Rich and Moist Chocolate Pistachio Cake Recipe You’ll Love

Indulge in the best of both worlds with this Chocolate Pistachio Cake — a perfect combination of rich, decadent chocolate and the earthy, slightly sweet flavor of pistachios. The moist, tender cake is infused with the delightful crunch and creaminess of pistachios, creating a dessert that’s both satisfying and unique. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this cake is sure to impress with its luxurious taste and beautiful presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Decadent Flavor – The deep chocolate flavor pairs perfectly with the nutty, rich taste of pistachios.
Nutrient-Rich – Packed with healthy fats and protein from pistachios.
Moist & Tender – A beautifully moist cake that holds its shape and texture.
Impressive Presentation – A visually stunning dessert that works well for gatherings or special occasions.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for a gluten-free version)
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce (or vegetable oil)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar substitute (or regular sugar)
• ½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup pistachios, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp brewed coffee (optional, enhances chocolate flavor)

For the Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar substitute (or regular powdered sugar)
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp pistachios, finely chopped for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.

Prepare the Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

Mix the Wet Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, applesauce, sugar substitute, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Add in the brewed coffee (if using) to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Combine and Add Pistachios:

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Gently fold in the finely chopped pistachios.

Bake the Cake:

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool the Cake:

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Frosting:

In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar substitute, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract until smooth. Once the cake has cooled, frost the top with the chocolate cream cheese frosting.

Garnish and Serve:

Sprinkle the top of the cake with finely chopped pistachios for an extra touch of flavor and crunch. Slice and serve!

Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Approximate)

• Calories: 250
• Carbs: 24g
• Fat: 16g
• Protein: 6g
• Sugar: 6g
• Fiber: 3g

Tips for Success

• Finely Chop the Pistachios: For an even texture, chop your pistachios finely. This will allow them to evenly distribute through the cake and add an extra burst of flavor.
• Enhance the Chocolate: If you love the taste of chocolate, consider adding a bit more cocoa powder or using dark chocolate chips in the batter.
• Make It Ahead: This cake can be baked and frosted a day ahead, making it great for parties or gatherings. Simply store it in the fridge until ready to serve.
• Pair with Ice Cream: For a special touch, serve with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on the side.

Why This Recipe Works

This Chocolate Pistachio Cake is a balance of rich flavors and textures, offering the sweetness and creaminess of chocolate with the earthy richness of pistachios. The applesauce keeps the cake moist, while the frosting is creamy without being overly heavy. This cake is satisfying without being too indulgent, making it a perfect choice for those who want a flavorful dessert with a bit of heartiness.

Whether you’re a fan of chocolate, pistachios, or both, this Chocolate Pistachio Cake will quickly become a favorite. It’s rich, indulgent, and surprisingly light, with just the right balance of flavors and textures. Make it for a special occasion, or enjoy it as a treat to brighten any day. Every bite is sure to be a hit!