Lemon-Pistachio Loaf

A moist and elegant loaf cake featuring ground pistachios and bright lemon zest, finished with a tangy lemon glaze and crushed pistachios. This sophisticated dessert perfectly balances nutty and citrus flavors.

8 servings

1 hr 53 min

Published October 4, 2025

Ingredients

•⅓ cup vegetable oil
•¾ cup raw pistachios
•2 whole lemon zest
•1¾ cups all-purpose flour
•1 cup granulated sugar
•2 tsp baking powder
•¾ tsp kosher salt
•5 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
•7 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
•2 cups powdered sugar

Cooking Instructions

1.
Place a rack in middle of oven; preheat to 325°F. Grease a 9x5" loaf pan with vegetable oil, then line with parchment paper, leaving overhang on long sides. Oil parchment paper (for insurance and an easy release).
5 min
2.
Pulse pistachios in a food processor until finely ground (it's okay if some of the pieces are a bit larger). Set aside a heaping tablespoonful.
3 min
3.
Whisk lemon zest, flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and remaining pistachios in a large bowl. Whisk olive oil, 2 Tbsp. lemon juice, remaining ⅓ cup vegetable oil, and 1/2 cup water in a small bowl to combine. Pour oil mixture into dry ingredients and fold with a rubber spatula to combine, being very careful not to overmix (this batter contains a high ratio of liquid, which means it can get gummy if overworked). Pour into prepared pan and tilt to distribute; batter should come halfway up the sides.
10 min
4.
Bake cake until golden brown all over, it springs back when gently pressed, and a tester inserted into the center comes out clean, 50-60 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack and let cake cool completely in pan, at least 2 hours.
60 min
5.
Whisk powdered sugar and 3 Tbsp. lemon juice in a medium bowl, drizzling in remaining 2 Tbsp. lemon juice as needed until you have a thick but pourable glaze. Pour glaze over cake, letting it drip down the sides. Immediately top cake with reserved pistachios, then let sit until glaze is set, at least 30 minutes.
35 min
6.
Do Ahead: Cake can be made 3 days ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.

Cooking Instructions

Place a rack in middle of oven; preheat to 325°F. Grease a 9x5" loaf pan with vegetable oil, then line with parchment paper, leaving overhang on long sides. Oil parchment paper (for insurance and an easy release).

5 min

Pulse pistachios in a food processor until finely ground (it's okay if some of the pieces are a bit larger). Set aside a heaping tablespoonful.

3 min

Whisk lemon zest, flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and remaining pistachios in a large bowl. Whisk olive oil, 2 Tbsp. lemon juice, remaining ⅓ cup vegetable oil, and 1/2 cup water in a small bowl to combine. Pour oil mixture into dry ingredients and fold with a rubber spatula to combine, being very careful not to overmix (this batter contains a high ratio of liquid, which means it can get gummy if overworked). Pour into prepared pan and tilt to distribute; batter should come halfway up the sides.

10 min

Bake cake until golden brown all over, it springs back when gently pressed, and a tester inserted into the center comes out clean, 50-60 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack and let cake cool completely in pan, at least 2 hours.

60 min

Whisk powdered sugar and 3 Tbsp. lemon juice in a medium bowl, drizzling in remaining 2 Tbsp. lemon juice as needed until you have a thick but pourable glaze. Pour glaze over cake, letting it drip down the sides. Immediately top cake with reserved pistachios, then let sit until glaze is set, at least 30 minutes.

35 min

Do Ahead: Cake can be made 3 days ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.