Ready to treat yourself to a dessert that combines the perfect balance of nutty, fruity, and sweet? The Raspberry Delight Pistachio Cake Extravaganza is the cake of your dreams! Picture a soft, moist pistachio cake layered with fresh, tangy raspberries and topped with a luscious pistachio cream. Every bite is a mouthful of flavor, from the delicate crunch of the pistachios to the juicy burst of raspberries. It’s the kind of dessert that will make your taste buds do a happy dance.
Why You’ll Love Raspberry Delight Pistachio Cake Extravaganza
- Decadent Flavors: The earthy pistachios pair beautifully with the vibrant raspberries, creating a flavor combo that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
- Light and Moist: Despite its rich flavor, the cake is light and moist, making it the perfect treat after a meal or for afternoon tea.
- Beautiful Presentation: The cake’s vibrant green pistachio color and pops of red from the raspberries make it as visually stunning as it is delicious.
- Versatile: Whether it’s a special occasion or you’re simply in the mood for something delicious, this cake fits every moment.
- Impressive but Easy: The cake is surprisingly easy to make, yet it looks impressive enough to be the star of any dessert table.

Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make the Raspberry Delight Pistachio Cake Extravaganza:
- Pistachios: Ground pistachios add a lovely nutty flavor to the cake and also provide a little texture.
- Flour: All-purpose flour for the base of the cake.
- Baking Powder: For leavening the cake and making it nice and fluffy.
- Sugar: Sweetness for the cake batter.
- Eggs: To help bind everything together and add richness.
- Butter: Unsalted butter for a smooth, rich cake.
- Milk: To add moisture to the batter.
- Vanilla Extract: A hint of vanilla to enhance the flavor.
- Raspberries: Fresh raspberries for the fruity burst that will complement the cake’s nuttiness.
- Pistachio Cream: For the creamy, dreamy frosting (made from pistachio paste, heavy cream, and a bit of powdered sugar).
- Powdered Sugar: For sweetness in the frosting.
- Lemon Zest: For a fresh citrus zing in the frosting and the cake.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get started on making this show-stopping dessert:
Prepare the Cake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans (two 8-inch round pans work best). In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, adding a splash of vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, ground pistachios, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
Bake the Cake:
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. 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 about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Pistachio Cream:
While the cake cools, make the pistachio cream. In a medium bowl, whip together the pistachio paste, heavy cream, and powdered sugar. Add lemon zest for a fresh, tangy kick. Continue whipping until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Assemble the Cake:
Once the cake layers have completely cooled, place one layer on your cake stand or serving plate. Spread a layer of the pistachio cream over the top. Gently place fresh raspberries on top of the cream, then carefully top with the second layer of cake. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining pistachio cream. Decorate with more fresh raspberries and pistachio crumbs for an extra touch of elegance.
Serve and Enjoy:
Slice and serve this indulgent cake to your lucky guests (or just enjoy it by yourself—you deserve it!). Trust me, it’s going to be a hit.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 10
Calories per serving: 450-500
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
How to Serve Raspberry Delight Pistachio Cake Extravaganza
This cake is as beautiful as it is delicious, so it’s perfect for:
- Special Occasions: Birthdays, anniversaries, or any time you want to impress.
- Afternoon Tea: Pair it with a nice cup of tea for a refined treat.
- Family Gatherings: Serve it as the centerpiece of your next family meal, and watch everyone go back for seconds!
Additional Tips
Here are a few extra tips to make this recipe even more delightful:
- Make It Ahead: You can make the cake layers and frosting the day before. Just store them separately and assemble the cake when you’re ready.
- Decorating Tip: For extra flair, drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the top of the cake before serving. It adds a lovely touch of sweetness.
- Frozen Raspberries: If fresh raspberries are out of season, you can use frozen ones. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before using them in the cake.
- Make It Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Sweeten to Taste: Adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the pistachio cream to your liking if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet frosting.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use roasted pistachios for the cake?
A1: Yes! Roasted pistachios will add a slightly deeper flavor to the cake. Just make sure to grind them finely.
Q2: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A2: Yes! The cake layers and frosting can be made a day in advance. Just store them separately, and assemble the cake when you’re ready to serve.
Q3: Can I substitute the raspberries with another fruit?
A3: Absolutely! Blueberries, strawberries, or blackberries would also work wonderfully in this cake.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Q5: Can I freeze the cake?
A5: Yes! Freeze the unassembled cake layers and pistachio cream separately. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight before assembling and serving.
Q6: Can I add some liqueur to the cake?
A6: Yes! A splash of pistachio liqueur or amaretto would complement the flavors beautifully. Just add it to the batter or mix it into the frosting.
Q7: How do I make the frosting lighter?
A7: If you want a lighter frosting, you can fold in some whipped cream to the pistachio cream after whipping it.
Q8: Can I make this cake without pistachio paste?
A8: Yes! You can substitute pistachio paste with ground pistachios or use a store-bought pistachio butter if necessary.
Q9: Can I make this cake vegan?
A9: Yes! Substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use non-dairy milk and vegan butter. You can also use a plant-based heavy cream alternative for the frosting.
Q10: What’s the best way to serve this cake?
A10: This cake is best served at room temperature, where the flavors really shine. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a truly indulgent treat.
Conclusion
The Raspberry Delight Pistachio Cake Extravaganza is a dessert that brings together flavors you never knew you needed. From the crunchy pistachios to the fresh raspberries and creamy frosting, this cake will be your new go-to for special occasions and casual indulgences alike. Serve it at your next gathering, and watch it disappear! Enjoy!
PrintRaspberry Delight Pistachio Cake Extravaganza
This luxurious, nutty, and fruity cake features layers of moist pistachio sponge, a tangy raspberry filling, and a silky pistachio mascarpone frosting—topped with fresh raspberries and crunchy pistachios for the ultimate indulgence!
- Prep Time: 45minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
(Serves 8-10)
For the Pistachio Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup ground pistachios (finely blended unsalted pistachios)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
For the Raspberry Filling:
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen raspberries
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (to thicken)
For the Pistachio Mascarpone Frosting:
- 8 oz (225g) mascarpone cheese, cold
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- ½ cup heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks
- ¼ cup ground pistachios
For Garnish:
- ½ cup crushed pistachios
- Fresh raspberries
- White chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
-
Make the Raspberry Filling 🍇
- In a small saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat.
- Stir until the raspberries break down and release their juices.
- Mix cornstarch with water, then add to the mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely.
-
Prepare the Pistachio Cake 💚
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, ground pistachios, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add eggs, vanilla, and almond extract, mixing until combined.
- Mix in sour cream and milk, then gradually add dry ingredients until just combined.
- Divide batter between cake pans and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool completely before assembling.
-
Make the Pistachio Mascarpone Frosting 🧁
- In a bowl, beat mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla, and almond extract until smooth.
- Gently fold in whipped cream and ground pistachios until fluffy.
-
Assemble the Cake 🎂
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of raspberry filling on top.
- Add a layer of pistachio mascarpone frosting.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with remaining frosting.
-
Garnish & Serve ✨
- Sprinkle the cake with crushed pistachios and fresh raspberries.
- (Optional) Add white chocolate shavings for an elegant touch.
- Chill for 30 minutes before slicing for clean layers.
Notes
- The cake can be made a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge to keep the frosting fresh.
- If you’d prefer a firmer filling, increase the cornstarch by ½ teaspoon.
- For an extra burst of flavor, add a dash of lemon zest to the frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg