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Pistachio Carrot Cake

Pistachio Carrot Cake: A Nutty Twist on a Timeless Classic

This Pistachio Carrot Cake is a delightful dessert merging traditional flavors with a nutty twist, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Cooling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour can substitute with gluten-free flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon cardamom use sparingly
  • 1 cup vegetable oil can substitute with melted coconut oil
  • 1 cup granulated sugar light brown sugar can be used
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup honey maple syrup can be a substitute
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 large eggs for vegan options, use flax eggs
  • 2 cups grated carrot
  • 1 cup chopped pistachios can substitute with walnuts or pecans
For the Frosting
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup butter at room temperature
  • 1/4 cup milk can substitute with almond milk
  • 1 package (3.4 ounces) pistachio pudding mix
  • 1 cup powdered sugar adjust for desired sweetness
  • optional - pistachio paste use if available
  • 1/2 cup chopped pistachios for garnish

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • spatula
  • Baking Dish
  • Wire rack

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, honey, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated after each addition.
  4. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom.
  5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
  6. Fold in grated carrots and chopped pistachios gently until evenly distributed.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 40-45 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add milk and mix until combined.
  10. Stir in pistachio pudding mix and powdered sugar until desired sweetness and consistency are reached.
  11. Frost the completely cooled cake with the pistachio frosting and garnish with chopped pistachios.
  12. Slice the cake into squares and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 6gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 5000IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure ingredients like eggs and butter are at room temperature for best results. Adjust powdered sugar in the frosting incrementally for desired sweetness.

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