Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line an 8-inch cake pan.

Step 2

Grind the pistachios in a food processor until mostly finely chopped- do not completely turn them into a powder- we want texture! Set aside 1 tablespoon of the ground pistachios so you can sprinkle them on top of the cake!

Step 3

In a large bowl, combine the sugar and orange zest. Use your fingertips to rub the zest into the sugar until fragrant and the sugar looks like wet sand

Step 4

Add the softened butter and vanilla to the sugar mixture and beat with a stand mixer or electric whisk for 3-4 minutes until pale and fluffy. Add the eggs and mix again.

Step 5

Add the flour, ground pistachios, baking powder, and salt. Mix again until smooth! Add the ricotta and mix again. Scoop batter into pan and smooth out the top with the offset spatula

Step 6

Bake for 40-45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean

Step 7

Let the cake cool completely while you make the frosting!

Step 8

Beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth, pale, and fluffy! Add in the cream cheese and the pistachio paste or butter and beat until frosting is smooth

Step 9

Spread the frosting over the cooled cake and sprinkle with the reserved ground pistachios before serving.