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Pistachio Lemon Loaf Recipe

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  • Author: Stacy Corbo
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf cake 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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:

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
    1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
    2. Spray a 9×5 inch loaf pan with nonstick baking spray.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
    1. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and crushed pistachios.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
    1. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
    2. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl a few times.
  4. Add Eggs and Extracts:
    1. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
    2. Beat in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
    1. Beat in half of the dry ingredients until just combined.
    2. Beat in the Greek yogurt.
    3. Beat in the remaining dry ingredients until combined, scraping down the bowl as needed.
  6. Bake:
    1. Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf pan.
    2. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden.
    3. Remove from the oven and let cool for 30 minutes.
  7. Cool Completely:
    1. Gently remove the cake from the pan and let it cool completely.

Lemon Glaze:

  1. Combine Glaze Ingredients:
    1. Whisk the lemon zest, powdered sugar, and lemon juice together in a bowl until smooth.
  2. Glaze and Garnish:
    1. Pour the glaze over the cooled cake.
    2. 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