BIRTHDAY CAKE - PISTACHIO CAKE

December 8, 2023

December 8, 2023 6:23pm

1 classic Genoise cake base, purchased or homemade. If making it yourself, you can find the recipe here.
Custard cream, recipe available here.
About 10 ladyfinger cookies (see ladyfinger cookie image below; if unavailable, you can use crumbled sponge cake as an alternative).

Pineapple juice
1 jar of pistachio cream. If unavailable, you can use 150g of finely ground pistachios as a substitute.

Decoration:

Whipped cream
Melted dark chocolate (you can use the microwave for quick and convenient melting. I use a 600W microwave, break the chocolate into small pieces, microwave for about 40 seconds each time, stirring after each interval. Repeat until the chocolate is fully melted, be cautious not to burn it.)
Chopped pistachios
Whole pistachios

Mix custard cream with pistachio cream or ground pistachios for a smooth consistency.
Slice the sponge cake into 3 layers.
Place the first cake layer, spread pineapple juice evenly on it, making sure to add a generous amount. Sponge cake, especially if bought from the supermarket, tends to be dry.
Spread half of the pistachio cream on top.

Place the second layer of sponge cake on top, pour pineapple juice evenly over it.
Spread the remaining pistachio cream on top. At this point, you may notice the edges of the cake sinking and looking uneven. Use small pieces of ladyfinger cookies to reinforce the edges, making the cake more sturdy and the surface even!
Place the remaining layer of cake on top, pour pineapple juice evenly.
Spread whipped cream evenly over the cake, smoothing the surface.
Use a piping bag filled with melted chocolate to decorate the cake with chocolate and pistachios (watch the illustration video). This decorating technique is very easy if you have a rotating table. I think if anyone is passionate about baking, they should buy a rotating table. Ikea sells a nice wooden Lazy Susan turntable at a reasonable price (compared to the fancy Italian cake turntables, Ikea's is both nice and affordable!). The Ikea turntable can also be used on the dining table like in Chinese restaurants. Hehe!!
Once the cake is complete, place it in the refrigerator. If not finished, you can store it in the freezer to enjoy gradually!
Wishing you all a delicious treat!
I made this cake for my mother-in-law's birthday, her name is Mila. :)