Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy Pistachio Ice Cream Cake, a delightful dessert that combines luscious pistachio ice cream with a light and fluffy pistachio sponge cake. This recipe features a homemade pistachio spread-infused ice cream layer, a moist pistachio-flavored cake, and a smooth whipped cream topping garnished with chopped pistachios for added texture and flavor. Perfect for special occasions or anytime you crave a nutty, refreshing treat.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Ice Cream Base
- 480 ml double cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (around 397 g)
- 300 g pistachio spread
Meringue
- 6 egg whites
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 125 g granulated sugar
Pistachio Sponge Cake
- 6 egg yolks
- 125 g granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 80 ml vegetable oil
- 100 ml cold water
- 200 g plain flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Pastry Cream
- 400 ml whole milk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Whipped Cream Topping
- 400 ml double cream
- 100 g icing sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Decoration
- Some chopped pistachios (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ice Cream Base: In a large mixing bowl, whip 480 ml of double cream until stiff peaks form. In a separate bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, pistachio spread, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pistachio mixture until fully incorporated. Transfer to a container and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight until firm.
- Make the Meringue: Using an electric mixer, beat 6 egg whites with 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add 125 g granulated sugar while continuing to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form. Set aside.
- Prepare the Pistachio Sponge Cake Batter: In another bowl, beat the 6 egg yolks and 125 g granulated sugar until pale and fluffy. Add 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 80 ml vegetable oil, and 100 ml cold water; mix until smooth. Sift together 200 g plain flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt, then gently fold into the wet ingredients. Carefully fold in the meringue in thirds, preserving the airiness.
- Bake the Sponge Cake: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Pour the batter into a greased and lined cake tin, smoothing the top. Bake for 25 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Pastry Cream: Heat 400 ml whole milk and 2 tablespoons sugar in a saucepan until hot but not boiling. Slowly pour the hot milk into a mixture of egg yolks (reserved from meringue) whisked with a bit of cornflour (not listed, assume 2 tablespoons) for thickening. Return to the heat and cook, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat, add 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and let cool.
- Assemble the Cake: Place the cooled sponge cake at the base of a springform pan. Spread the pastry cream evenly over the sponge layer. Take the pistachio ice cream out of the freezer and let it soften slightly; then spread it evenly over the pastry cream.
- Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping: Whip 400 ml double cream with 100 g icing sugar and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the frozen ice cream layer.
- Freeze the Assembled Cake: Freeze the entire cake for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- Decorate and Serve: Before serving, remove the cake from the springform pan. Decorate the top with chopped pistachios if desired. Slice with a hot knife for clean cuts and serve immediately.
Notes
- For best results, chill all mixing bowls and beaters before whipping cream and egg whites.
- If you cannot find pistachio spread, substitute with pistachio paste or finely ground pistachios mixed with a little oil or honey.
- Ensure the ice cream is sufficiently softened before spreading to avoid breaking the cake layers.
- The pastry cream thickening step assumes 2 tablespoons of cornflour; adjust as needed for consistency.
- Use a sharp, warm knife to cut the cake for neat slices.
- This cake can be prepared a day ahead and frozen, but serve slightly thawed for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 150 g)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg