Vanilla Bean Pistachio Cake
Elegant Vanilla Bean Cake with Crunchy Pistachios
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup whole milk
1/4 cup sour cream
1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped (or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract)
1 cup chopped pistachios
For the Vanilla Bean Buttercream:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped (or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract)
For Decoration:
1/2 cup chopped pistachios
Fresh flowers or edible gold leaf (optional)
Directions:
Prepare the Cake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the vanilla bean seeds (or extract), milk, and sour cream until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the chopped pistachios.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Vanilla Bean Buttercream:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Add the heavy cream and vanilla bean seeds (or extract) and beat until light and fluffy.
Assemble the Cake:
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of vanilla bean buttercream over the top.
Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining buttercream.
Decorate the top and sides with chopped pistachios. Optionally, add fresh flowers or edible gold leaf for an elegant touch.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 12 servings
