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Pistachio Lemon Cake Loaf

A light and fluffy pistachio lemon cake loaf that's perfect for a cozy afternoon treat, combining the zing of lemons with the rich flavor of pistachios.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup shelled pistachios, unsalted Don't use salted or roasted pistachios.
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour Measure carefully to avoid a dry cake.
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Not melted.
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • Zest of 2 lemons zest of lemons Ensure to get all the zest.
  • 2 large eggs Room temperature preferred.
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream Use what’s available.
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice Fresh lemons are recommended for the best flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
  • to taste extra pistachios for sprinkling For decoration.
  • to taste powdered sugar for dusting Not essential, but makes the loaf look fancy.

Method
 

Baking Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Blitz the pistachios in a food processor until they're part fine pieces and part chunky bits.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until lighter in color.
  4. Add the lemon zest, then one egg at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. Mix in the yogurt (or sour cream), lemon juice, and vanilla extract without overmixing.
  6. Fold in the flour, baking powder, salt, and pistachios until there is no dry flour visible.
  7. Pour the batter into a parchment-lined loaf pan and smooth the top.
  8. Optionally, sprinkle some chopped pistachios on top.
  9. Bake for 40-50 minutes, checking with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
  10. Allow the loaf to cool before removing from the pan.

Notes

To store, wrap the loaf tightly at room temperature for up to two days, refrigerate after that. This loaf freezes well; wrap slices individually.