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Lemon Pistachio Cake with Lovely Lemon Frosting Recipe

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4.4 from 27 reviews

This Lemon Pistachio Cake is a delightful blend of nutty and citrus flavors, featuring finely ground pistachios and zesty lemon infused sugar in a moist almond and oat flour base. Topped with a luscious lemon frosting and sweet strawberry jam, this layered cake is perfect for celebrations or a special treat. The cake is gluten-free and combines a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, finished beautifully with fresh berries and pistachio garnish.

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 (organic cane sugar recommended)
  • 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 Assembly and Decoration:

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottom of three 6-inch round cake pans or two 8-inch round pans with parchment paper rounds. Spray the parchment and sides of pans with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare Pistachios: Place 1 cup of pistachios in a food processor and pulse on high until finely ground, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Reserve 1 to 2 tablespoons for garnish.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pistachios (minus the reserved amount), almond flour, oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Whisk together to evenly distribute.
  4. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, combine sugar and lemon zest. Rub zest into the sugar with your fingers for 1 minute to release lemon oils and flavor. Add eggs, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and almond extract. Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
  5. Combine Batter: Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir gently with a wooden spoon until smooth and homogenous. Optionally, add 1 to 2 drops of dye-free green food coloring for a fun tint.
  6. Bake the Cakes: Divide batter evenly into the prepared pans, smoothing tops with a spatula. Bake in preheated oven for 18-25 minutes for 8-inch pans or 22-28 minutes for 6-inch pans. Cake is done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with only a few crumbs. Cool completely before removing from pans, then bring to room temperature before frosting.
  7. Prepare Frosting: Make the Lovely Lemon Frosting according to its recipe (not included here).
  8. Assemble and Frost: Place 1-2 tablespoons frosting on the cake stand to secure the first cake layer, placing the flat side up. Spread about ½ cup frosting evenly over the layer. Top with 3 tablespoons strawberry jam for 6-inch cakes (or 6 tablespoons for 8-inch). Place the next cake layer flat side up and repeat frosting and jam. Add third layer if using, then crumb coat the entire cake with ½ cup frosting using an offset spatula and bench scraper for a smooth finish. Chill cake in fridge for 15-20 minutes to set crumb coat.
  9. Final Frosting and Decoration: Apply the final layer of frosting smoothly over the chilled cake. Garnish with reserved ground pistachios and arrange fresh strawberries or mixed berries on top just before serving to keep berries fresh.
  10. Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Use parchment paper in cake pans to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
  • Bring eggs to room temperature for better mixing and texture.
  • Grinding pistachios very finely helps to create a tender crumb and smoother cake texture.
  • Allow cakes to completely cool before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
  • The crumb coat is essential for a neat, seamless frosting finish.
  • Fresh berries should be added right before serving for optimal freshness and appearance.
  • You may substitute blueberry jam for strawberry jam for a different fruity flavor.

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/lemon-pistachio-cake-with-lovely-lemon-frosting-recipe/