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Lemon Pistachio Cake

A bright, nutty, and moist cake that impresses with its rich flavor and light texture. Perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 11 slices
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 1.5 cups 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cups 1/2 cup raw pistachios, finely ground
  • 1.5 teaspoons 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 0.25 teaspoons 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.25 teaspoons 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 0.75 cups 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cups 1 cup granulated white sugar
  • 3 large eggs 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 large Zest of 2 large lemons
  • 3 tablespoons 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoons 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cups 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt
For the Lemon Glaze
  • 1 cups 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2-3 tablespoons 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional, for extra punch)
For the Topping (Optional but Recommended)
  • 0.25 cups 1/4 cup roughly chopped pistachios
  • Thin lemon slices or candied lemon peel for decoration Optional

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan or loaf pan.
  2. Line the bottom with parchment paper and dust the sides with flour.
  3. Measure out 1/2 cup of pistachios and grind them in a food processor.
Mixing
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground pistachios, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. Mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
  5. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and sour cream to the butter mixture.
Baking
  1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 33 to 38 minutes.
  2. Cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
Glazing and Decorating
  1. Whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice to make the glaze.
  2. Pour the glaze over the cooled cake and decorate with chopped pistachios and lemon slices.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing. Fresh lemon juice creates a brighter flavor. Allow cooling completely before glazing.