Vegan Pistachio Cake

A luscious vegan pistachio cake, infused with the rich, nutty essence of finely ground pistachios, layered with my velvety pistachio buttercream and a delicate ribbon of tangy cream cheese icing nestled between each moist tier.

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Where to find ingredients

Finding pistachio butter and pistachio milk can be a bit tricky since they’re not always stocked in regular grocery stores. I was able to find pistachio milk at Great Canadian Superstore in the health food section, so it’s worth checking specialty or natural food aisles if you’re on the hunt. As for pistachio butter, I had better luck ordering it from Amazon, where there are a few different brands to choose from. If you can’t find pistachio butter locally, you can also try making your own by blending raw or roasted pistachios with a little neutral oil until smooth!

Why You’ll Love This Cake

Elegant & Unique – A showstopper for any celebration, from birthdays to dinner parties, thanks to its gorgeous natural green color and sophisticated flavor profile.

A Perfect Balance of Flavors – The nutty richness of pistachios shines through without being overpowering, thanks to the combination of pistachio buttercream and vegan cream cheese frosting.

Dairy-Free & Egg-Free – This Vegan Pistachio Cake is completely vegan, made with ingredients like almond extract, apple cider vinegar, and melted vegan butter, making it an excellent choice for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking for a plant-based indulgence.

Moist & Fluffy Texture – Unlike some nut-based cakes that can be dense, this one is soft, tender, and perfectly moist, thanks to the right blend of wet and dry ingredients.

How This Cake Comes Together

This Vegan Pistachio Cake starts with a batter infused with finely ground pistachios, creating a naturally nutty and aromatic base. Using a large mixing bowl, dry ingredients like flour, sugar, and baking powder are combined with wet ingredients such as olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and vegan buttermilk.

The layers are baked until golden and perfectly tender, then stacked between each layer with a smooth, vegan cream cheese frosting. To balance the flavors, a delicate layer of Vegan Pistachio Buttercream Icing is spread around the outside. Combining the two icings adds a slight tang that prevents the pistachio from becoming overwhelming. Once assembled, the cake is finished with more pistachio buttercream and an optional sprinkling of chopped pistachios for extra texture and flair.

FAQ

Why did you use both buttercream and cream cheese frosting?

Pistachios have a naturally subtle flavor that can easily be masked or enhanced too much. Using only vegan cream cheese frosting tends to overpower the nutty flavor, while pistachio buttercream alone can intensify it to the point of slight bitterness. By combining the two, we achieve a perfect balance—where the buttercream amplifies the pistachio’s richness while the cream cheese frosting provides just the right amount of contrast to keep each bite light and well-rounded.

Can I make this Vegan Pistachio Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap for up to two days at room temperature or freeze them for longer storage. The pistachio buttercream and vegan cream cheese frosting can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge, then whipped again before assembling.

What’s the best way to decorate this Vegan Pistachio Cake?

A smooth pistachio buttercream finish with a rustic swirl effect is always a classic choice, but you can also pipe elegant designs or add crushed pistachios along the edges for a beautiful, textured look. For an extra touch of luxury, consider a sprinkle of edible gold dust or rose petals!

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap out the flour for a good-quality gluten-free flour blend, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free version of this Vegan Pistachio Cake that’s just as delightful.

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