Alice’s Pistachio Streusel Cake (No-Frost!)

Alice’s Pistachio Streusel Cake is a delightful dessert known for its rich and nutty flavors. It’s not a widely recognized historical dessert, but it’s a popular choice among bakers and dessert enthusiasts. Let’s break down the key components and steps to prepare it:

Components:

1. Cake Batter:

   • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
   • 1/2 cup pistachio meal (ground pistachios)
   • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
   • 1/2 tsp baking soda
   • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
   • 1 cup granulated sugar
   • 2 large eggs
   • 1 tsp vanilla extract
   • 1 cup buttermilk

2. Streusel Topping:

   • 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, chopped
   • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
   • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
   • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed
   • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Steps to Prepare:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.

2. Prepare the Streusel Topping:

   • In a bowl, combine the chopped pistachios, flour, sugar, cold butter cubes, and ground cinnamon.
   • Use a fork or pastry cutter to blend the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Cake Batter:

   • In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, pistachio meal, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

4. Assemble the Cake:

   • Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
   • Sprinkle half of the streusel topping over the batter.
   • Add the remaining cake batter on top and spread it evenly.
   • Finish by sprinkling the rest of the streusel topping over the top of the cake.

5. Bake:

   • Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

6. Cool and Serve:

   • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Total Time Needed:
The total time needed to prepare Alice’s Pistachio Streusel Cake is approximately 1 hour, including preparation and baking time. Keep in mind that this can vary slightly depending on your oven and baking experience.

Enjoy your homemade Pistachio Streusel Cake! It’s perfect for dessert or as a sweet treat with your favorite beverage.

Certainly! Here are the approximate nutrition facts for a serving of Alice’s Pistachio Streusel Cake, based on a standard slice (1/8th of the cake). Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion size used:

• Calories: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving
• Total Fat: About 20-25 grams
  • Saturated Fat: Approximately 8-10 grams
• Cholesterol: Around 60-70 milligrams
• Sodium: Roughly 200-250 milligrams
• Total Carbohydrates: About 40-45 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: Around 1-2 grams
  • Sugars: Approximately 25-30 grams
• Protein: About 5-6 grams

Health Information:

1. Moderation: While Alice’s Pistachio Streusel Cake can be a delicious treat, it’s important to enjoy it in moderation due to its relatively high sugar and fat content. Consuming it as an occasional indulgence is recommended.

2. Pistachios: The cake includes pistachios, which are a good source of healthy fats, protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. They can contribute to heart health and may help manage blood sugar levels.

3. Buttermilk: Buttermilk is used in the cake batter, which can add a tangy flavor. It’s lower in fat than regular milk and can be a good source of calcium and probiotics.

4. Portion Control: To keep your calorie and sugar intake in check, consider cutting smaller slices or sharing the cake with others.

5. Variations: You can make this cake slightly healthier by reducing the sugar content or using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also add fresh fruit on the side for added nutrients.

Remember that these nutrition facts are approximate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients and serving sizes used. It’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or nutritionist for personalized dietary advice.