CHEESE AND PISTACHIO CAKE

A cheese and pistachio cake is a delightful dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheese with the nutty flavor of pistachios. Here’s a recipe for making this delicious cake:

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups shelled pistachios
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk

For the Filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped

For the Topping:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• Additional chopped pistachios for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Pistachios:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the shelled pistachios on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven for about 7-8 minutes until fragrant. Allow them to cool, then finely chop them. Set aside.

Make the Cake:

1. In a food processor, combine the roasted and chopped pistachios with the flour, baking powder, and salt. Process until the pistachios are finely ground. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and then add the vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry pistachio mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9-inch round cake pan.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Filling:

1. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
2. Stir in the finely chopped pistachios.

Assemble the Cake:

1. Once the cake has cooled completely, carefully cut it horizontally into two even layers.
2. Spread the cream cheese and pistachio filling evenly over the bottom layer.
3. Place the top cake layer over the filling.

Make the Topping:

1. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
2. Spread the whipped cream over the top of the cake.
3. Garnish with additional chopped pistachios.
4. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Slice and serve your cheese and pistachio cake for a delightful and nutty dessert that’s sure to please!