Beautiful Pistachio and Cherry Cake

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 cup shelled pistachios, finely ground
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk

For the Cherry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Frosting:

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• Green food coloring (optional, for a pistachio color)

Cooking Steps:

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together finely ground pistachios, flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3: In a separate large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.

Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.

Step 6: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.

Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely.

Step 8: For the cherry filling, combine fresh cherries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the cherries soften and release their juices. Allow the filling to cool.

Step 9: In a bowl, beat together powdered sugar, softened butter, and almond extract to make the frosting. Add green food coloring if desired.

Step 10: Once the cakes are cool, spread a layer of cherry filling over one cake layer. Place the second layer on top.

Step 11: Frost the entire cake with the almond-flavored frosting.

Step 12: Optional: Garnish the cake with additional chopped pistachios or whole cherries for decoration.

Enjoy the unique flavor combination of Pistachio and Cherry in this delightful cake, perfect for celebrations or simply indulging in a sweet treat.