Pistachio Cream Cheese Cake — Rich, Moist & Delicious Recipe
This Pistachio Cream Cheese Cake is a moist and rich dessert featuring a light, fluffy pistachio-flavored cake layered with luscious pistachio cream cheese frosting. Enhanced with fragrant rosewater, this elegant cake combines nutty pistachios and creamy sweetness for a deliciously unique treat perfect for special occasions or an indulgent everyday dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake
- 3 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons rosewater
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 1/2 cup pistachios, finely ground
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
For the Pistachio Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 cup cream cheese (at room temperature)
- 1/4 cup condensed milk
- 1/4 cup pistachio paste
- 1 teaspoon rosewater (or vanilla extract as substitute)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan with baking spray or lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs and granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer until the mixture doubles in volume and becomes pale and fluffy. Then add canola oil, milk, and rosewater, mixing for another 2 minutes to achieve a smooth and silky batter.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in sifted all-purpose flour, finely ground pistachios, and baking powder without overmixing to maintain the light, airy texture of the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes in the preheated oven. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the Pistachio Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat together room-temperature cream cheese, condensed milk, pistachio paste, and rosewater until smooth and slightly peaked. For best texture, chill the frosting for 15–20 minutes before applying.
- Frost and Decorate: Spread or pipe the pistachio cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Optionally, garnish with extra pistachio crumbs or edible flower petals.
Notes
- Ensure eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding dry ingredients to keep the cake tender.
- Rosewater adds a unique floral aroma but you can substitute with vanilla extract if preferred.
- Chilling the frosting improves its texture and ease of application.
- Store the frosted cake in the refrigerator and serve at room temperature for best flavor.
Keywords: Pistachio cake, cream cheese frosting, rosewater cake, moist pistachio cake, nutty dessert, Middle Eastern dessert
