Description
Delicate vanilla bean notes dance with rich pistachio in this elegant dessert celebrating Mediterranean baking traditions. Silky layers meld nutty complexity and sweet smoothness, promising a luxurious slice that whispers culinary artistry with each tender bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Dry Ingredients:
- 2.25 cups (532 milliliters) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Cake Wet Ingredients and Flavor Enhancers:
- 0.75 cups (177 milliliters) butter, softened
- 1.5 cups (355 milliliters) sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 Madagascar vanilla bean
- 0.5 teaspoons vanilla paste or pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (237 milliliters) milk
Pistachio Buttercream Frosting Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) butter, softened
- 1 (3.4 ounces/96 grams) package pistachio pudding
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 5–6 cups (625–750 grams) powdered sugar
- 4–6 tablespoons milk
- Chopped pistachios (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by warming it to 350°F and preparing two round cake pans with a light coating of grease and flour.
- Sift together the dry ingredients including flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl, creating a uniform powder mixture.
- Cream softened butter and sugar in a separate bowl until the mixture becomes pale and voluminous, achieving a light, airy texture.
- Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, ensuring complete integration after each addition to maintain a smooth consistency.
- Extract vanilla bean seeds by carefully splitting the pod lengthwise and scraping out the aromatic contents, then blend these seeds with vanilla paste into the butter mixture.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with milk and maintaining a delicate mixing technique to prevent overmixing.
- Distribute the batter evenly between prepared cake pans, ensuring balanced layers for consistent baking.
- Bake the cake layers for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden surface and a springy texture when lightly touched.
- Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire cooling racks to reach room temperature.
- Whip butter until it becomes fluffy and light, creating a smooth base for the buttercream frosting.
- Blend pistachio pudding mix and vanilla extract into the butter, creating a rich, flavorful foundation for the frosting.
- Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, adjusting with milk to achieve a creamy, spreadable consistency.
- Whip the frosting at high speed for several minutes to develop an exceptionally light and airy texture.
- Position the first cake layer on a serving stand, spreading a generous layer of frosting across the surface.
- Carefully place the second cake layer on top, creating a stable two-tier structure.
- Coat the entire cake with remaining buttercream, using smooth, deliberate strokes for even coverage.
- Create visual texture by gently pressing an offset spatula against the frosting and rotating the cake.
- Embellish the cake’s surface with piped decorative elements using reserved frosting.
- Sprinkle chopped pistachios around the top or sides for a final gourmet touch and added crunch.
Notes
- Elevate your baking game with this luxurious vanilla bean and pistachio cake that promises a delightful sensory experience.
- Scraping vanilla bean seeds directly into the batter ensures an intense, authentic vanilla flavor that cannot be replicated with extract alone.
- Beating the buttercream for five full minutes creates an incredibly light, airy texture that melts smoothly on the tongue.
- Use room temperature ingredients to guarantee a perfectly smooth, lump-free cake batter that bakes evenly and rises beautifully.
- The pistachio pudding mix in the frosting provides a subtle nutty undertone and rich, creamy consistency that sets this cake apart from traditional recipes.
- Decorative piping and textured frosting techniques transform this cake from simple dessert to stunning centerpiece, making it perfect for special celebrations.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 45 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 25 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg