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This made from scratch Sicilian pistachio cake recipe with pistachio flour and lemon peel encloses the warm spirit of the island. Easy to make using just one mixing bowl, you’ll be surprised by its simplicity and goodness. Irresistibly soft and moist, this remarkable Italian pistachio cake brings joy to your table.
What is Sicilian Pistachio Cake?
This Sicilian pistachio cake is an authentic and delicious Sicilian cake that uses one of the most prized ingredients – Bronte pistachios.
Bronte, a town in the province of Catania which is located at the base of Mount Etna is most famous for its pistachios.
In addition to these prized pistachios, this delicious Italian pistachio torte comes together with just a handful of ingredients.
Simply mix together pistachio and regular flour, eggs, lemon peel, ginger, sunflower oil, and sugar.
Bake in the oven for about 30 mins and savor the flavors of this traditional Sicilian pistachio cake.
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST RECIPE: For another popular Sicilian dish, try this simple recipe for Spaghetti al Nero di Seppia – How to make Sicilian black pasta
Bronte Pistachios – The Green Gold of Sicily
Bronte pistachios are world famous and recognized for their uniqueness. The pistachio nuts grow on Mount Etna’s volcanic and fertile soil giving them a particular color and taste.
The kernel is green in color and has a taste that is much more intense than other pistachios.
So special are these pistachios that in 2009, they received “Protected Designation of Origin” or PDO from the European commission.
Bronte pistachios are a true delicacy and worth trying at least once.
Where To Buy Bronte Pistachio
In Sicily, we saw these pistachios mostly at specialty stores and priced significantly higher than regular pistachios.
Compared to pistachios from California, one of the world’s pistachio producing regions, Bronte pistachios are different.
Known as “green gold” or emerald, Bronte pistachios are smaller, softer and very flavorful. They have an elongated shape with a greenish-purplish colored kernel.
Due to their richly concentrated flavors, they are used in many dishes and especially sweets…
If a trip to Bronte is not in your immediate future, you can find these exceptional pistachio from Bronte on Amazon.
History of Sicilian Pistachio Cake
The history of the Sicilian pistachio cake is intricately linked to the “green gold” or emblematic pistachios from Bronte.
The pistachios are said to have been introduced by the Arabs in the 9th century. The plant took root on the slopes of Mount Etna, where the rich properties of the volcanic soils turned out to be an ideal Eden.
The quality of the Bronte pistachios have been recognized since ancient times for their quality and organoleptic properties.
Today, about 80% of the agricultural land in Bronte is dedicated to pistachio production. Though it only represents about 1% of the world’s pistachio production.
They are far more expensive than those from California and shelled Bronte pistachios can cost more than $50 per pound.
Pistachios are used heavily in Sicilian cuisine. On the sweet side, they are used in pastries, cakes, cannoli, gelato or ice cream, cookies and more.
Discovering Italian Pistachio Cake in Sicily
We didn’t know about the Sicilian pistachio cake until the first time we had it at a cooking class in Catania.
The class was actually a Sicilian pizza-making class, and the pistachio cake was offered for dessert.
The first few bites were heavenly. We both fell in love with the moist, buttery pistachio flavors which were surprisingly not sweet. And, we knew at that moment, we wanted to learn to make the Sicilian pistachio cake.
Deb, our Sicilian cooking class instructor, graciously shared the ingredients and simple recipe. And, a few days later, we were in the kitchen making this Italian pistachio cake.
How To Make Italian Pistachio Cake at Home
The Sicilian pistachio cake also called plumcake al pistacchio is simple to make at home. All you need is just a few staple ingredients to make this irresistible dessert.
Ingredients
- Eggs
- 00 flour
- Pistachio flour
- Water
- Sugar
- Sunflower oil
- Ginger powder or fresh grated ginger
- Yeast
- Lemon peel
- Chopped pistachios for decorating
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST RECIPE: Check our other Sicilian recipe favorite: Pasta alla Norma to complete your Sicilian dinner
Sicilian Pistachio Cake Recipe Tips
Italian 00 Flour and Substitutes
In Italy, 00 flour is used in this pistachio cake. It is finely ground soft wheat Italian flour used in pizza, bread, pasta and cakes. You can find Double Zero 00 flour on Amazon or at an Italian specialty store in your area.
If you can’t get your hands on 00 flour, you can use All Purpose flour as a substitute.
Where to Buy Pistachio Flour
Pistachio flour, the star ingredient in this Sicilian pistachio cake can be found at some grocery stores and Italian specialty stores.
If you cannot find pistachio flour in your area, you can have pistachio flour delivered to your home by Amazon.
The texture is a little more grainy than regular flour and this adds a nice crunch to the cake.
How To Know When Your Italian Pistachio Cake is Ready
Check on the cake baking with a small knife or a toothpick. If the toothpick is clean, your cake is ready.
Turn off the oven and let the cake rest inside the oven for 10 min with the oven door slightly opened.
What to Serve With This Italian Pistachio Cake
This delicious pistachio cake can be enjoyed as is with a cup of coffee or tea. If you want to serve it for dessert, pair it with vanilla ice-cream, or homemade whipped cream.
Our favorite way of eating the pistachio cake was by spreading a layer of pistachio cream on it. We discovered pistachio cream, a spread similar to almond butter or Nutella in Catania, Sicily.
Sicilians love pistachio cream and we quickly fell in love with it too, especially on the pistachio cake.
Sicilian Pistachio Cake Step by Step Instructions
Prepare The Batter
Whip eggs with sugar until light and fluffy.
Make The Dough
Pour in the sifted flours, ginger, lemon peel, baking powder and mix well.
Bake The Cake
Grease cake mold and gently fold in the mixture and bake for about 35 to 40 minutes.
Sicilian Pistachio Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 eggs
- 1.1 cup 00 flour
- 1.4 cup pistachio flour
- ¾ cup water
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ⅛ cup sunflower oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder or fresh grated ginger
- 3 teaspoons yeast
- Lemon peel
- Handful of pistachios for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 °F / 180 ° C.
- Using a food processor or hand mixer, whip the whole eggs with sugar until light and fluffy.
- Next, to the egg mixture, add the oil and water and mix well.
- Add in the shifted 00 flour, pistachio flour, ginger, lemon peel, yeast and mix well.
- Grease and flour a plum cake baking mold or non stick long bread loaf pan.
- Using a spatula, gently fold in the mixture and bake in the oven for about 35 to 40 minutes.
- Using a toothpick, check to see if your cake is ready. Pierce the cake with a toothpick and if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- Turn off the oven and let the cake rest inside the oven for 10 min with an open oven door.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely for about 20 to 40 minutes.
- Once cool, unmold the cake and decorate or garnish it with crushed pistachios.
- Serve and enjoy. Buon Appetito!
Notes
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- This Sicilian pistachio cake can be stored in an airtight container or under a glass bell at room temperature for 3 to 4 days.
Nutrition
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Rosemary is the editor-in-chief and strategist at Authentic Food Quest.
Traveling slow since 2015 with her partner, Claire, she has explored the cuisine in 45 countries and more than 240+ culinary cities.
Her writing about local food specialties has been featured in Lonely Planet, Business Insider, Honest Cooking, Food Insider, and Huffington Post.
As a food and travel writer, Rosemary has co-authored three books, including one in collaboration with Costa Brava Tourism.
Rosemary is an avid runner when she’s not eating and exploring new destinations. She has run ten marathons and counting.
Before Authentic Food Quest, Rosemary held senior-level strategy positions in advertising.
Find out more about Authentic Food Quest
This recipe reminds me of banana bread which I’m a big fan of and although I’ve never had this before I’m looking forward to trying it.
Great to hear, Moop. Do let us know how you like the pistachio flavors. Cheers.
Your blog has quickly become one of my favorites because your posts are always so informative. I loved reading about Brontë pistachios. I had to order them along with the pistachio flour so I haven’t made this yet but I do plan to this weekend for Mother’s Day. In the meantime, I’ll be dreaming of this cake.
Thank you so much Jessica. That means a lot. Enjoy making the pistachio cake and do let us know how the family enjoys it. Cheers.
Oh. My. Goodness! This recipe is a keeper. I found the pistachio flour at my local Italian market and now I’m obsessed. The texture on this cake is out of this world! 100% making again. I’ve always wanted to take some cooking classes in Italy and your adventures have me convinced I MUST make it happen.
Great to hear Nicole. So excited for you to make this iconic Sicilian cake. Do let us know how it turns out. Cheers.
This pistachio cake is such a delight! I, too, fell in love with pistachios in Sicily and I’m always looking for new ways to enjoy the pretty nut. I thought this simple cake showcased it really elegantly. It was the perfect snack with my afternoon cup of tea!
So true, Marie. It is a simple and elegant cake and does go well with tea or coffee. Excited for you to make this recipe. Cheers.
Easy to make using just one mixing bowl, This cake is simple and good. Irresistibly soft and moist, Italian pistachio cake! Thanks for the recipe.
You are most welcome, Una. Hope you enjoy making it. Cheers.
I adore pistachios and when I saw this recipe for Pistachio Cake I knew I had to try it. This is so easy and comes together quickly . This cake has such a great flavor it is something I will make over and over, thanks for a great recipe.
You are welcome Debbie. Thrilled to hear you enjoyed the recipe. Cheers.
I made this Sicilian cake for my guests today. They loved the addition if pistachio. The best flavors also came from lemon and ginger. I will be making this cake often.
How exciting and so wonderful to hear, Raksha. It is truly a delicious cake and one to make often. Thanks for sharing your experience. Cheers
Two of my favorite things: Pistachios and cake 😉 I love pistachios in any type of dessert or pasty, and this cake looks easy to make. What a delight!
Thanks, Patricia, indeed pistachios and cake make a wonderful combination. Let us know what you think when you make it. Cheers.
This recipe does not disappoint! You have created a wonderful recipe and I love the “green gold” color!
You are so welcome, Leslie. It is truly simple and delicious. Thanks for stopping by!!
I love pistachio yet I’ve never tried making (or even tasting) this! I love that prep is only 10 minutes! Definitely will give this a try with my daughter who loves to bake!
Wonderful to hear, Deb. Please let us know how it turns out. Cheers
This cake look delicious!! I’m going to make this sooN!
Great to hear, Tisha. You’ll love it!! Easy and delicous. Yum!!
I’ve never had Pistachio some other ways except for ice cream. This is interesting, I’ll plan on making this.
Great to hear, Nadalie. You’ll love it. Cheers
I’ve never had pistachios in my life. No one I was around ate them so they didn’t like them and it became a passed down dislike. What does that even taste like. I love Italian cuisines but I’ve never tasted pistachios. I’ve always thought you had to have an acquired taste. Does the cake taste good? Is the pistachios overpowering?
Oh wow, you’ve got to give pistachios a chance. They are delicious. The cake is simple to make the taste of pistachios is not overpowering. Try it out, you’ll be surprised by what you discover. Cheers.
I’ve never had pistachios. What does that taste like. I love Italian cuisines but I’ve never tasted pistachios. I’ve always thought you had to have an acquired taste.
Yum what a tasty recipe with such a rich history too. I love those kind of recipes.
Thank you, Jen. Hope you make the recipe soon. Cheers.
The pistachio and lemon flavors are so complimentary! So awesome that I can prepare it in just 35 minutes!
So true, give it a try and let us know what you think. Thanks for stopping by. Cheers
Can’t wait to make this dessert. Something new to me and looks delicious. Thanks for sharing
You are most welcome, and so excited for you to try it too. It’s delish!! Cheers
This cake is just perfect for my weekend Tea Time Treat. Love the Ginger and Lemon flavor given to it. A must try one for sure.
Wonderful to hear Veenaaz. It is truly the perfect cake for tea. Cheers.
This brings back lovely memories of my travels through Italy. I love cakes that are soft and moist and the fact that I only need one bowl is definite plus!
So great to hear, Vicky. It’s so easy to put the memories on your kitchen table with the recipe. A truly Italian classic. Thanks for stopping by.