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Pistachio Raspberry Cake – A Game of Thrones-Inspired Delight Fit for a King’s Pocket Feast!

Hark! Gather 'round the fire, noble baker, for we tell the tale of a cake most wondrous—a Miniature Pistachio Raspberry Cake, so dainty yet rich, it might make even Queen Cersei shed a tear of joy (or rage). While the grand feasts of Westeros may boast towering gateaux, this miniature marvel—crafted with precision, nuts, and fruit—is perfect for those seeking elegance in small portions. Tyrion Lannister begins: "A small cake, like a small man, can pack a powerful punch. Especially when pistachios and raspberries are involved. Besides, if I’m to face my doom, let me do it with cake in hand." As we bake, dear reader, imagine the scent wafting through the halls of Winterfell. And should you seek more cake sorcery, look to Sally's Baking Addiction’s Raspberry Cake Techniques or the almond cream-laced secrets of King Arthur Baking.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cool & Assemble 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup + 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 tbsp finely ground pistachios unsalted, shelled
  • ¼ tsp baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
🧈 Wet Ingredients
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 2 tbsp whole milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp almond extract optional but divine
🍇 Raspberry Filling
  • ½ cup fresh raspberries
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • ½ tsp lemon juice
🧁 Pistachio Buttercream (Mini Batch)
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter softened
  • ⅓ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp finely ground pistachios
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • Tiny pinch salt
  • 1 tsp milk or cream to adjust texture

Method
 

A Step-by-Step Saga in the Kitchen
    Step 1: Prepare the Raspberry Compote
    1. Samwell Tarly, ever the patient scribe:
    2. "Even the Citadel couldn’t teach me this, but I’ve learned—low and slow is the key."
    3. In a small saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
    4. Simmer over low heat until berries break down (~6 minutes).
    5. Mash lightly and cook until thickened. Cool before using.
    Step 2: Cake Batter Creation
    1. Tormund Giantsbane bellows:
    2. "Ain’t nothing tiny about the flavor of this cake!"
    3. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Lightly grease or line a mini muffin tin or mini cake rings.
    4. In a bowl, beat butter and sugars until creamy.
    5. Add egg yolk, milk, and extracts. Beat until smooth.
    6. In another bowl, mix flour, pistachios, baking powder, and salt.
    7. Slowly incorporate dry into wet. Stir until just combined.
    Step 3: Bake the Mini Cakes
    1. Spoon batter into molds—aim for ¾ full.
    2. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
    3. Let them cool completely on a rack.
    4. Step 4: Buttercream and Assembly
    5. Tyrion, with a goblet in hand:
    6. "The frosting is where diplomacy lies. Charm them with sweetness before battle."
    7. Beat butter until fluffy.
    8. Add sugar, pistachios, vanilla, and salt. Whip until light and creamy.
    9. Add milk/cream for smoother consistency.
    🔧 Assembly:
    1. Cut tiny cakes in half (if tall enough).
    2. Spread a dab of raspberry filling between layers.
    3. Frost tops with pistachio buttercream.
    4. Garnish with a single fresh raspberry and crushed pistachios.

    Notes

    🔁 Variations – From the Dothraki to Dornish
    Dornish Delight: Add a drop of rosewater to the buttercream.
    Northern Spice: Mix in a pinch of cardamom for a richer flavor.
    Royal Ganache: Top with white chocolate drizzle instead of frosting.
    ❄️ Storage & Reheating
    Ser Davos advises:
    "Like provisions on a long voyage, keep it safe, cool, and sealed."
    Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
    Reheat: Let come to room temperature before serving. Microwaving may melt the frosting—tread carefully.
    ❓ 10 Game of Thrones-Inspired Baking FAQs
    1. Can I make this with almond flour?
    Yes, replace the pistachios with finely ground almond flour.
    2. Are frozen raspberries fine?
    Absolutely. Just thaw and drain first.
    3. Can I make this gluten-free?
    Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
    4. Is the almond extract necessary?
    It enhances the nutty flavor, but you may omit it.
    5. What if I don’t have mini cake molds?
    Use a muffin tin or ramekins.
    6. Can I double the recipe?
    Yes, scale up ingredients proportionally.
    7. Can I use a hand whisk instead of a mixer?
    Yes, just mix thoroughly with arm strength worthy of Brienne of Tarth.
    8. Is this kid-friendly?
    Yes! The flavors are sophisticated but not overpowering.
    9. Can I freeze the cake?
    Yes, wrap tightly without the frosting and freeze for up to 1 month.
    10. What’s a good drink pairing?
    A cup of herbal tea or sweet Riesling. Or mulled wine, if you're a Lannister.
    🏹 Conclusion – A Cake for Every House
    Tormund roars:
    "I’ve eaten raw snow hare in the wild, but this cake? This is battle-winning food!"
    There you have it, noble baker. The Miniature Pistachio Raspberry Cake is a bite-sized wonder worthy of the Iron Throne—or at least a spot on your tea tray. Light, nutty, sweet, and perfectly fruity, it’s a cake that tells a tale with every crumb.
    So don your apron, gather your kingdom of utensils, and bake on. Winter may be coming, but this cake will warm any heart.