Lemon Pistachio Loaf Cake: A Nutty Delight

Infuse your classic lemon loaf with the rich, nutty flavor of pistachios in this Lemon Pistachio Loaf Cake. The swirl of pistachio batter and a crumble topping make this a visually stunning and irresistibly tasty treat. Here’s how you can make it at home!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup (120ml) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
• ¼ cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• ½ cup (60g) pistachio flour or ground pistachios
• Green food coloring (optional)

For the Pistachio Crumble Topping:

• ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp butter (cold and cubed)
• 2 tbsp chopped pistachios

For Garnish:

• Chopped pistachios
• Lemon zest curls

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with milk and lemon juice. Mix until smooth. Stir in the lemon zest.
5. Divide the batter into two portions. Add pistachio flour and green food coloring to one portion to create the pistachio batter.

Step 2: Create the Swirl Effect

1. Spoon the plain and pistachio batters alternately into the loaf pan.
2. Use a skewer or knife to swirl the batters together for a marbled effect.

Step 3: Prepare the Pistachio Crumble Topping

1. In a small bowl, combine flour and sugar. Cut in the butter using a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Stir in chopped pistachios. Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the batter.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

1. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle chopped pistachios and lemon zest curls over the top of the cooled cake for extra texture and flavor.

Pro Tips for Success

• Use unsalted, fresh pistachios for the best flavor and vibrant color.
• For an extra pistachio kick, replace some of the milk with pistachio milk.
• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or lemon curd for a delightful treat.

This Lemon Pistachio Loaf Cake is perfect for nut lovers and lemon enthusiasts alike. The bright citrus notes combined with the nutty richness of pistachios create a balanced and flavorful dessert. Try it today and elevate your baking game!