Raspberry Iced Pistachio Loaf

Raspberry Iced Pistachio Loaf

This lovely Raspberry Iced Pistachio Loaf is one of the many delicious recipes I shared in my cookbook, “Enchanted Baking.” I’m happy to announce that the cookbook is officially out today! Click here to order. I’m sharing the recipe here on my website as a preview for you to enjoy.

The vibrant colors of this cake look like something out of a fairy tale. Pistachio flour gives a nutty flavor to the cake and the fresh raspberry icing is the perfect sweet-tart addition. This charming loaf is a delightful summer dessert. It’s also a perfect accompaniment to your afternoon tea, whether it’s hot or iced tea.

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Raspberry Iced Pistachio Loaf
A soft pistachio loaf cake topped with fresh raspberry icing
Course Dessert
Keyword cake
Servings
9 x 5-inch loaf
Ingredients
Raspberry Icing
Course Dessert
Keyword cake
Servings
9 x 5-inch loaf
Ingredients
Raspberry Icing
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF (180ºC). Line the bottom of 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Grease and flour the inside.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, pistachio flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
  3. In a separate large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar and lemon zest with an electric mixer at medium speed, until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the oil gradually until it's well combined. Beat in the eggs in three separate additions, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Beat in the extracts. Then, if using, beat in the food coloring a little at a time until your desired shade is reached.
  4. On low speed, mix in the flour mixture in two additions, alternating with half of the sour cream after each addition. Mix just until combined. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, about 42-47 minutes. Cool the loaf in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
  5. To make the fresh raspberry icing, purée the raspberries together with the lemon juice in a blender or small food processor. Strain the raspberries through a sieve. In a medium-size bowl, whisk together the raspberry purée, powdered sugar, melted butter and a pinch of salt. Spoon the icing over the cooled loaf, letting the icing drip down the sides. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios. Decorate the top with edible flowers or fresh raspberries.
Recipe Notes

*To find my favorite pistachio flour, click here.

Triple Berry Crumble Cheesecake Bars

Triple Berry Crumble Cheesecake Bars

Snacking on fresh summer berries is a treat I look forward to every year. Making desserts with berries is even more anticipated! So I decided to share my dreamy Triple Berry Crumble Cheesecake bars. The cheesecake filling is so creamy and silky. I used a combination of blackberries, blueberries and raspberries with plenty of crumb topping. Feel free to use any combination of berries you like. If you use strawberries, just cut them into chunks. The raspberry sauce is a bonus. You can also make the sauce using strawberries instead if you like. These cheesecake bars are so stress-free. There’s no water bath required and you don’t have to worry about cracking.

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Triple Berry Crumble Cheesecake Bars
A creamy cheesecake filling on a graham cracker base, topped with berries and a generous crumb topping. Served with raspberry sauce.
Course Dessert
Servings
servings
Ingredients
Berries
Crumb Topping
Graham Cracker Crust
Filling
Raspberry Sauce
Course Dessert
Servings
servings
Ingredients
Berries
Crumb Topping
Graham Cracker Crust
Filling
Raspberry Sauce
Instructions
Berries
  1. Combine the berries, sugar and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Let stand 30 minutes, then drain the juices.
Crumb Topping
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar and salt.
  2. Work the butter in with your fingertips until it looks like wet sand and no large pieces of butter remain. Press the mixture together to form chunks. Set aside in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Graham Cracker Crust
  1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF (180ºC). Spray an 8-inch (20.3cm) square baking dish with nonstick spray. (I used a ceramic baking dish.*)
  2. In a medium bowl, mix the crumbs, sugar and cinnamon together until well combined. Stir in the melted butter until evenly distributed. Press this mixture into the baking pan. Bake until set, about 5 minutes.
Filling and Assembly
  1. Turn the oven temperature down to 325ºF (165ºC).
  2. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with the sugar and salt until well combined. Gradually beat in the heavy cream, then the vanilla extract. Beat in the eggs one at a time, just until smooth and combined. Don't over beat.
  3. Pour the batter into the baking dish over the crust. Spoon the drained berries over the batter. Sprinkle on the crumb topping. Bake until the topping is golden brown and the cheesecake center is wobbly but not runny, about 45-50 minutes. The internal temperature should be 145º-150ºF (63º-66ºC).
  4. Run a small offset spatula or a knife along the perimeter edges of the cheesecake to separate it from the pan. Let the cheesecake cool to room temperature, about 1 1/2 hours. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Cut into squares and serve with raspberry sauce.
Raspberry Sauce
  1. Purée the raspberries n a blender or small food processor. Pass the purée through a mesh sieve.
  2. Place the raspberries, sugar and 1/2 cup (118ml) of water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon (15ml) of water. Add this mixture to the saucepan and whisk until smooth. Continue cooking until thickened, about 2-3 more minutes. Remove from heat. Transfer the raspberry sauce to a bowl. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. The sauce will thicken a bit as it cools.
Recipe Notes

*To find an 8-inch ceramic baking dish, click here.