Decadent Chocolate Pistachio Cream Cake

Ingredients

For the Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Ganache:
- 4 ounces chocolate, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream

For the Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping:
- 1/2 cup pistachio nuts, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Cake Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and granulated sugar. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

3. Bake the Cakes:
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Make the Ganache:
In a heatproof bowl, place the finely chopped chocolate. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy. Allow it to cool to a spreadable consistency.

5. Prepare the Frosting:
In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract.

6. Assemble the Cake:
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of the cream cheese frosting, then a thin layer of the chocolate ganache. Top with the second cake layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.

7. Garnish and Serve:
Drizzle the remaining ganache over the top of the cake, allowing some to drip down the sides. Sprinkle the chopped pistachio nuts over the top. Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Preparation & Cooking Times

- Preparation Time: PT30M
30 minutes
- Cooking Time: PT25M
25 minutes

Total Time

PT55M
55 minutes

Type of Dish

Dessert

Keywords

Chocolate Cake, Cream Cheese Frosting, Pistachio Dessert, Ganache, Layer Cake, Decadent Dessert, Baking Recipe, Sweet Treat, Oven-Baked Cake, Chocolate Lover

Recipe Yield

Feeds 8 adults

Calories

Approximately 3400 calories for the entire cake

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