Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Pistachio Carrot Cake 53.png

Pistachio Carrot Cake

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

🥕 Enjoy a moist and tender pistachio carrot cake bursting with rich, warm spices and fresh flavors.
🌰 This simple recipe combines wholesome ingredients and a light whipped cream cheese frosting for a delightful treat any time.

  • Total Time: 55-60 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (142g) all-purpose flour

½ cup (100g) granulated sugar

⅓ cup (40g) finely ground salted and roasted pistachios, plus extra for topping

1 teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

⅛ teaspoon ground allspice

⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg

⅛ teaspoon ground ginger

1 cup (120g) finely grated carrots (from 1 ½ to 2 medium carrots)

¼ cup (55g) packed light brown sugar

¼ cup (60ml) sunflower oil

½ cup (120ml) plain full-fat yogurt or sour cream thinned with 1 teaspoon milk

1 large egg at room temperature

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Chopped pistachios for decorating

½ cup (125g) cream cheese, very soft

⅔ cup (160ml) 35% heavy whipping cream

34 tablespoons (40-50g) granulated sugar

1 teaspoon lemon juice

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1-Preheat the oven: preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.

2-Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, ground pistachios, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices until everything is evenly mixed.

3-Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, combine the grated carrots, brown sugar, oil, thinned yogurt or sour cream, egg, and vanilla extract to blend the flavors well.

4-Combine: Next, gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ones until just combined, forming a thick batter that looks glossy and smooth.

5-Bake: Spread this batter evenly into your prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, checking with a skewer to see if it comes out clean.

6-Cool the cake: After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for about 20 minutes before moving it to a rack.

7-Prepare frosting: For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream and keep beating to eliminate any lumps.

8-Add more cream and sugar: Gradually mix in the rest of the cream, then add sugar one tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches a spreadable texture.

9-Finish frosting: Finally, stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract, spread the frosting over the cooled cake, and top with chopped pistachios.

Last Step:

Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.

Notes

🥕 Grate carrots finely to achieve a soft crumb and avoid stringy texture.
⏳ Mix carrots with sugar first to break down fibers and improve cake texture.
🌰 Roast pistachios lightly to enhance their flavor before grinding or topping the cake.

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Baking Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 320 kcal (approximate per serving)
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg