Lemon Pistachio Cake with Lovely Lemon Frosting

Beautiful lemon pistachio cake with a lovely lemon frosting and fresh berries. This gluten free pistachio cake is perfectly sweet with both fresh lemon juice and lemon zest baked right in. It’s great for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or any special occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pistachios and lemons creates a cake that’s both nutty and refreshing.
• Gluten Free: This recipe uses gluten-free ingredients, making it accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can achieve fantastic results.
• Versatile Occasion: Perfect for celebrations or just a delightful treat at home.
• Beautiful Presentation: Topped with fresh berries and a lovely frosting, this cake looks as good as it tastes.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Lemon Pistachio Cake with Lovely Lemon Frosting, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 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

• Food processor: Quickly grinds the pistachios to the perfect texture for the cake.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients separately before mixing them together.
• Offset spatula: Helps achieve a smooth finish on the frosting for an elegant look.

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 sub blueberry!)
• Strawberries (or berries of choice), for topping

How to Make Lemon Pistachio Cake with Lovely Lemon Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the 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 the parchment paper and sides of the pans with nonstick cooking spray. Remember to use parchment paper; otherwise, cakes will stick!

Step 2: Prepare Pistachios

Add 1 cup of pistachios to a food processor. Process on high until finely ground, 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 ones). Whisk in almond flour, oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another large bowl, add sugar and lemon zest. Use clean fingers to rub zest into sugar for about a minute to infuse flavor. Then add eggs, yogurt, lemon juice, and almond extract; whisk until smooth. Combine dry ingredients into wet ingredients using a wooden spoon until smooth.

Step 5: Bake the Cakes

Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Smooth tops with a spatula. Bake for:
– 18–25 minutes for two 8-inch pans
– 22–28 minutes for three 6-inch pans
Cakes are done when a tester comes out clean or with few crumbs attached. Cool completely before removing from pans.

Step 6: Make Your Frosting

Follow your favorite recipe here to prepare your Lovely Lemon Frosting!

Step 7: Frost the Cake

Place about 1–2 tablespoons of frosting on your cake stand and spread it out. Invert one layer of cake onto the stand (flat side up). Add about half a cup of frosting on top and spread toward edges. Add strawberry jam on top of frosting and spread towards edge while leaving a border.

Repeat this process with remaining layers:
– Place next layer flat-side up on top.
– Add additional half cup frosting followed by more jam.
If using three layers, place final layer flat-side up on top.

Frost top and sides of cake with remaining frosting using an offset spatula for an even coat.

Step 8: Chill the Cake

Transfer frosted cake to fridge for about 15–20 minutes until crumb coat sets. After chilling, apply remaining frosting smoothly over top and sides again.

Step 9: Final Touches

Garnish with reserved ground pistachios. Top with fresh strawberries or mixed berries just before serving.

Step 10: Store

Enjoy immediately or store in fridge covered for up to five days to maintain freshness!

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 celebration or a cozy family gathering, the way you present this cake can add a special touch.

Pair with Fresh Berries

• Fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide a refreshing contrast to the sweet cake.

Add a Scoop of Ice Cream

• Serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla or lemon sorbet for an indulgent treat that complements the citrus flavor beautifully.

Drizzle with Extra Lemon Glaze

• A light drizzle of lemon glaze over the frosting adds an extra zing and enhances the cake’s lemony goodness.

Garnish with Mint Leaves

• Adding mint leaves on top not only looks elegant but also introduces a fresh aroma that pairs well with the flavors of the cake.

Serve on Decorative Plates

• Present slices on colorful or themed plates to match the occasion, making your dessert table visually striking.

Accompany with Herbal Tea

• A warm cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or mint, can balance the sweetness and provide a relaxing drink option alongside your cake.

How to Perfect Lemon Pistachio Cake with Lovely Lemon Frosting

To ensure your Lemon Pistachio Cake with Lovely Lemon Frosting is perfect every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps create a smoother batter that rises evenly.
• Don’t Overmix Batter: Gently mix until just combined to keep your cake light and fluffy.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking conditions, as ovens can vary.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: This prevents melting and ensures a clean finish when applying frosting.
• Experiment with Flavors: Try adding different extracts like vanilla or orange for unique variations.
• Store Properly: Cover tightly and refrigerate to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Pistachio Cake with Lovely Lemon Frosting

Complementing your Lemon Pistachio Cake with Lovely Lemon Frosting is easy with these delightful side dishes. They enhance the overall experience while bringing out the cake’s flavors.

