Rose & Pistachio Cake

DifficultyBeginner

Moist rose and pistachio cake flavored with rosewater, ground pistachios, and a light syrup glaze. This elegant dessert is perfect for Valentine’s Day, celebrations, and afternoon tea.

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Yields10 Servings
Prep Time20 minsCook Time50 minsTotal Time1 hr 10 mins
Cake
 1 ⅔ cups ground pistachios
 ¾ cup granulated sugar
  cup unsalted butter, softened
 3 eggs, room temperature
 1 cup all-purpose flour
 1 ½ tsp baking powder
 ½ cup milk
 ½ tsp rosewater
 1 tsp vanilla extract
 Pinch of salt
Rose Syrup (Optional but Recommended)
  cup water
  cup sugar
 1 tsp rosewater
 1 tsp lemon juice
Garnish
 Chopped pistachios
 Dried rose petals
 Light dusting of powdered sugar (optional)
Prepare the Cake Batter
1

Preheat oven to 170°C / 340°F.
Grease and line a 22 cm (9-inch) round cake tin.

Cream butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Stir in rosewater and vanilla.

Mix Dry Ingredients
2

In a separate bowl, whisk together ground pistachios, flour, baking powder, and salt.

Add dry ingredients to the batter alternately with milk, mixing gently until smooth.

Bake
3

Pour batter into prepared tin and smooth the top.

Bake for 45–50 minutes, until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack.

Make the Rose Syrup
4

Simmer water and sugar for 3–4 minutes until dissolved.

Remove from heat and stir in rosewater and lemon juice.

Finish
5

Brush warm cake with rose syrup for extra moisture and aroma.

Cool completely before garnishing with pistachios and rose petals.

Pairing Suggestions
6

Drinks

  • Rose Champagne or sparkling rosé

  • Earl Grey tea

  • Mint tea

  • Light dessert wine (Muscat)

Serve With

  • Whipped cream

  • Greek yogurt

  • Vanilla crème fraîche

Tips & Notes
7
  • Use rosewater sparingly — subtlety is key

  • Freshly ground pistachios give the best flavor

  • Lemon juice in the syrup balances sweetness

  • Keeps well for 2–3 days in an airtight container

  • Perfect Valentine’s dessert: fragrant, elegant, and unique

Ingredients

Cake
 1 ⅔ cups ground pistachios
 ¾ cup granulated sugar
  cup unsalted butter, softened
 3 eggs, room temperature
 1 cup all-purpose flour
 1 ½ tsp baking powder
 ½ cup milk
 ½ tsp rosewater
 1 tsp vanilla extract
 Pinch of salt
Rose Syrup (Optional but Recommended)
  cup water
  cup sugar
 1 tsp rosewater
 1 tsp lemon juice
Garnish
 Chopped pistachios
 Dried rose petals
 Light dusting of powdered sugar (optional)
Rose & Pistachio Cake