Description
This Pistachio Lemon Loaf is a delightful and moist cake that combines the nutty flavor of pistachios with the bright, zesty taste of lemon. A perfect balance of sweet and tangy, this loaf cake is topped with a simple lemon glaze and sprinkled with chopped pistachios for a beautiful finish. Ideal for brunch, tea time, or a sweet treat any time of day.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Loaf Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup crushed pistachios (roasted, unsalted)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
Lemon Glaze:
- 1 lemon, zest freshly grated
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons chopped pistachios
Instructions
Loaf Cake:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spray a 9×5 inch loaf pan with nonstick baking spray.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and crushed pistachios.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl a few times.
- Add Eggs and Extracts:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time.
- Beat in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Beat in half of the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Beat in the Greek yogurt.
- Beat in the remaining dry ingredients until combined, scraping down the bowl as needed.
- Bake:
- Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 30 minutes.
- Cool Completely:
- Gently remove the cake from the pan and let it cool completely.
Lemon Glaze:
- Combine Glaze Ingredients:
- Whisk the lemon zest, powdered sugar, and lemon juice together in a bowl until smooth.
- Glaze and Garnish:
- Pour the glaze over the cooled cake.
- Sprinkle with chopped pistachios.
Notes
- Use roasted, unsalted pistachios for the best flavor.
- Ensure your butter is softened for easy creaming.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for a bright, vibrant flavor.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 80mg