful Lemon Pistachio Cake with Lovely Lemon Frosting promises to be a showstopper at any gathering!

How to Serve Lemon Pistachio Cake with Lovely Lemon Frosting

Serving your Lemon Pistachio Cake with Lovely Lemon Frosting can elevate any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a delightful treat, here are some serving suggestions that will impress your guests.

For a Festive Occasion

• Fresh Berries: Top the cake with an assortment of fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a vibrant touch.
• Whipped Cream: Serve slices with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream to enhance the flavors.

With Beverages

• Iced Tea: A refreshing glass of iced tea pairs perfectly with the zesty flavors of the cake.
• Sparkling Water: Offer sparkling water with lemon slices to keep things light and refreshing.

As a Breakfast Treat

• Morning Coffee: Enjoy a slice alongside your morning coffee for an energizing start to your day.
• Yogurt Parfait: Serve it as part of a yogurt parfait for a delicious breakfast option.

How to Perfect Lemon Pistachio Cake with Lovely Lemon Frosting

To achieve the best results when making this cake, consider these tips that will help you perfect your baking skills.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and yogurt are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Properly Measure Flour: Use a kitchen scale or spoon flour into measuring cups and level off for accuracy, ensuring the right batter consistency.
• Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix until just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy; overmixing can lead to denser cakes.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding of frosting.
• Chill Your Frosting: If your frosting is too soft, chill it briefly in the fridge; this helps achieve better spreading consistency.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Pistachio Cake with Lovely Lemon Frosting

Pair your delicious cake with complementary side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Here are some side dish ideas that work wonderfully together.

1. Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad with citrus vinaigrette balances sweetness with its tangy flavors.
2. Cheese Platter: Offer a variety of cheeses like goat cheese or cream cheese that pair beautifully with the cake’s flavors.
3. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad provides freshness and contrast against the rich frosting.
4. Chocolate Fondue: The richness of chocolate fondue invites guests to dip fruits or pieces of cake for an indulgent experience.
5. Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm slices of cake topped with vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert combo.
6. Lemon Sorbet: A scoop of lemon sorbet enhances the citrus notes in the cake while being refreshing on the palate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a cake can seem straightforward, but there are some common pitfalls to watch for when preparing your Lemon Pistachio Cake with Lovely Lemon Frosting.

• Skipping the Parchment Paper: Not lining your cake pans with parchment paper can result in cakes that stick and tear. Always remember to use parchment for easy removal.
• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing the batter too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Using incorrect measurements can ruin the balance of flavors and textures. Use a kitchen scale for precision, especially with flour and sugar.
• Ignoring Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold eggs or yogurt can affect how well the batter comes together. Always let ingredients like eggs and yogurt sit at room temperature before mixing.
• Frosting While Cake Is Warm: Frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt and slide off. Ensure your cake is completely cool before applying frosting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your lemon pistachio cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• If possible, keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Lemon Pistachio Cake with Lovely Lemon Frosting

• Wrap individual slices or whole cakes tightly in plastic wrap.
• Use aluminum foil over the plastic wrap for added protection.
• Frozen cake is best consumed within 3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating Lemon Pistachio Cake with Lovely Lemon Frosting

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with foil. Heat for about 10–15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 10–15 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat. Cover with a lid and heat for about 5 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t dry out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding the Lemon Pistachio Cake with Lovely Lemon Frosting.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Simply substitute Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative to maintain creaminess without dairy.

What if I don’t have almond flour?

You can replace almond flour with additional oat flour, but this may alter the texture slightly. For best results, stick to using both flours as indicated in the recipe.

How can I make my frosting extra smooth?

To achieve an ultra-smooth finish, chill your cake after applying the crumb coat before adding the final layer of frosting. This helps create a seamless look.

Can I add more lemon flavor?

Absolutely! You could increase lemon juice or zest slightly in both the cake and frosting for an extra zing if desired.

What berries work best as toppings?

Fresh strawberries and blueberries pair wonderfully, but feel free to use any berries you prefer. Just ensure they are fresh for best presentation!

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Pistachio Cake with Lovely Lemon Frosting is not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor! Perfect for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or any celebration, it invites customization through different toppings or flavors. Don’t hesitate to try this delightful recipe; it’s sure to impress!

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Lemon Pistachio Cake with Lovely Lemon Frosting

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Indulge in the exquisite flavors of our Lemon Pistachio Cake with Lovely Lemon Frosting. This gluten-free delight marries the nutty richness of pistachios with the zesty brightness of fresh lemons, creating a moist and vibrant cake that is perfect for any occasion—from birthdays to casual get-togethers. Adorned with a luscious lemon frosting and topped with fresh berries, it’s not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Easy to make and sure to impress, this cake will satisfy your sweet cravings while keeping things light and refreshing.

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Makes approximately 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup roasted shelled pistachios
• 1 ½ cups fine blanched almond flour
• 1 cup oat flour (gluten-free if desired)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
• Zest and juice from 2 large lemons

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare three 6-inch or two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Finely grind pistachios in a food processor; set aside some for decoration.
3. In one bowl, mix ground pistachios, almond flour, oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, combine sugar and lemon zest, then whisk in eggs, yogurt, lemon juice, and almond extract.
4. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until combined. Divide batter into prepared pans.
5. Bake for 18–25 minutes (for two pans) or 22–28 minutes (for three pans). Cool completely before frosting.
6. Prepare Lovely Lemon Frosting and frost layers as desired.

• Author: Juniper
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing. For extra lemon flavor, increase the zest and juice slightly. Chill your frosting briefly if it feels too soft for spreading.