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Pistachio Opera Cake

A delightful dessert combining rich pistachio and raspberry flavors in an elegant layered cake.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Course Cake, Dessert
Cuisine French
Servings 8 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Pistachio Joconde

  • 1 cup 1 cup (120g) almond flour
  • 3 tbsp 3 tbsp (40g) pistachio paste
  • 1 1/4 cups 1 1/4 cups (150g) icing sugar
  • 1/3 cup 1/3 cup (40g) all-purpose flour Can experiment with gluten-free flour
  • 4 4 large eggs
  • 4 4 egg whites
  • 2 tbsp 2 tbsp (30g) granulated sugar
  • 3 tbsp 3 tbsp (40g) melted butter

For the Raspberry Compote

  • 3/4 cup 3/4 cup (200g) raspberry purée Can use fresh or frozen, thawed raspberries
  • 3 tbsp 3 tbsp (40g) sugar
  • 1 tsp 1 tsp (5g) NH pectin For thickening

For the Pistachio Buttercream

  • 2/3 cup 2/3 cup (150g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 tbsp 3 tbsp (50g) pistachio paste
  • 1/4 cup 1/4 cup (60g) sugar
  • 3 tbsp 3 tbsp (40g) water
  • 2 egg yolks 2 egg yolks

For Decorating

  • Fresh raspberries For garnish
  • Chopped pistachios For garnish
  • Edible gold leaf For decoration
  • Glossy green glaze For finishing

Instructions
 

Preparation of Joconde

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking trays with parchment paper.
  • Whisk almond flour, pistachio paste, icing sugar, and eggs together until smooth and fluffy.
  • Fold in the flour and melted butter gently.
  • In a separate bowl, whip egg whites with sugar until soft peaks form, then carefully fold into the batter for a light texture.
  • Spread the batter thinly onto prepared trays and bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool completely.

Preparation of Compote

  • Combine raspberry purée and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat.
  • Mix NH pectin with a small spoonful of sugar, then whisk into the raspberry mixture.
  • Simmer until slightly thickened, then cool fully.

Preparation of Buttercream

  • Cook sugar and water in a saucepan until it reaches a light syrup consistency.
  • Whisk egg yolks while slowly pouring in the hot syrup until pale and fluffy.
  • Beat in softened butter gradually until smooth and creamy, then mix in pistachio paste for a rich nutty flavor.

Assembly

  • Layer pistachio joconde, pistachio buttercream, and raspberry compote repeatedly for beautiful elegant layers.
  • Chill or freeze slightly to firm up the cake before glazing.
  • Pour the glossy green glaze over the top for a smooth professional finish.
  • Decorate with fresh raspberries, chopped pistachios, and delicate gold leaf for an elegant bakery-style presentation.

Notes

Store the cake in the refrigerator wrapped tightly to prevent drying out. Can also be frozen if well-sealed.
Keyword Elegant Dessert, layered cake, Pistachio Opera Cake, Raspberry Dessert, Special Occasion Cake