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Lemon Pistachio Cake

A bright, moist lemon cake with a crunchy pistachio finish, topped with a tangy lemon glaze—perfect for busy home bakers.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup finely ground pistachios (unsalted)
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp fine salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large lemons zest (about 2 tbsp)
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
  • 1/3 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1–2 lemons)
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup coarsely chopped pistachios, for folding and topping
For the Lemon Glaze
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2–3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (start with 2 tbsp)
  • 1 tsp lemon zest (optional, for extra pop)

Method
 

Preheat and Prep
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan or spray a bundt pan well.
Mix Dry Ingredients
  1. In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground pistachios, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter, Sugar, and Lemon Zest
  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar until fluffy, about 3–4 minutes. Add the lemon zest and beat another 30 seconds.
Add Eggs and Flavorings
  1. Add eggs one at a time, beating briefly after each addition until incorporated. Mix in the vanilla and fresh lemon juice.
Combine Wet and Dry
  1. With the mixer on low, add about a third of the dry ingredients, then half of the yogurt, then another third of the dry, then the milk, then the last of the dry. Scrape the bowl and fold gently to combine.
Fold in Chopped Pistachios
  1. Fold in the coarsely chopped pistachios by hand.
Bake
  1. Pour batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–65 minutes for a loaf, or 35–45 minutes for a bundt cake.
  2. Start checking at the earlier time: insert a toothpick into the center — it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not batter.
Cool and Glaze
  1. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack.
  2. While the cake cools completely, whisk the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle evenly over the cooled cake and sprinkle chopped pistachios on top.
Slice and Enjoy
  1. Slice after the glaze sets a bit (about 15–20 minutes). Serve with coffee, a dollop of whipped cream, or plain.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature ingredients and avoid over-baking for a moist texture. This cake can be made a day in advance and stored at room temperature.