Name: Pistachio Cake with Strawberries & Cream Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Western
Ingredients: 7 oz (14 tbsp) softened butter (200g); 1 ½ cups self-raising flour (200g); ½ cup buttermilk (130g); 1 cup shelled pistachios (100g); 1 ¼ cups golden caster sugar (200g); 1 tsp baking soda (bicarb); 3 large eggs (free range); Zest of 1 lemon; ¼ tsp vanilla paste; 1 cup heavy cream or double cream (250ml); 4-5 strawberries, cut in half; 1-2 tbsp pistachios, roughly chopped

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 83 reviews

If you’re searching for a cake that feels both indulgent and fresh, the Pistachio Cake with Strawberries & Cream Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful dessert blends the nutty richness of pistachios with the bright sweetness of fresh strawberries and the smooth, luscious texture of whipped cream. Not only does it look stunning on any table, but each bite delivers a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that will have you reaching for seconds and sharing it proudly with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows twelve white bowls and small containers arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. At the top, three white bowls hold green and brown pistachios, white flour, and a block of yellow butter. Below them, smaller white dishes contain light sugar, golden syrup, and milk in a small pitcher. Near the center are three white eggs placed close together. Surrounding these are a tiny bowl of salt, a small container of green oil, white powdered sugar in a bowl, a bowl of thick creamy batter, and a bowl of yellowish cream. The overall look is clean and organized, with a soft natural light. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Keeping things simple is the secret here; each ingredient plays an essential role in building the cake’s incredible flavor profile, texture, and visual appeal. From the buttery richness to the zing of lemon zest, every component matters.

7 oz softened butter: Adds moisture and a tender crumb to the cake.
1 ½ cups self-raising flour: Provides lightness and structure with the perfect lift.
½ cup buttermilk: Brings a subtle tang and keeps the cake wonderfully moist.
1 cup shelled pistachios: The star ingredient, offering nutty flavor and texture.
1 ¼ cups golden caster sugar: Sweetens gently while helping with the cake’s beautiful golden color.
1 tsp baking soda: Ensures the cake rises perfectly for a soft, airy bite.
3 large eggs: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
Zest of 1 lemon: Lifts the flavor with fresh citrus brightness.
¼ tsp vanilla paste: Deepens the sweetness with warm, aromatic notes.
1 cup heavy cream: For whipping into a silky topping that crowns the cake.
4-5 strawberries (halved): Adds fresh juiciness and vibrant color.
1-2 tbsp chopped pistachios: A final crunchy touch that complements every forkful.

How to Make Pistachio Cake with Strawberries & Cream Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Begin by setting your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 10×5 inch loaf pan if it isn’t non-stick. This simple step ensures your cake will release easily and bake to an even golden finish.

Step 2: Blitz the Pistachios

Pop the shelled pistachios into a food processor and pulse them into fine crumbs. Be careful here – you want crumbs, not paste. The goal is to preserve that beautiful nutty texture while evenly dispersing the flavor throughout the cake.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the softened butter, self-raising flour, buttermilk, golden caster sugar, baking soda, eggs, lemon zest, and vanilla paste into the processor with the crushed pistachios. Blitz everything together until the batter is smooth and well combined, with no flour streaks visible. This step brings all the vibrant flavors into one harmonious mix.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. The aroma from the oven at this point is pure temptation!

Step 5: Cool Completely

Let your cake rest for 10 minutes in the pan, then carefully transfer it to a rack to cool completely. This cool-down phase is important because it firms up the cake and avoids sogginess when you add the cream topping.

Step 6: Whip and Decorate

Whip the heavy cream until it reaches a thick but soft peak – be mindful not to overwhip and turn it grainy. Spread the fresh cream generously over the cooled pistachio cake. Finally, garnish with halved strawberries and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios for that irresistible finishing touch that makes this Pistachio Cake with Strawberries & Cream Recipe truly shine.

How to Serve Pistachio Cake with Strawberries & Cream Recipe

A rectangular slice of brown cake with a soft, crumbly texture is topped with a thick layer of white cream. On the cream, there are chopped green pistachios and red sliced strawberries with green leaves, scattered evenly. The cake sits on brown parchment paper, placed on a rustic wooden surface with small white flowers and strawberry halves around it. The background is dark, making the cake colors stand out clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your presentation with extra fresh strawberries sliced thinly around the cake’s edge and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant sparkle. The contrast of red berries and green pistachio nuts is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the taste buds.

Side Dishes

Though this cake is a star on its own, pairing it with a light fruit salad or a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates the dessert experience. A refreshing mint leaf alongside adds a hint of herbal freshness that complements the pistachios beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the cake into thin wedges to serve at a brunch or afternoon tea party. Alternatively, layer slices with extra whipped cream and strawberries to make a stunning trifle that will wow your guests. This Pistachio Cake with Strawberries & Cream Recipe is versatile enough to adapt as a casual treat or a show-stopping centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge. The cream topping means it’s best enjoyed within 2–3 days to keep it fresh and moist.

Freezing

While the baked cake itself freezes well, it’s best to freeze it without the cream topping. Freeze the cake wrapped tightly in plastic and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before adding fresh whipped cream and strawberries.

Reheating

Reheat individual slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds if you want a warmed treat, but avoid heating the cake with cream. Warm just before serving and add fresh cream and strawberries afterward for that perfect balance.

FAQs

Can I use salted pistachios in this recipe?

It’s best to use unsalted pistachios for this cake to avoid overpowering the sweet and delicate balance of flavors. Salted nuts can change the intended taste, but if that’s what you have, reduce or skip any additional salt in the recipe.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix ½ cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. This homemade substitute will give that signature tang and help the cake stay moist.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can substitute the self-raising flour for a gluten-free self-raising blend, but ensure it contains xanthan gum for structure. Keep in mind texture might vary slightly, but the flavor will remain delightfully pistachio-rich.

How long does it take to whip cream to the right consistency?

Whipping cream usually takes about 3–5 minutes by hand or 1–2 minutes with an electric mixer. Watch closely—you want soft peaks that hold shape but still feel smooth and silky without becoming grainy or turning into butter.

Can I prepare the cake in advance without the cream topping?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day or two ahead and store it wrapped in the fridge. Add the cream and fresh strawberries just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.

Final Thoughts

This Pistachio Cake with Strawberries & Cream Recipe truly feels like a celebration in every bite. Its blend of textures and flavors makes it a unique dessert that’s simple enough to make for family but impressive enough for guests. I encourage you to give it a try soon—you may find it becoming your new go-to special occasion treat that everyone raves about!