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Pistachio & Raspberry Layer Cake

A moist pistachio-infused layer cake filled with bright raspberry compote and finished with a silky vanilla frosting.
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

Pistachio Cake
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup pistachios finely ground
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 eggs large, room temperature
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk
Raspberry Filling
  • 2 cups raspberries fresh or frozen
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
Vanilla Frosting
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Cake pans (8-inch)
  • Wire rack
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, ground pistachios, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, mixing just until combined.
  6. Divide batter evenly between pans and bake for 22–25 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
  7. For the filling, cook raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat until broken down.
  8. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened. Cool completely.
  9. Beat butter for frosting, then gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and cream until smooth.
  10. Assemble cake by layering pistachio cake, raspberry filling, and frosting. Frost exterior and garnish as desired.

Notes

Chill cake layers before assembly for cleaner layers and easier frosting.