Pistachio Dream Layer Cake

Ingredients:

• 115g unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla essence
• ½ tsp. kosher salt
• 4 eggs
• 2 tsp. white vinegar
• ⅓ cup sour cream
• 3 tbsp. pistachio paste
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup unsalted pistachios, finely chopped
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tsp. baking powder
• 1 cup whole milk

For the Pistachio Frosting:

• 350g butter, at room temperature
• 5 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla essence
• ½ tsp. kosher salt
• 1 tbsp. pistachio paste

Baking Directions:

1. Grind pistachios to a fine powder using a food processor or blender.
2. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment.
3. Combine butter, sugar, salt, and vanilla in a large bowl and beat until fluffy. Blend in the pistachio paste.
4. Mix in sour cream, eggs, chopped pistachios, oil, and vinegar until the mixture is uniform.
5. Alternate adding flour, baking powder, and milk, mixing until the batter is smooth with no flour streaks.
6. Evenly divide the batter among the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted.
7. Cool the cakes completely before assembling.

For the Frosting:

1. Beat butter, pistachio paste, confectioners' sugar, vanilla, and salt until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Assembly:

1. Anchor the first layer of cake on your serving platter with a dollop of frosting.
2. Spread one-third of the frosting on the first layer, then repeat with the remaining layers.
3. Apply a final coat of frosting, smoothing the sides for a semi-naked look, and press chopped pistachios into the frosting on the edges.

Baker’s Notes:

• Room-temperature ingredients mix better, so let eggs and butter warm up before starting.
• For accurate flour measurement, fluff it up, spoon into your cup, and level with a knife.
• Don’t overwork the batter to keep the cake tender.
• Cake strips can ensure even baking.
• Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent sliding layers or melting.

Enjoy your Pistachio Dream Cake, a nutty indulgence perfect for any celebration!