Looking to elevate your next brunch, tea time, or cozy weekend baking session? This Pistachio Coffee Cake combines the rich, nutty flavor of pistachios with the soft, crumbly texture of a classic coffee cake. It’s buttery, aromatic, and topped with a sweet streusel that adds just the right amount of crunch.
Whether you’re a coffee cake purist or a pistachio dessert lover, this recipe blends tradition with a flavorful twist. Plus, you can easily dress it up with glazes, fillings, or toppings depending on your occasion.
For best results, it helps to understand how pistachios behave in baked goods—especially when ground or blended into cake batters. Their natural oils and rich texture make them perfect for a moist crumb.
And if you’re new to baking coffee cakes, start with the basics using this coffee cake guide by King Arthur Baking to learn tips for achieving a tender interior and golden-brown streusel.
🟢 What Is Pistachio Coffee Cake?
Pistachio Coffee Cake is a rich, spongy cake made with crushed or chopped pistachios, typically layered or topped with a cinnamon-sugar streusel topping. Despite the name, it contains no coffee—coffee cake simply refers to cakes meant to be enjoyed with coffee.
You’ll often see this recipe made with pistachio pudding mix for ease and color, but we’ll show you how to use real pistachios for a deeper, more authentic flavor.
🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need
To create a truly unforgettable Pistachio Coffee Cake, you’ll need a blend of pantry staples and flavor-packed ingredients that balance moisture, nuttiness, and just the right sweetness. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of everything you need to prepare the cake, the streusel topping, and an optional glaze. We’ve also included recommended substitutions to help you customize the recipe to your preferences or dietary needs.
🟢 For the Cake Batter
This is the foundation of your pistachio coffee cake. Use high-quality ingredients for the best texture and flavor.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
Adds richness and moisture; unsalted lets you control the salt level - 1¼ cups granulated sugar
Sweetens and balances the nuttiness of pistachios - 3 large eggs
Bind the ingredients and add structure - 1 cup full-fat sour cream
Creates a moist crumb and slight tang - 1½ tsp vanilla extract
Enhances the warm, nutty flavors - 2 cups all-purpose flour
The base for structure; spoon and level for accuracy - 2 tsp baking powder
Helps the cake rise and stay fluffy - ½ tsp salt
Balances sweetness and brings out pistachio flavor - ¾ cup finely ground pistachios
Adds texture, moisture, and that signature nutty flavor
💡 Tip: Lightly toast the pistachios before grinding to deepen the flavor and enhance their aroma.
🌰 For the Streusel Topping
This buttery, crunchy topping adds the signature texture that makes coffee cake so irresistible.
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
Caramel-like depth that complements the pistachios - ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
Provides structure to the crumble - 2 tsp ground cinnamon
Adds warmth and classic coffee cake spice - ½ cup chopped pistachios
Crunchy texture and rich flavor in every bite - 4 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
Creates a crumbly, crispy topping when baked
📝 Note: For extra crunch, try adding 2 tablespoons of rolled oats to the streusel.
🍬 Optional Glaze (Highly Recommended!)
A sweet glaze takes your cake from homemade to bakery-quality. Drizzle just before serving.
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Forms the base of the glaze - 2–3 tbsp milk or heavy cream
Adjusts the consistency - ¼ tsp almond extract or vanilla extract
Adds a hint of extra flavor that pairs beautifully with pistachios
🌟 Pro Tip: If you’re using almond extract, go easy—it’s strong and can overpower the pistachios.
🔄 Ingredient Substitutions & Customizations
- No sour cream? Use full-fat Greek yogurt
- Need it gluten-free? Use 1:1 gluten-free flour and a spoonful of almond flour
- Dairy-free? Sub coconut cream and vegan butter
- No pistachios on hand? Try almonds or walnuts as a secondary option, but note the flavor will change
This pistachio coffee cake is ideal for brunch spreads. You can serve it warm with a cup of espresso, or alongside other brunch favorites like apple fritter cake and coconut cream pancakes. If you’re planning a dessert table, don’t miss vibrant additions like pink macarons for color and texture contrast.
By using a combination of toasted pistachios, rich dairy, and aromatic extracts, this ingredients list lays the groundwork for a moist, flavorful, and nutty coffee cake that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
🧰 Tools You’ll Need
To ensure your Pistachio Coffee Cake comes out moist, fluffy, and evenly baked, having the right tools is just as important as using quality ingredients. Below is a list of recommended kitchen tools and baking essentials that will help you prepare this cake like a pro.
🧁 Mixing & Measuring
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
Helps you cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy—key for a tender crumb. - Mixing bowls (2–3 sizes)
You’ll need one each for wet ingredients, dry ingredients, and streusel topping. - Measuring cups and spoons
Accuracy is critical for baking—always level your dry ingredients.
for a dreamy breakfast platter, add coconut cream pancakes
🔪 Prep Tools
- Food processor or spice grinder
Used to finely grind pistachios into a meal for better flavor and texture. - Rubber spatula
Perfect for folding ingredients gently and scraping every bit of batter. - Sifter or fine mesh strainer
Optional, but helpful for aerating flour and removing clumps in powdered sugar for the glaze.
