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Lemon Pistachio Cake

Lemon Pistachio Cake

Lemon Pistachio Cake is a delightful dessert that beautifully combines the zesty brightness of lemon with the rich, nutty flavor of pistachios. Moist and tender, this cake is enhanced with a luscious cream cheese frosting, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion. Perfect for birthdays, brunches, or simply as a sweet indulgence, this recipe is easy to follow, ensuring that even novice bakers can impress their guests. With its refreshing taste and customizable toppings like lemon curd and extra pistachios, every slice promises a burst of flavor that will leave everyone wanting more.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup pistachios (deshelled)
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 tbsp lemon zest (about 3 large lemons)
  • 10 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
  • 3 eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup pistachio milk
  • 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • Cream cheese frosting ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a greased and lined 9×9 inch baking pan.
  2. Process pistachios in a food processor until finely ground.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Rub lemon zest into granulated sugar in a large bowl before creaming with softened butter.
  5. Beat in eggs and vanilla until smooth; gradually add buttermilk and dry ingredients while mixing on low speed.
  6. Fold in ground pistachios and bake for about 38–42 minutes until cooked through.
  7. Cool the cake before soaking it with the milk mixture and frosting it with cream cheese frosting.
  • Author: Stephanie
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 36g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: <0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing results. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and fluffy. Check your cake for doneness early to prevent dryness.