Description
A moist and tender lemon pistachio cake made with olive oil, topped with a light and fluffy mascarpone whipped cream frosting. Gluten-free friendly and bursting with citrusy brightness and nutty richness.
Ingredients
1 cup cane sugar or granulated sugar (200g)
2 tbsp lemon zest (14g, from about 2–3 lemons)
3 large eggs
¾ cup extra virgin olive oil (150ml)
½ cup milk of choice (115ml, preferably whole milk)
¼ cup fresh lemon juice (56ml, from about 1–2 lemons)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1½ cups gluten-free 1-to-1 flour or all-purpose flour (186g)
1 cup finely ground pistachios (116g)
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
½ tsp kosher salt
4 oz mascarpone cheese
½ cup powdered sugar (62g)
Pinch of kosher salt
¾ cup heavy cream
Splash of vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9″ springform pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk sugar and lemon zest together until fragrant.
- Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
- Mix in olive oil, milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, ground pistachios, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat mascarpone, powdered sugar, and salt until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream with vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake before serving.
Notes
Use finely ground almonds or hazelnuts instead of pistachios for a different nutty flavor.
Add lemon extract for a more intense citrus flavor.
Decorate with crushed pistachios or extra lemon zest for a beautiful finish.
Use dairy-free cream and mascarpone alternatives for a vegan version.
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serve chilled or at room temperature; avoid reheating to preserve frosting texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: Approx. 320-370 kcal
- Sugar: Approx. 25-30g
- Sodium: Approx. 150-180mg
- Fat: Approx. 22-25g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 10-12g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 8-10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 28-32g
- Fiber: Approx. 2-3g
- Protein: Approx. 6-7g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 70-80mg
