Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Heavenly Pistachio Raspberry Dream Cake is a luxurious dessert that blends the rich, nutty flavor of pistachios with the bright, tart sweetness of raspberries. With layers of moist pistachio cake, luscious raspberry filling, and a silky pistachio buttercream, this cake is as stunning as it is delicious. Perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress, it offers a beautiful balance of flavors and textures in every bite.

ingredients

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

pistachios (shelled and unsalted)all-purpose flourbaking powdersaltunsalted buttergranulated sugarsour creamlarge eggsvanilla extractalmond extractwhole milkfresh raspberrieslemon juicelemon zestpowdered sugarheavy cream

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.

Grind the pistachios into a fine meal using a food processor.

In a bowl, whisk together the ground pistachios, flour, baking powder, and salt.

In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts.

Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.

Fold in sour cream until just combined. Divide the batter evenly among the pans and smooth the tops.

Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool completely.

For the raspberry filling, cook fresh raspberries with lemon juice and zest over medium heat until broken down.

Strain to remove seeds, then return to heat with sugar, reducing to a thick jam-like consistency. Let cool.

For the pistachio buttercream, beat butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and ground pistachios.

Add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.

Assemble by layering cake with raspberry filling and buttercream, finishing with a smooth outer coat and decorative touches.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.Preparation time: 30 minutesBaking time: 30 minutesCooling time: 1 hourAssembly and decorating time: 30 minutesTotal time: about 2.5 hours

Variations

Use white chocolate chips in the batter for added richness.

Swap raspberries for strawberries or cherries for a fruity twist.

Add a splash of rose water to the buttercream for a floral note.

Top with crushed pistachios and whole berries for extra texture and visual appeal.

storage/reheating

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.The layers can be frozen separately, wrapped tightly, for up to 2 months.Thaw in the fridge overnight and assemble when ready.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pistachio flour?

Yes, it saves time and offers consistent texture.

Is it okay to use frozen raspberries?

Yes, just thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking.

How do I keep the cake moist?

Don’t overbake, and consider brushing layers with simple syrup before assembling.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose blend in place of regular flour.

Is the almond extract necessary?

It enhances the pistachio flavor, but you can omit or reduce it if preferred.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, the cake layers and fillings can be made a day in advance and assembled fresh.

Why is my buttercream too stiff?

Add a little more cream or beat it longer to soften.

Do I need to refrigerate leftovers?

Yes, due to the fresh fruit and dairy in the frosting.

What if I don’t have 3 cake pans?

Bake in batches or use two larger pans and adjust the bake time.

Can I make this into cupcakes?

Absolutely, just adjust the baking time to about 18–22 minutes.

Conclusion

Heavenly Pistachio Raspberry Dream Cake is a show-stopping dessert that delivers elegance and flavor in every slice. With its rich pistachio base and vibrant raspberry accents, it’s a dream combination for any celebration. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, holiday, or just to treat yourself, this cake is sure to leave a lasting impression.