8 Slices Recipe

If you’re anything like me and find joy in a slice of cake that’s both indulgent and kind to the planet, this vegan pistachio cake is going to steal your heart! Imagine biting into a moist, nutty cake layered with a luxuriously creamy dairy-free pistachio buttercream frosting, all perfectly portioned into 8 Slices. Whether it’s for a celebration or a sweet weekday treat, this recipe brings out the best flavors of pistachio in every bite, making each of the 8 Slices a little moment of joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of taste, texture, and color that makes this vegan pistachio cake irresistible.

• Soy milk (unsweetened): Creates a creamy vegan buttermilk base that tenderizes the cake.
• Apple cider vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to help the cake rise beautifully without eggs.
• Sunflower seed oil: Adds moisture while keeping the cake tender and light.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses warm, sweet undertones to elevate every bite.
• Granulated white sugar: Sweetens the cake and aids in browning the crust.
• Sea salt: Balances flavors and highlights the nuttiness of pistachios.
• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure needed to hold each of the 8 Slices together.
• Baking powder: Leavens the cake gently for a light crumb.
• Baking soda: Works alongside vinegar for extra lift and softness.
• Setton Farms Raw Pistachio Kernels: The star ingredient adding that unmistakable pistachio crunch and flavor.
• Vegan green food dye (optional): Gives the cake a fun, vibrant pistachio hue.
• Vegan butter (softened): Essential for a rich and creamy buttercream frosting that’s totally dairy-free.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it a smooth texture.
• Full fat coconut cream: Adds luscious creaminess to the frosting while keeping it vegan.
• Chopped pistachios for topping: Adds an extra crunch and gorgeous green contrast on top.

How to Make 8 Slices

Step 1: Prepare the Vegan Buttermilk and Batter

Start by mixing the soy milk with the apple cider vinegar to create your vegan buttermilk, which tenderizes the cake crumb beautifully. Next, stir in the sunflower seed oil, vanilla, sugar, and sea salt. Incorporate the flour, baking powder, and baking soda carefully to keep the batter light and airy. Finally, fold in your pistachios—process half to a fine crumble and leave the other half chopped to add delightful texture—and the optional green food dye. This batter is the heart of your cake, promising moistness and rich pistachio flavor with every bite of your 8 Slices.

Step 2: Baking the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly into three prepared cake pans. Pop them into your preheated oven at 350°F, and bake for about 25 minutes. Use the trusty toothpick test to check for doneness—it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs. Once baked, let the layers cool completely on a wire rack; this step is key to making sure the frosting doesn’t melt when applied.

Step 3: Crafting the Pistachio Buttercream Frosting

While the cakes cool, blitz the pistachios into a fine flour-like texture for a smooth frosting. Beat the softened vegan butter with powdered sugar, coconut cream, vanilla, and the ground pistachios until silky and creamy. This frosting is what crowns your creation with luscious nutty goodness, making each of the 8 Slices a dreamy experience.

Step 4: Assembling Your Cake

Place the first cake layer on your serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting over it. Repeat with the remaining layers, stacking carefully to maintain those even 8 Slices. Once the layers are stacked, cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing the sides for a polished look. Top it off with chopped pistachios for an extra pop of texture and color.

How to Serve 8 Slices

Garnishes

To really elevate presentation, sprinkle extra chopped pistachios right before serving. Consider adding edible flowers or a light dusting of powdered sugar for that elegant touch. The contrast of the green pistachios against the creamy frosting will make your 8 Slices look almost too good to eat—but trust me, every bite is worth it!

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or a tangy raspberry coulis to balance the nutty sweetness. A cup of strong coffee or your favorite herbal tea complements the pistachio notes beautifully, making your 8 Slices the star of a cozy afternoon indulgence or festive gathering.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling adventurous, serve each slice with a dollop of coconut whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for texture contrast. Alternatively, cut the 8 Slices into smaller, bite-size squares for a party platter. Arranging them on a rustic wooden board alongside nuts and dried fruits will make your serving table look absolutely inviting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once decorated, cover your cake loosely with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, your 8 Slices will stay fresh and moist for up to 4 days. This makes it perfect to prepare ahead for any occasion, so you can enjoy delicious slices without the fuss on the day itself.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake uncut or as individual 8 Slices. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect from freezer burn. Frozen, the cake lasts up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving to retain the luscious texture of both cake and frosting perfectly.

Reheating

Since this cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, reheating isn’t recommended as it may soften the frosting too much. Instead, let each of the 8 Slices sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes after removing from the fridge for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use another type of nut instead of pistachios?

Absolutely! While pistachios are the star here, almonds or cashews can work in a pinch, especially for the frosting. Just know the flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be delicious.

Is this cake suitable for people with nut allergies?

This cake is a nut lover’s dream, so it’s not suitable for those with nut allergies due to the pistachios in both the cake and frosting.

Can I make the cake gluten-free?

You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum. Just be mindful that the texture might shift slightly, but it will still be tasty!

How do I achieve the green color without food dye?

If you prefer to avoid food dye, you can intensify the natural pistachio color by using finely ground pistachios and adding a bit of matcha powder for a subtle green tint without artificial colors.

What’s the best way to cut the cake into 8 Slices?

Use a sharp serrated knife and cut gently with a slow saw motion for clean edges. Let the cake chill in the fridge beforehand to firm up the frosting; this makes slicing the 8 Slices a breeze!

Final Thoughts

Making this vegan pistachio cake and sharing it in 8 Slices with friends or family is such a rewarding experience. The perfect blend of texture, flavor, and creaminess makes it a go-to recipe you’ll return to again and again. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every luscious slice!