Irresistible Spiced Pistachio and Lemon Cardamom Loaf Cake

Introduction

Treat yourself to a slice of bliss with this Spiced Pistachio and Lemon Cardamom Loaf Cake! This delightful cake combines the nutty richness of pistachios with the bright, zesty notes of lemon and a hint of exotic cardamom, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. With its moist texture and aromatic spices, this loaf cake is perfect for afternoon tea, a cozy brunch, or as a charming dessert for any gathering. Whether enjoyed plain or adorned with a drizzle of lemon glaze, this cake is sure to impress. Let’s dive into how to make this scrumptious treat that will have everyone asking for the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor Combination: The pairing of pistachios, lemon, and cardamom creates a deliciously different cake experience.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, this loaf cake is accessible for bakers of all levels.
• Versatile: Perfect for any occasion—serve it as a dessert, a snack, or a breakfast treat.
• Make Ahead: This cake can be made in advance and stored, making it a convenient option for busy days.
• Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant green of the pistachios and the light lemon glaze make for an eye-catching dessert.

Ingredients List

For the Cake:

• ✔️ 🔹 1 cup (150g) shelled pistachios, finely ground
• ✔️ 🔹 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• ✔️ 🔹 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ✔️ 🔹 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• ✔️ 🔹 1/4 teaspoon salt
• ✔️ 🔹 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• ✔️ 🔹 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• ✔️ 🔹 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• ✔️ 🔹 3 large eggs
• ✔️ 🔹 Zest of 1 lemon
• ✔️ 🔹 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
• ✔️ 🔹 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Glaze:

• ✔️ 🔹 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• ✔️ 🔹 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Note: For precise measurements, please refer to the recipe card on cookingforhome.com.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

• Set Temperature: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients

• Mix Flour and Spices: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground pistachios, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cardamom. Set aside.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar

• Beat Together: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

4. Add Eggs and Flavorings

• Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
• Add Zest and Juice: Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until fully combined.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Mix Together: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

6. Bake the Cake

• Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
• Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cool the Cake

• Let It Cool: Remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Make the Lemon Glaze

• Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and enough lemon juice to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.

9. Glaze the Cake

• Drizzle: Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.

10. Serve

• Slice and Enjoy: Slice the loaf cake and serve it with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat!

Pro Tip: For added texture, reserve some chopped pistachios to sprinkle on top of the glaze!

Variations & Substitutions

• Nut Alternatives: Substitute pistachios with almonds or walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
• Additional Spices: Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover loaf cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

Can I use salted pistachios?
Yes, you can use salted pistachios, but be sure to reduce the added salt in the recipe to maintain balance.

What can I serve with this cake?
This loaf cake pairs beautifully with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to develop and meld together.

Conclusion

This Spiced Pistachio and Lemon Cardamom Loaf Cake is a delightful treat that brings together wonderful flavors and a moist, tender crumb. Perfect for any occasion, it’s sure to impress your family and friends. Try this recipe today, and don’t forget to share your thoughts and any variations you make in the comments below! For more delicious recipes, visit cookingforhome.com and follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for more culinary inspiration. Happy baking! 🍰✨

Spiced Pistachio and Lemon Cardamom Loaf Cake

Pin Recipe

This Spiced Pistachio and Lemon Cardamom Loaf Cake is a delightful treat that combines nutty flavors with a zesty citrus kick—perfect for any occasion! 🍰🌰🍋

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup shelled pistachios, chopped
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup lemon juice

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and lemon zest.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk

• Author: moadachagri