1. Mixed Green Salad
   A light salad with vinaigrette balances the sweetness of the cake.
2. Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast and vibrant colors on your plate.
3. Coconut Macaroons
   These chewy treats complement the nutty flavor of pistachios perfectly.
4. Cheese Platter
   Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a savory option that pairs well with dessert.
5. Chocolate Covered Almonds
   The combination of chocolate and nuts echoes flavors in your cake while serving as a delightful snack.
6. Herbed Quinoa Salad
   This dish offers a healthy side that’s both satisfying and flavorful without overshadowing the cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Lemon Pistachio Cake with Lovely Lemon Frosting, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Not using parchment paper – Forgetting to line your cake pans with parchment paper can lead to sticking. Always use parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cakes.
• Overmixing the batter – Mixing too long can lead to a dense cake texture. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy result.
• Skipping room temperature ingredients – Using cold eggs or yogurt can affect how well your cake rises. Always make sure your wet ingredients are at room temperature.
• Not cooling cakes completely – Frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt. Ensure the cakes are completely cooled before applying the lovely lemon frosting.
• Ignoring the crumb coat – Skipping the crumb coat can result in an uneven frosting layer. This step helps create a smooth finish, so don’t skip it!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep leftovers refrigerated to maintain freshness.

Freezing Lemon Pistachio Cake with Lovely Lemon Frosting

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating Lemon Pistachio Cake with Lovely Lemon Frosting

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm slices for about 10 minutes for best texture.
• Microwave – Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds per slice until just warm.
• Stovetop – Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Lemon Pistachio Cake gluten-free?

The use of almond flour and oat flour instead of regular wheat flour makes this cake gluten-free while still providing great texture and flavor.

Can I use other nuts instead of pistachios?

Yes, feel free to experiment! Almonds or hazelnuts can be great alternatives, but they will alter the flavor profile slightly.

How do I customize the Lovely Lemon Frosting?

You can add more lemon zest or even a touch of vanilla extract for added flavor. For a twist, consider incorporating cream cheese into the frosting.

Can I prepare the cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cakes a day ahead and store them wrapped in the fridge until you’re ready to frost and serve.

How should I serve this cake?

This lovely lemon pistachio cake pairs wonderfully with fresh berries on top. It’s perfect for celebrations like birthdays or Valentine’s Day!

Final Thoughts

The Lemon Pistachio Cake with Lovely Lemon Frosting is not only visually stunning but also deliciously versatile. This gluten-free dessert is perfect for special occasions or simply as a treat at home. Feel free to customize it by adding different flavors or toppings, making it truly your own. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!

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Lemon Pistachio Cake with Lovely Lemon Frosting

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Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Lemon Pistachio Cake with Lovely Lemon Frosting, a gluten-free masterpiece that’s perfect for any celebration or cozy gathering. The cake features a harmonious blend of nutty pistachios and zesty lemon, offering a refreshing taste that will impress your guests. Topped with a luscious lemon frosting and garnished with fresh berries, this visually stunning dessert not only tastes divine but also adds elegance to your dessert table. Whether it’s for Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or simply a treat at home, this cake will become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare three 6-inch or two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and cooking spray.
2. In a food processor, finely grind pistachios; reserve some for decoration.
3. Combine dry ingredients (ground pistachios, almond flour, oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt) in one bowl.
4. In another bowl, whisk sugar with lemon zest, then add eggs, yogurt, lemon juice, and almond extract until smooth.
5. Mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
6. Divide batter into prepared pans; bake for 18–25 minutes for two pans or 22–28 minutes for three pans until a tester comes out clean.
7. Cool cakes completely before frosting with Lovely Lemon Frosting and garnish with fresh berries.

• Author: Emmeline
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results. For added flavor variations, consider mixing in other extracts such as vanilla or orange.