Make Ahead
Pistachio Cake With Confiture Ispahan & Strawberry Swiss Meringue Buttercream
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23 Reviews
meghanpalmer
June 5, 2023
I wanted to love this cake—especially because it was so laborious to make!—but I must've done a few things wrong. The jam was incredible and the frosting was also great, but the cake itself came out much more dense and dry than I expected. I think I slightly overbaked, but any other tips for this recipe in making a fight, more airy cake?
I did use a pistachio paste that contained a few additional ingredients (including milk), so maybe this is why. I didn't have cake flour so I made my own by subbing 2 tbsps of regular flour with tapioca starch. Would appreciate any tips as I am going to try to make this one again for a friends birthday!
I did use a pistachio paste that contained a few additional ingredients (including milk), so maybe this is why. I didn't have cake flour so I made my own by subbing 2 tbsps of regular flour with tapioca starch. Would appreciate any tips as I am going to try to make this one again for a friends birthday!
GML
June 5, 2023
Hi Meghan,
Cakes are fragile little jerks sometimes, aren't they? I think the pistachio paste and starch did you in. I much prefer pistachios blitzed into flour. It's like substituting a cup of almond flour to get a slightly heavier but oh, so heavenly nuttiness.
To get the crumb a little lighter, beat the batter to within an inch of it's life and make those egg whites get to work. And maybe corn starch would work better? Or invest in a box of King Arthur cake flour. Sifted, it never disappoints. But it sounds like you're close. It's a hearty butter cake with nut flour...so she's no angel food.
Cakes are fragile little jerks sometimes, aren't they? I think the pistachio paste and starch did you in. I much prefer pistachios blitzed into flour. It's like substituting a cup of almond flour to get a slightly heavier but oh, so heavenly nuttiness.
To get the crumb a little lighter, beat the batter to within an inch of it's life and make those egg whites get to work. And maybe corn starch would work better? Or invest in a box of King Arthur cake flour. Sifted, it never disappoints. But it sounds like you're close. It's a hearty butter cake with nut flour...so she's no angel food.
meghanpalmer
June 12, 2023
Thanks for the tips! Going for my second round to attempt this weekend. Two more questions: how many shelled pistachios do you need for 1 cup of pistachio flour? Also, I'm baking the cake itself two days before it's going to be assembled/eaten, best way to store the cake to keep it moist?
Thanks again!
Thanks again!
GML
June 12, 2023
Re. pistachios...I'm not sure. I've tried a few ways (pistachio paste, blitzing the pistachios, mortar & pestling...honestly, this pistachio flour I order from amazon is the best https://www.amazon.com/Pistachio-Flour-Ground-ounce-200gm/dp/B0993XR9W2/ref=sxts_rp_s_a_1_0?content-id=amzn1.sym.3432eb1a-1558-4445-9430-9bb3e7f7b9b7%3Aamzn1.sym.3432eb1a-1558-4445-9430-9bb3e7f7b9b7&cv_ct_cx=Pistachio+Flour&keywords=Pistachio+Flour&pd_rd_i=B0993XR9W2&pd_rd_r=f30f07f8-c24c-4162-9e73-bc0bf2bf1d3a&pd_rd_w=quHWh&pd_rd_wg=SWbej&pf_rd_p=3432eb1a-1558-4445-9430-9bb3e7f7b9b7&pf_rd_r=1DWTDVJZ2J22YP88H72D&qid=1686601404&sr=1-1-5985efba-8948-4f09-9122-d605505c9d1e
Wrapping the cake in plastic wrap and keeping it in the fridge will hold for 2 days, no problem. If it's too dry, you can make a simple syrup flavored with sugar/rose water/raspberries, then brush on to re-moisturize.
Wrapping the cake in plastic wrap and keeping it in the fridge will hold for 2 days, no problem. If it's too dry, you can make a simple syrup flavored with sugar/rose water/raspberries, then brush on to re-moisturize.
AmyKae
May 2, 2022
This is, without a doubt, the most beautiful tasting cake I have ever made. The ispahan jam is otherworldly and I will be making it just to slather on a hot scone. The icing gave me fits (I added the butter when the egg whites were still too warm- popped it in the fridge and then whisked to fix it), but it all tasted just heavenly. Will make again.
GML
May 2, 2022
Protip: Whole Foods has clotted cream. Scones+clotted cream + confiture Isfahan = pure heaven.
knoh
May 2, 2022
I made this for a friend’s birthday. What a hit! I loved the strawberriness of the frosting, so delish with the nutty cake. I think I underbaked the cakes just a bit, and they shrunk while cooling but the texture and flavor were still great. Also, i didn’t have the right type of strainer to remove the strawberry seeds which affected the appearance of the frosting, but I don’t think it harmed the flavor. 1/3 of the filling seems sufficient. I’m a huge fan of bright pink birthday cakes and can’t wait to make this one again.
Niki B.
April 25, 2022
Fantastic flavour combinations! Question: When I assembled the cake, I put a thick layer of jam in the middle, as instructed. But there was a lot of jam left over. Is that meant to be served alongside the cake or do you incorporate it elsewhere in the assembly? Thanks
GML
April 25, 2022
I put it on the top layer of the frosted cake, also. The test kitchen left the top blank in the photo, however. And feel free to dot or drizzle extra on plate while serving to make a snazzy presentation.
Niki B.
April 25, 2022
Thanks so much for the quick response. The jam is so delicious - I am sure it would be great spooned over the top of the cake
GML
April 25, 2022
I think it's best enjoyed straight from the jar under the dim light of an open refrigerator ;)
Colleen O.
April 23, 2022
Question: Canned lychees in syrup? The only canned leeches I can find are in syrup. Plus 2 cups of sugar seems like it will be way to sweet ...
GML
April 23, 2022
Step #1 directs you to drain the lychees. It doesn't matter if they're packed in syrup or water. And jam traditionally has a 1:1 fruit:sugar ratio (or more). The cake is more nutty than sweet and complemented by a sweet jelly filling, and not-too-sweet frosting.
Ellen A.
April 15, 2022
Question: the canned lychees, is the 60 oz the net weight canned or the drained weight? Thank you!
GML
April 15, 2022
Net weight canned. Buy 3 of the 20oz canned lychees and you'll be good. The recipe actually makes a little extra because the jam is so delicious....you'll want to enjoy it on toast, too.
boulangere
April 13, 2022
Suzanne, you’ve been masterful in reviving Contests. The best recipe won, hands down.
Cathy
April 3, 2022
This sounds amazing, am going to make it for a friend!! Congratulations on being a finalist!!
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