Lemon Pistachio Cake with Mascarpone Frosting

Lemon pistachio cake with mascarpone frosting is a delightful dessert that combines the nutty richness of pistachios with the bright, citrusy flavor of lemon. Topped with a creamy mascarpone frosting, this cake is both elegant and irresistibly delicious. Perfect for special occasions or as an everyday treat, it’s a moist, tender cake that pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and flavorful – The combination of ground pistachios and lemon creates a rich yet refreshing taste.
• Elegant and unique – A sophisticated dessert that’s perfect for gatherings or celebrations.
• Creamy mascarpone frosting – Light and luscious, it adds the perfect balance of sweetness.
• Easy to make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a great recipe for all bakers.
• Perfect texture – A soft crumb with a slight crunch from the pistachios.

this Recipe

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

• All-purpose flour
• Ground pistachios (unsalted)
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Vanilla extract
• Greek yogurt or sour cream
• Whole milk

For the Mascarpone Frosting:

• Mascarpone cheese (cold)
• Heavy cream
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Lemon zest (optional)

Directions

Making the Cake

1. Prepare the Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan or line with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, ground pistachios, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Flavoring: Mix in eggs one at a time, then add lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Alternate adding the dry ingredients with Greek yogurt and milk, mixing until just combined.
6. Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.

Making the Frosting

1. Beat Mascarpone and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Whip Heavy Cream: In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form.
3. Fold Together: Gently fold whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until light and fluffy.

Assembling the Cake

1. Frost the Cake: Spread mascarpone frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle with crushed pistachios and lemon zest for extra flavor and decoration.
3. Serve and Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10 slices
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Bake Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Extra Nutty: Add chopped pistachios to the batter for more texture.
• Honey Lemon Twist: Replace some sugar with honey for a different depth of sweetness.
• Layered Cake: Double the recipe and create a beautiful layered cake with extra frosting.
• Citrus Blend: Mix in orange zest for a more complex citrus flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cake for up to 3 months. Thaw before adding frosting.
• Serving Tip: Let chilled cake sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use roasted pistachios?

Yes, but use unsalted pistachios to avoid altering the flavor balance.

What can I substitute for mascarpone?

You can use cream cheese or a mix of cream cheese and heavy cream for a similar texture.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the cake a day ahead and frost it before serving for the freshest taste.

How do I grind pistachios?

Use a food processor or blender to grind pistachios into a fine powder. Be careful not to over-blend into a paste.

Can I make cupcakes instead?

Yes, divide the batter into cupcake liners and bake for about 18-20 minutes.

Is this cake very sweet?

No, it has a balanced sweetness with a natural nutty and citrus flavor.

Can I add more lemon flavor?

Yes! Increase the lemon zest and juice or add a bit of lemon extract.

What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?

You can substitute with sour cream or buttermilk for a similar texture.

Can I decorate the cake?

Absolutely! Pipe extra frosting, add candied lemon slices, or drizzle with honey.

What should I serve with this cake?

It pairs well with tea, coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Conclusion

Lemon pistachio cake with mascarpone frosting is a delightful combination of nutty, citrusy, and creamy flavors. Whether you’re making it for a celebration or simply to enjoy a homemade treat, this cake is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy every bite of this beautifully balanced dessert!

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