Description
This Lemon Pistachio Cake is a delightful fusion of citrusy brightness and nutty richness, made extra tender with olive oil and topped with a light, fluffy mascarpone whipped cream. Perfect for spring gatherings or an elegant dessert moment.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup cane sugar or granulated sugar (200g)
- 2 tbsp lemon zest (14g, from about 2–3 lemons)
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil (150ml)
- ½ cup milk of choice (115ml, preferably whole milk)
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (56ml, from about 1–2 lemons)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups gluten-free 1-to-1 flour or all-purpose flour (186g)
- 1 cup finely ground pistachios (116g)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 4 oz mascarpone cheese
- ½ cup powdered sugar (62g)
- Pinch of kosher salt
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- Splash of vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9″ springform pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk sugar and lemon zest together until fragrant.
- Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
- Mix in olive oil, milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, ground pistachios, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat mascarpone, powdered sugar, and salt until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream with vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake before serving.
Notes
- Ensure cake is fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Use finely ground pistachios for the best texture.
- For a gluten-free version, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
- The cake can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Decorate with crushed pistachios or lemon zest for a finished look.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg