This Pistachio Coffee Cake offers a unique twist on traditional coffee cakes, featuring a rich and nutty flavor profile that's both indulgent and comforting. With layers of soft cake, creamy pistachio-infused cream cheese, and a crunchy streusel topping, each slice is a delightful experience. This recipe is versatile enough to be made with either gluten-free or all-purpose flour, making it a suitable treat for various dietary preferences.
Why You'll Love This:
The standout feature of this cake is its luxurious texture combination and the distinctive taste of pistachios. The cream cheese layer adds a creamy contrast to the dense, moist cake, while the streusel topping provides a satisfying crunch. The optional pistachio drizzle enhances the nutty flavor, making this cake a perfect choice for those who appreciate rich and multi-dimensional desserts.
Perfect Occasion:
This Pistachio Coffee Cake is ideal for brunches, afternoon tea, or as a special dessert after a family dinner. It's also fantastic for holiday gatherings or potlucks where you want to impress with something a little different from the usual. Its elegant appearance and exquisite flavors make it a welcome addition to any festive table.
Decoration Tips:
For an added touch of elegance, top the cake with a light dusting of powdered sugar or some whole pistachios for decoration before adding the pistachio cream drizzle. If serving at a formal event, consider plating individual slices with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed pistachios.
Ingredients:
- Cake:
- 2 cups gluten-free or all-purpose flour
- 4 tsp baking powder (reduce to 2 tsp if using all-purpose flour)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 2 large eggs
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 cups sour cream
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp pistachio extract (optional)
- 1 cup finely ground pistachios
- Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup pistachio cream
- Streusel Topping:
- 1 cup chopped pistachios
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 8 tbsp butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup flour
- Optional Drizzle:
- Additional pistachio cream
Instructions:
- Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: Blend cream cheese, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and pistachio cream until smooth. Set aside.
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking pan and set a cookie sheet underneath to catch any drips.
- Create Cake Batter: In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Incorporate eggs, sour cream, and both extracts. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined, then fold in the ground pistachios.
- Make Streusel Topping: In a bowl, mix together chopped pistachios, brown sugar, butter, and flour until crumbly.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Spread the cream cheese mixture over it, followed by half of the streusel. Cover with the remaining batter and top with the rest of the streusel.
- Baking: Bake for 55-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow to cool completely in the pan.
- Add Optional Drizzle: If using, drizzle with additional pistachio cream once the cake is cooled.
Enjoy this delightful Pistachio Coffee Cake, a perfect blend of nutty flavors and creamy indulgence in every slice!