The Story & Intro
Every Christmas, my kitchen in Crete feels a little louder, a little messier, and a lot warmer. I still remember standing beside my grandmother as a child, watching her hands move confidently through bowls of batter, her apron dusted with flour and pistachio crumbs. She always believed desserts should look joyful before you even taste them. That’s exactly what inspired this Strawberry Pistachio Christmas Cake.
This Strawberry Pistachio Christmas Cake brings together two flavors I truly love: earthy pistachio and bright, fresh strawberries. The green pistachio layers feel festive and cozy, while the strawberry filling adds a fresh, cheerful contrast that makes this cake perfect for the holidays. I love serving this Strawberry Pistachio Christmas Cake when friends come over, coffee is brewing, and laughter fills the room.
What makes this Strawberry Pistachio Christmas Cake special isn’t just the colors or flavors it’s the feeling. It’s a cake meant to be shared, sliced generously, and enjoyed slowly. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, this cake turns any Christmas table into a celebration.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Pistachio Christmas Cake
This cake looks impressive, but it’s surprisingly simple to make. You don’t need fancy tools or professional skills just good ingredients and a little holiday spirit.
The pistachio sponge stays soft and moist, while the fresh strawberry filling adds natural sweetness without feeling heavy. Together, they create a balanced dessert that feels indulgent but not overwhelming.
This cake is also a beautiful alternative to traditional chocolate or vanilla holiday desserts. The green and red layers instantly feel festive, making it a natural centerpiece for Christmas gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pistachio Cake Layers
- Unsalted shelled pistachios, finely ground
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs, room temperature
- Vanilla extract
- Milk
- A few drops of green food coloring (optional, for extra festive color)
For the Fresh Strawberry Filling
- Fresh strawberries, finely chopped
- Granulated sugar
- Lemon juice
- Cornstarch
- Water
For the Frosting
- Heavy whipping cream
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Crushed pistachios and sliced strawberries for garnish
How to Make Strawberry Pistachio Christmas Cake Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Filling
Start with the strawberry filling so it has time to cool. In a saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and water. Cook over medium heat until the strawberries soften and release their juices.
Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until the filling thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool completely. This filling should be thick enough to hold between cake layers without spilling.
Step 2: Make the Pistachio Cake Batter
Preheat your oven and prepare your cake pans with parchment paper. In a bowl, whisk together flour, ground pistachios, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with milk. Mix until smooth. If you want a brighter green color, add a small amount of food coloring.
Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Whip the Frosting
In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue whipping until stiff peaks form. Keep the frosting cold until ready to assemble.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
Place one pistachio cake layer on a serving plate. Spread an even layer of whipped cream, then gently spoon the strawberry filling on top, keeping it away from the edges.
Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with whipped cream. Smooth the sides and top gently for a clean, elegant look.
Step 6: Decorate and Chill
Decorate with crushed pistachios, fresh strawberries, or a festive holiday touch. Chill the cake for at least one hour before slicing to help it set beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Strawberry Pistachio Christmas Cake chilled or slightly cool for the best texture. It pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, or even a light dessert wine.
For a holiday table, I love placing this cake on a simple white stand so the green and red colors truly shine. Add a few extra strawberries around the base for a festive finish.
🎄 Recipe Card: Strawberry Pistachio Christmas Cake
⏱️ Time Cook
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 hours
🧺 Ingredients
Pistachios, flour, butter, sugar, eggs, milk, strawberries, cream, vanilla, baking powder
📝 Instructions
Bake pistachio cake layers, prepare strawberry filling, whip cream, assemble and chill before serving.
💡 Note
Keep the strawberry filling thick and fully cooled for clean layers.
🥗 Nutrition (Approximate per slice)
Calories: 420
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 24g
Protein: 7g
100-Word Short Version of the Recipe
This Strawberry Pistachio Christmas Cake is a festive holiday dessert made with soft pistachio sponge layers and a fresh strawberry filling. The earthy pistachio flavor pairs beautifully with sweet, tangy strawberries, creating a cake that feels both elegant and comforting. Finished with light whipped cream and festive toppings, this cake is perfect for Christmas gatherings. It’s easy to prepare, stunning on the table, and ideal for sharing with family and friends during the holidays.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Pistachio Christmas Cake reminds me why I love baking during the holidays. It’s not about perfection it’s about creating something beautiful that brings people together. From my kitchen in Crete to yours, I hope this cake adds a little color, warmth, and joy to your Christmas table. Bake it with love, share it generously, and enjoy every bite.