Chocolate Orange Pistachio Snack Cake

Name: Chocolate Orange Pistachio Snack Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup buttermilk; Zest of 1 orange; 1/2 cup chopped pistachios; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 tablespoons orange juice; Zest of 1/2 orange

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making this Chocolate Orange Pistachio Snack Cake when I'm in the mood for a sweet treat with a twist. The combination of rich chocolate, refreshing orange zest, and crunchy pistachios creates a delightful flavor experience that is truly satisfying. I've found that the key to achieving the perfect texture lies in creaming the sugar and butter well, which ensures a light and fluffy cake. Trust me; this snack cake is sure to impress at any gathering!

Created by

Harper Collins

Last updated on 2026-01-15T13:10:31.075Z

When I first experimented with flavors in baking, I decided to pair chocolate with orange, and the result was nothing short of magical. The zesty notes of orange complement the rich, dark chocolate perfectly, creating a delectable taste that keeps you coming back for more. I love to sprinkle crushed pistachios on top for that added crunch and a pop of color.

One of my favorite tips is to use high-quality cocoa powder, as it can greatly enhance the chocolate flavor. Additionally, letting the cake rest for a few hours after baking allows the flavors to meld, making every bite even more enjoyable!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

      

Understanding Ingredients

Each ingredient in this Chocolate Orange Pistachio Snack Cake plays a vital role in developing its unique flavor and texture. The combination of unsweetened cocoa powder and all-purpose flour is essential for balance, ensuring a rich chocolate flavor without being overly dry or dense. Meanwhile, the orange zest enhances the cake's freshness, making each bite feel more vibrant and refreshing. Additionally, the buttermilk not only contributes moisture, but its acidity helps to tenderize the cake, resulting in a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

The choice of chopped pistachios introduces a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the cake's softness. They also bring a subtle nutty flavor, which pairs nicely with both the chocolate and orange elements. Make sure to chop the pistachios roughly, as larger pieces will provide a better texture contrast. If you're looking for a nut-free option, you can replace the pistachios with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, which will still offer some crunch without compromising on the overall experience.

Baking Tips

When baking the cake, be vigilant about the timing. After about 25 minutes in the oven, start checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, indicating the cake is ready to be taken out. If you notice the edges starting to pull away from the pan but the center seems wobbly, it's a good sign that you should give it a few more minutes. Remember that overbaking can lead to a dry cake, so keep an eye on it as the time approaches 30 minutes.

Cooling the cake properly is just as important as baking it. Once you remove it from the oven, allow it to cool in the pan for only about 10 minutes; this helps it set without becoming soggy. After transferring it to a wire rack, let it cool completely before frosting. If you're short on time, you can place the cake in the freezer for a few minutes to speed up the cooling process, but be careful not to freeze it solid.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your delicious snack cake:

For the Cake

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk
Zest of 1 orange
1/2 cup chopped pistachios

For the Frosting

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons orange juice
Zest of 1/2 orange

Make sure to prepare your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Chocolate Orange Pistachio Snack Cake:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Flavorings

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture, alternating with buttermilk, starting and ending with dry ingredients.

Fold in Pistachios

Gently fold in the chopped pistachios.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool the Cake

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Frosting

While the cake cools, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, orange juice, and zest until smooth.

Frost the Cake

Once the cake is cool, spread the frosting evenly on top and enjoy!

Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Orange Pistachio Snack Cake!

Pro Tips

Using high-quality cocoa powder and fresh orange zest will elevate the flavors of your cake. Letting the cake rest for a few hours allows the flavors to develop even further.

Frosting Variations

The frosting for the cake can be easily adjusted to suit your taste. While the chocolate-orange combination is delightful, consider adding a pinch of sea salt to the frosting for a sophisticated balance against the sweetness. This simple addition can elevate the overall flavor and make the cake more indulgent. Alternatively, for a creamier texture, you could mix in a couple tablespoons of heavy cream or cream cheese into the frosting. Just remember to adjust the powdered sugar accordingly to maintain the desired consistency.

If you want to enhance the orange flavor further, try adding more orange juice or additional zest to the frosting. Keep in mind that added liquids will alter the thickness, so be prepared to add more powdered sugar to compensate. This not only beautifies the presentation with a richer flavor but also makes each bite a vibrant experience.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Storing this cake properly can help maintain its freshness. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for a week. If you prefer longer storage, you can freeze the un-frosted cake for up to three months. Make sure it's wrapped well to prevent freezer burn, and when you're ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting.

This snack cake is also an excellent candidate for making ahead of time. Prepare the cake base a day ahead, and store it without frosting. You can frost it just before serving to preserve the texture and presentation. If you decide to frost the cake ahead of time, keep it in the refrigerator to ensure the frosting remains firm and appealing until it's time to indulge.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of nut?

Absolutely! You can replace pistachios with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor and texture.

→ Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake without frosting for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.