White Chocolate Pistachio Cake Recipe
Introduction
The White Chocolate Pistachio Cake is a delightful combination of creamy sweetness and nutty crunch. This moist, buttery cake is studded with vibrant pistachios and luscious white chocolate, making it perfect for any special occasion or cozy treat at home.

Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, melted
- 3/4 cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped
- Additional chopped pistachios for garnish
- White chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Step 5: Stir the melted white chocolate into the wet ingredients until fully combined.
- Step 6: Add the dry ingredients alternately with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Step 7: Fold in the chopped pistachios gently.
- Step 8: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Step 9: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 10: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 11: Garnish with additional chopped pistachios and white chocolate shavings before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use good-quality white chocolate with cocoa butter for better flavor and texture.
- Lightly toast the pistachios to enhance their flavor and aroma.
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding dry ingredients to keep the cake tender.
- Start checking doneness a few minutes early as white chocolate can brown quickly.
- Try folding in raspberries or cranberries for a fruity twist.
- Substitute gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Top with white chocolate buttercream or mascarpone frosting for extra indulgence.
Storage
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze wrapped tightly for up to 1 month. Reheat gently at room temperature or warm slices in a low oven to refresh the texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk mixed with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar per 1/2 cup to mimic buttermilk’s acidity, which helps keep the cake tender.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, use dairy-free butter and white chocolate alternatives, and replace buttermilk with a plant-based milk plus a splash of lemon juice or vinegar.
PrintWhite Chocolate Pistachio Cake Recipe
The White Chocolate Pistachio Cake is a luscious dessert combining creamy white chocolate with crunchy pistachios, delivering a moist and buttery crumb with a nutty, sweet flavor. Perfect for special occasions or cozy weekends, this cake balances sophistication and comfort with its aromatic vanilla, buttery richness, and vibrant pistachio bits.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, melted
Add-ins and Garnish
- 3/4 cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped
- Additional chopped pistachios for garnish
- White chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the batter.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully integrate them. Then mix in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Incorporate Melted White Chocolate: Stir the melted white chocolate into the wet ingredients carefully until completely combined, adding creamy sweetness.
- Alternate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk: Add the dry flour mixture alternately with the buttermilk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in Pistachios: Gently fold the finely chopped pistachios into the batter for nutty texture throughout.
- Pour and Smooth Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the surface evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is cooked through.
- Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess.
- Garnish and Serve: Decorate the cooled cake with additional chopped pistachios and white chocolate shavings to enhance both appearance and flavor before serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality white chocolate with cocoa butter as the first ingredient for best flavor and texture.
- Lightly toast pistachios before chopping to enhance their flavor and aroma.
- Avoid overmixing once dry ingredients are added to keep the cake tender and light.
- Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time to prevent overbaking and white chocolate browning.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- You can fold in raspberries, cranberries, or diced apricots for a fruity variation.
- Try white chocolate buttercream or mascarpone frosting for extra indulgence.
- Bake in muffin tins to create mini cakes for single servings.
Keywords: white chocolate pistachio cake, pistachio cake, white chocolate cake, nutty cake, moist cake, dessert recipe, baking recipe, elegant cake

