If you are looking to impress your friends or simply treat yourself to a decadent yet approachable dessert, this Pistachio Coffee Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining the nutty richness of roasted pistachios with the deep, aromatic flavor of brewed coffee, this cake delivers a moist, tender crumb with just the right amount of spice and sweetness. Every bite offers a comforting warmth that’s perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon coffee breaks. Trust me, once you try this Pistachio Coffee Cake Recipe, it will become your go-to recipe for any occasion that calls for a little extra love and indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients come together to make this Pistachio Coffee Cake Recipe truly shine. Each component plays a crucial role, from the tenderizing sour cream to the crunchy pistachios, creating a harmonious blend of texture and flavor that’s hard to resist.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure that holds the cake together with a soft crumb.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with the tender texture.
- ¾ cup unsalted roasted pistachios, coarsely chopped: Adds a delightful nutty crunch and beautiful green flecks throughout.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Ensures the cake rises perfectly to a light, fluffy texture.
- ½ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Infuses a warm, comforting spice that perfectly complements coffee and pistachios.
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt): Adds moisture and a slight tang, keeping the cake incredibly soft.
- ½ cup brewed coffee (cooled): Imparts a subtle coffee flavor that deepens the overall taste experience.
- 3 large eggs (room temperature): Bind the ingredients together and help create the tender crumb.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and a silky texture to the cake batter.
How to Make Pistachio Coffee Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan thoroughly to ensure your cake releases easily after baking. This step sets the stage for a perfectly baked coffee cake without any sticking drama.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. This mixture provides the backbone of flavors and helps distribute the leavening agents evenly, ensuring a consistent rise and flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes and is a crucial step for introducing air into your batter, which results in a tender, well-risen cake.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract
Add eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then, pour in the vanilla extract. This step ensures emulsification, meaning all ingredients blend smoothly for an even texture in your coffee cake.
Step 5: Incorporate Sour Cream and Coffee
Fold the sour cream gently into the batter until just combined, then gradually pour in the cooled brewed coffee. These ingredients bring both moisture and a distinctive coffee flavor, making the cake moist without being heavy.
Step 6: Stir in Chopped Pistachios
Gently fold the coarsely chopped pistachios into the batter, making sure they are evenly distributed. These nuts provide a wonderful crunch and a splash of green color, giving the cake that signature pistachio appeal.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This ensures your cake is cooked through but remains soft and tender inside.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow your cake to cool slightly in the pan before removing it. This resting time helps the cake set perfectly and makes it easier to slice and serve without crumbling.
How to Serve Pistachio Coffee Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar over the top not only adds a touch of elegance but also complements the nutty and coffee flavors beautifully. For an extra special touch, sprinkle some chopped pistachios or a drizzle of honey to enhance the natural sweetness and crunch.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs spectacularly with a fresh cup of coffee or a creamy latte, making it an ideal treat for breakfast or afternoon tea. You can also serve it alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream to round out the experience with some brightness and texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the cake into squares or wedges and arrange them on a rustic wooden board for a charming, casual presentation. You might also cut it into smaller pieces and offer it as part of a dessert tasting platter with various nutty and coffee-inspired treats to delight your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Pistachio Coffee Cake Recipe stays fresh when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keeping it covered prevents it from drying out while maintaining that soft, moist texture you love.
Freezing
This coffee cake freezes beautifully, making it a great make-ahead option. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then foil, or place slices in an airtight freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To enjoy the cake as if freshly baked, thaw frozen slices at room temperature and warm them in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. This refreshes the cake’s moistness and brings back that delightful fresh-baked aroma.
FAQs
Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream in the Pistachio Coffee Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for sour cream as it maintains the moistness and adds a slight tang that complements the pistachio and coffee flavors perfectly.
Do I need to roast the pistachios before adding them?
Using unsalted roasted pistachios adds a richer flavor and crunch, but if you only have raw ones, you can toast them lightly in a dry pan to bring out their natural oils and aroma for the best results.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the butter for a dairy-free margarine and use coconut yogurt or another dairy-free sour cream alternative. Just keep in mind that this might slightly alter the texture and flavor.
Is the coffee flavor strong in this cake?
The coffee adds a subtle yet distinct depth to the cake without being overpowering. If you prefer a more intense coffee taste, you can increase the brewed coffee slightly or add a teaspoon of espresso powder.
Can I use a different nut instead of pistachios?
While pistachios give this coffee cake its unique charm, chopped almonds or walnuts can be used as alternatives. Each will bring its own flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment based on your preferences.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—a truly delightful Pistachio Coffee Cake Recipe that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Baking this cake is like wrapping yourself in a warm, nutty hug complemented by the irresistible aroma of fresh coffee. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or indulging in a quiet moment, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire. So go ahead, grab those ingredients, and bring a slice of joy to your kitchen!
Print
Pistachio Coffee Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pistachio Coffee Cake combines the nutty crunch of roasted pistachios with the rich flavor of brewed coffee, creating a moist and flavorful cake perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat. With a tender crumb and subtle cinnamon spice, this cake is enhanced by a creamy texture from sour cream or Greek yogurt, making it a delightful companion to your favorite cup of coffee.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- ½ cup brewed coffee (cooled)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsalted roasted pistachios, coarsely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan thoroughly to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute all the dry components and leavening.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 3 to 4 minutes; this process incorporates air that helps the cake rise.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed butter and sugar, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and homogeneous.
- Combine Sour Cream and Coffee: Gently fold the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) into the batter until just combined; then gradually add the cooled brewed coffee, mixing carefully to maintain the batter’s lightness.
- Add Pistachios: Stir in the coarsely chopped roasted pistachios evenly throughout the batter, ensuring they are well distributed to provide texture and flavor with each bite.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared 9-inch round cake pan, smoothing the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly in the pan on a wire rack before slicing and serving to enhance flavor and texture.
Notes
- Sour cream can be substituted with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier flavor and added moisture.
- Ensure the eggs are at room temperature to help in achieving a light and fluffy batter.
- Coarsely chop the pistachios to add a pleasant crunch without overwhelming the cake’s texture.
- Cooling the brewed coffee is important to prevent cooking the eggs prematurely when mixing the batter.
- This coffee cake is excellent served warm or at room temperature and pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea.
