Flourless Pistachio Cake with Chocolate Drizzle

This flourless pistachio cake is a rich, nutty, and naturally gluten-free dessert with a moist and tender crumb. Made with ground pistachios and almond flour, it’s subtly sweet, full of deep pistachio flavor, and topped with a luscious chocolate drizzle for the perfect finishing touch. Ideal for special occasions or as an elegant everyday treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Gluten-Free – Made without flour, perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Rich and Nutty – Packed with the deep flavor of pistachios and almonds.
• Moist and Tender – A soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients with no complex techniques required.
• Beautiful Presentation – The chocolate drizzle makes it visually stunning and delicious.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups ground pistachios (or finely blended unsalted pistachios)
• ½ cup almond flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (or olive oil for a dairy-free option)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon

For the Chocolate Drizzle:

• ½ cup dark chocolate, chopped
• 2 tbsp heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free version)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the dry ingredients – In a bowl, mix ground pistachios, almond flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Whisk the eggs and sugar – In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients – Stir in the melted butter (or olive oil), vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Gradually fold in the pistachio mixture until combined.
5. Bake the cake – Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool completely – Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
7. Prepare the chocolate drizzle – Melt the chocolate and cream together in a microwave-safe bowl in 15-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
8. Decorate – Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled cake. Let it set before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10 slices
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

• Dairy-Free – Use olive oil instead of butter and coconut milk for the chocolate drizzle.
• Extra Chocolatey – Add chocolate chips to the batter for a richer taste.
• Citrus Twist – Swap lemon zest for orange zest for a different flavor profile.
• Nutty Crunch – Sprinkle chopped pistachios on top before baking for added texture.
• Sweeter Option – Drizzle with honey or dust with powdered sugar instead of chocolate.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage – Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Freezing – Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating – Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a freshly baked feel.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pistachio flour?

Yes, but freshly ground pistachios provide a stronger flavor and better texture.

What can I use instead of almond flour?

You can substitute it with hazelnut flour or finely ground cashews.

Is this cake very sweet?

No, it has a subtle sweetness, but you can add more sugar if desired.

Can I make this in a loaf pan?

Yes, but baking time may increase by 5-10 minutes.

What type of chocolate is best for the drizzle?

Dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa) provides the best balance of sweetness and richness.

Can I add a glaze instead of chocolate?

Yes, a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice works well.

Do I need a mixer for this recipe?

No, you can easily mix the ingredients by hand.

How do I grind pistachios for this cake?

Blend shelled, unsalted pistachios in a food processor until fine but not pasty.

Can I add spices to the cake?

Yes, a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom enhances the flavors beautifully.

Should I toast the pistachios before grinding them?

Toasting enhances their nutty flavor but is optional.

Conclusion

Flourless pistachio cake with chocolate drizzle is an elegant and easy-to-make dessert that delivers a rich nutty flavor and a decadent chocolate finish. Whether you’re looking for a gluten-free treat or simply love pistachios, this cake is a perfect addition to your dessert repertoire. Try it for your next gathering or special occasion!