Pistaschio Cake

If you like pistachios, you will love this.   

                                                      

PISTACHIO CAKE 

(serves 12-16)

Cake Ingredients:

*1/2 cup butter, softened

*1 cup granulated sugar

*3 large eggs

*1/2 teaspoon almond extract

*2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

*1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 

*1/2 teaspoon baking soda

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*1 cup buttermilk

*1 cup pistachios, finely chopped

Frosting Ingredients:

*1/2 cup butter softened

*1/4 cup pistachio paste (pistachio's ground up until texture is smooth and thick)

*1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

*1/2 teaspoon almond extract

*2 cups powdered sugar

Cake Directions:

~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

~Spray an 8-inch baking dish with cooking spray and lightly flour.

~In a medium bowl, sift together 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon salt together and then set aside.

~In a large mixing bowl, cream 1/2 cup softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar for about 2 minutes.

~Beat in 3 eggs, one at a time, mixing between each addition.

~Beat in 1/2 teaspoon almond extract.

~Add in sifted flour mixture and 1 cup buttermilk until batter is smooth.

~Fold n 1 cup finely chopped pistachios.

~Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

~Allow cake to cool completely before frosting.

Frosting Directions:

~In a medium mixing bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened butter, 1 (8 ounce) package softened cream cheese, and 1/4 cup pistachio paste until smooth.

~Beat in 1/2 teaspoon almond extract and 2 cups powdered sugar until smooth.

~Evenly spread on cooled cake.

~Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before slicing.