🍰 Baking & Cooling
- 9-inch springform pan, bundt pan, or 8×8 square pan
The springform pan is ideal for presentation and easy release; bundt adds a decorative shape. - Parchment paper (if using square pan)
Prevents sticking and makes for easier cleanup. - Oven thermometer
Ensures accurate temperature for even baking. - Wire cooling rack
Essential for cooling the cake evenly and preventing sogginess on the bottom.
🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple, foolproof steps to make a Pistachio Coffee Cake that’s tender, nutty, and topped with the perfect cinnamon-streusel crunch. Using real pistachios and classic baking techniques, you’ll create a coffee cake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
1. Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9-inch springform or 8×8 baking pan.
- If using a square pan, line with parchment paper for easy lifting.
2. Toast and Grind the Pistachios
- Toast 1¼ cups of pistachios in a dry pan over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Let cool slightly, then finely grind ¾ cup in a food processor for the batter.
- Chop the remaining ½ cup for the streusel topping.
Toasting enhances the pistachios’ natural oils, giving your cake deeper flavor and aroma.
3. Make the Streusel Topping
In a medium bowl:
- Combine ½ cup brown sugar, ⅓ cup flour, 2 tsp cinnamon, and ½ cup chopped pistachios.
- Cut in 4 tbsp cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture is crumbly.
- Refrigerate while you make the batter.
4. Cream the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl:
- Beat 1 cup softened butter and 1¼ cups sugar until light and fluffy (3–5 minutes).
- Add 3 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in 1 cup sour cream and 1½ tsp vanilla extract.
5. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl:
- Whisk together 2 cups flour, 2 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp salt, and the ¾ cup ground pistachios.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients.
- Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
6. Assemble the Cake
- Spread half the batter into your prepared pan.
- Sprinkle with half the streusel topping.
- Add the remaining batter and smooth the top.
- Sprinkle the rest of the streusel evenly over the top.
7. Bake and Cool
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
8. Add the Glaze (Optional)
In a small bowl:
- Whisk 1 cup powdered sugar with 2–3 tbsp milk and ¼ tsp almond or vanilla extract.
- Drizzle over the cooled cake in a zigzag pattern for a professional finish.
Your pistachio coffee cake is now ready to serve—warm, cooled, or even chilled for a firmer texture. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or an afternoon coffee break!
🔄 Variations to Try
- Cream Cheese Swirl – Add a ribbon of sweetened cream cheese in the center
- Chocolate Pistachio – Stir in mini chocolate chips
- Pistachio Muffins – Use the batter in muffin tins and reduce baking time
- Gluten-Free Version – Use 1:1 GF flour and almond flour mix
- Vegan Swap – Sub in flax eggs, vegan butter, and dairy-free yogurt
pair with pastel desserts like these pink macarons
☕ Serving Suggestions
- Best enjoyed with black coffee, green tea, or an espresso
- Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Add to a brunch spread with fresh fruit, eggs, and mimosas
serve alongside warm slices of apple fritter cake
Want to layer it with chocolate? See how to make chocolate ganache properly to drizzle on top for a fancier finish.
🧊 How to Store & Freeze
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container up to 2 days
- Fridge: Keeps well for up to 5 days
- Freezer: Wrap individual slices and freeze up to 2 months
- Reheat: Microwave in 10–15 sec bursts or warm in oven at 300°F
just like our Oreo ice cream cake, this cake can be frozen in slices
⚖️ Nutrition (Per Slice – Approximate)
- Calories: 320
- Carbs: 28g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 210mg
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What flavor is pistachio cake?
It has a nutty, slightly sweet, and buttery flavor with aromatic notes from vanilla or almond extract. When made with real pistachios, the taste is richer and more natural.
Can I use real pistachios instead of pudding mix?
Yes! Real pistachios not only add authentic flavor but also a beautiful green hue and texture to the cake.
Why is it called coffee cake if there’s no coffee?
Coffee cake refers to the type of cake served with coffee, not one made with coffee. It’s typically less sweet and topped with streusel.
Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely. You can bake it a day ahead and store it at room temperature or freeze it for later use.
How do I keep the crumb topping crunchy?
Don’t overmix the streusel. Use cold butter and refrigerate the topping before adding it to the cake for a perfect crispy crumble.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Pistachio Coffee Cake is a beautiful blend of comfort and class—a moist, nutty, and fragrant cake that’s perfect for mornings, holidays, or whenever you need a sweet slice of joy.
From its irresistible crumb topping to its tender pistachio-laced center, this cake is a true showstopper. Make it your own with swirls, glazes, or even chocolate chunks. Once you try it, you’ll want it on repeat for every gathering or cozy weekend.