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Freshly baked Lemon Pistachio Loaf with a sweet glaze on top, garnished with lemon slices and chopped pistachios, showcasing the soft, moist interior with visible pistachio bits.

Lemon Pistachio Loaf

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A moist, zesty lemon pistachio loaf topped with a sweet glaze, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
cooling time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Baking
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup pistachios roasted salted for flavor
  • 1and ½ cups all-purpose flour spooned & leveled
  • 1and ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest about 2 large lemons
  • 2 large eggs at room temperature
  • ¾ cup full-fat sour cream or plain Greek yogurt at room temperature
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract
Icing:
  • 1 cup confectioners' sugar sifted
  • 1and ½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk
Optional Topping:
  • Coarsely chopped pistachios

Equipment

  • 1 8x4-inch loaf pan Greased with nonstick spray
  • 1 Food processor To chop pistachios
  • 1 Hand mixer or stand mixer To cream butter and sugar

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease an 8x4-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray.
  2. In a food processor, pulse the pistachios with 1 tablespoon of flour until finely chopped but not powdered.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the chopped pistachios, remaining flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and lemon zest with a mixer on medium-high speed until light and creamy, about 3 minutes.
  5. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Once the second egg is fully incorporated, add the sour cream, lemon juice, vanilla, and almond extract, and mix until combined.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not over-mix.
  7. Pour the thick batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 65–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs. If necessary, tent loosely with foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning.
  8. Cool the cake in the pan for 1 hour. Then, remove it from the pan and cool completely on a wire rack.
  9. In a medium bowl, whisk together sifted confectioners' sugar, lemon juice, and cream/milk to make the icing. Pour over the cooled loaf. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios, if desired.
  10. Allow the loaf to cool completely before slicing for neater slices.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 4gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 4IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 6mg

Notes

A delightful loaf that pairs wonderfully with your morning coffee or an afternoon tea. The combination of lemon and pistachio offers a bright yet nutty flavor!

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