Pistachio and Orange Dual-Flavor Plumcake

The pistachio and orange dual-flavor plumcake is an aromatic and colorful dessert that combines the bold taste of pistachio with the fresh aroma of orange. Let’s look at the ingredients and the method together.

Ingredients

• 200 g of soft butter
• 200 g of sugar
• 4 eggs
• 200 g of all-purpose flour
• 50 g of unsalted pistachios
• 1 packet of baking powder
• Grated zest of 1 orange (organic if possible)
• Juice of 1 orange
• Green food coloring (optional)
• A pinch of salt

For the orange part (if you want a distinct two-tone effect):

• 100 g of all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• 50 g of sugar
• 30 g of soft butter
• Half a packet of baking powder
• Grated zest of 1 orange (organic if possible)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. In a bowl, cream the butter with sugar until you have a light and fluffy mixture.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Finely grind the pistachios in a mixer until they become powdery.
5. Add the sifted flour, pistachio powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt to the butter and egg mixture. If you wish, you can also add a bit of green food coloring to intensify the pistachio color.
6. Gently fold in the orange zest and juice.
7. Pour the mixture into a previously buttered and floured plumcake pan.

If you want to create a separate two-tone effect: 8. In another bowl, prepare the mixture for the orange part by mixing 100 g of flour with baking powder, one egg, 50 g of sugar, and 30 g of butter, adding the orange zest last. 9. Pour the orange mixture into the pan over the pistachio one, or alternate them by spoonful to create a marbled effect.

10. Bake the plumcake for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
11. Remove the plumcake from the oven and let it cool before removing it from the pan.

Curiosity

The pistachio is a fruit much appreciated in pastry for its unique taste and bright green color. Native to the Middle East, the pistachio is widely used in Sicilian cuisine, where it is found in famous desserts such as cannoli or cassata. Combined with orange, it creates a combination that evokes the flavors of the Mediterranean.

Remember that you can always personalize this recipe to your taste, for example by increasing the quantity of orange or pistachios as you like. Have fun in the kitchen!