This Almond Pistachio Cake is a delightful treat made with ground almonds, pistachios, and a hint of Triple Sec liqueur for a unique flavor. With a moist texture, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Topped with a luscious apricot glaze and a sprinkling of chopped nuts, it’s a rich, nutty cake that’s easy to make and utterly delicious. Whether you’re serving it for dessert or enjoying it with your afternoon coffee, this cake is bound to impress.
Preparation Time:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 25-30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 8-10 slices
Ingredients:
- 60g (¼ cup) sugar
- 4 eggs
- 60g (¼ cup) butter, softened (or quality margarine or deodorized coconut oil)
- 50ml (1 liqueur glass) Triple Sec liqueur
- 125g (1 cup) ground almonds (or almond flour)
- 60g (½ cup) starch (cornstarch, potato starch, or arrowroot)
- 15g (1 tablespoon) pistachios, chopped
- 15g (1 tablespoon) almonds, chopped
- 15g (1 tablespoon) granulated sugar (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons apricot jam (or another yellow fruit jam)
Directions:
- Prepare the oven and pan:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 20 cm (8-inch) cake pan with butter or oil and line it with parchment paper. - Mix the wet ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the softened butter and mix until well combined.
- Pour in the Triple Sec liqueur and mix thoroughly.
- Incorporate the dry ingredients:
- Fold in the ground almonds and starch (cornstarch, potato starch, or arrowroot). Stir until the mixture is smooth and all the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Bake the cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the topping:
- While the cake is baking, chop the pistachios and almonds, and mix them with the granulated sugar. Set aside.
- Warm the apricot jam slightly to make it easier to spread.
- Finish the cake:
- Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Do not remove the cake from the pan yet.
- Spread the warmed apricot jam evenly over the top of the cake while it’s still warm.
- Sprinkle the chopped pistachios, almonds, and sugar mixture on top of the jam.
- Cool and serve:
- Allow the cake to cool completely before removing it from the pan. Slice and serve!
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Enjoy alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat.
- Pair with a glass of dessert wine for a more indulgent experience.
- Serve with fresh berries or fruit compote for a fruity contrast.
- Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra richness.
Cooking Tips:
- Texture variations: Ground almonds give a slightly coarse texture, but you can use almond flour for a finer, smoother cake.
- Triple Sec: This liqueur is essential for adding a citrusy depth to the cake, but you can experiment with other liqueurs for different flavors.
- Do not overbake: Keep an eye on the cake towards the end of the baking time to ensure it doesn’t dry out.
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter is soft and eggs are at room temperature to help with better incorporation.
- Apricot jam: Warm the jam slightly before spreading to make it easier to coat the cake evenly.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Almonds are rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, which promote heart health and provide sustained energy.
- Pistachios add a dose of antioxidants, healthy fats, and protein.
- Eggs provide high-quality protein and essential vitamins like B12 and D.
- Triple Sec offers a subtle citrus flavor without adding much sugar or calories.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian: This recipe is suitable for vegetarians.
- Gluten-free option: The cake is naturally gluten-free when using cornstarch, potato starch, or arrowroot.
- Dairy-free option: Replace butter with margarine or deodorized coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
- Low-sugar option: You can replace the sugar with a sugar substitute of your choice.
Nutritional Facts (per slice, approx.):
- Calories: 210
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
Storage:
- Room temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Store in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
- Freezer: The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Unique flavor: The combination of almonds, pistachios, and Triple Sec makes this cake a standout treat.
- Perfect for gatherings: It’s an elegant and flavorful cake that’s great for sharing at parties or with family.
- Simple to make: With minimal ingredients and easy steps, it’s an approachable recipe for all skill levels.
- Customizable: You can tweak the flavors, adding different nuts or jams to suit your preferences.
- Moist and delicious: Thanks to the almond base and sour cream, the cake stays moist and flavorful for days.
Conclusion:
This Almond Pistachio Cake with Triple Sec and Apricot Glaze is a beautiful, nutty dessert that combines rich flavors and a moist texture with a delightful crunch from the nuts. The addition of Triple Sec elevates the cake, while the apricot jam adds a lovely sweetness. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to enjoy with friends, this cake will surely be a hit. Give it a try, and let the vibrant flavors brighten your day!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use almond flour instead of ground almonds?
Yes, almond flour works perfectly as a substitute for ground almonds, though the texture may be slightly finer. - What can I use instead of Triple Sec?
Triple Sec adds a distinct citrus flavor, but you can try other liqueurs like Cointreau or Grand Marnier. However, orange zest or orange blossom water may not offer the same depth of flavor. - Can I substitute the apricot jam?
Yes, you can use another yellow fruit jam, such as peach or pineapple jam, for a different flavor. - Can I make this cake without the nuts?
The nuts provide a delightful texture and flavor, but you can omit them if necessary. The cake will still be delicious! - How long does this cake stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container, the cake can stay fresh for 5-7 days in the refrigerator.