Pistachios Lemon Cardamom Loaf Cake
- felichiccuisine
- Apr 28, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: May 7
This delightful dessert combines the rich, nutty essence of pistachios with the vibrant, citrusy notes of lemon.
If you’re craving a cake that’s moist, fragrant, and perfectly balanced between nutty richness and citrusy brightness, this Vegan Pistachio Lemon Loaf Cake is a must-try. It’s dairy-free, egg-free, and packed with wholesome ingredients that make it a guilt-free treat for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Cake:
Moist & Tender: Thanks to plant-based milk and vegetable oil, this cake is incredibly soft and fluffy.
Nutty & Citrusy: The combination of ground pistachios and zesty lemon creates a burst of refreshing yet earthy flavors.
Warm Hints of Cardamom: A touch of cardamom takes the flavor to another level, making every bite fragrant and cozy.
Easy & Accessible Ingredients: You don’t need any specialty vegan products — just simple pantry staples.
A Simple Dessert with Bold Flavors
When I first came across this recipe, I immediately knew it would be a fantastic dessert. The combination of pistachios, cardamom, and lemon — along with how simple it is to make — seemed like the perfect way to create a flavorful, easy treat.
I had never used cardamom in my baking before, so I was excited to try it and see how it paired with the ground pistachios. With the first bite, I was pleasantly surprised by how the warm, slightly spicy notes of cardamom blended beautifully with the nutty richness of the pistachios.
But what truly elevates this cake is the refreshing lemon flavor. Soaking it in lemon syrup after baking ensures that every slice has a bright, tangy citrus burst that perfectly complements the earthy nuts and aromatic spices.
What is cardamom?
Cardamom, a spice from the seed pods of a plant related to ginger, is native to South India and used widely in Indian, Central Asian, and Middle Eastern cooking.
Known for its fruity, menthol-like flavor, it pairs well with citrus and enhances both sweet and savory dishes. It’s also valued in Ayurvedic medicine for aiding digestion, mouth ulcers, and mood disorders.
How To Prepare Pistachios Lemon Cardamom Cake
Prepare the Batter
✔ In a food processor, grind pistachios into fine crumbs.
✔ Measure out 1 tablespoon and reserve for decorating.
✔ Mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and grounded pistachios.
✔ Crack open the cardamom pods using a pestle or the flat side of a knife
✔ Add crushed cardamom, lemon zest and juice, oil and almonds milk to the flour mixture, and gently fold them together.
✔ Only mix until just combined, being careful not to over-mix.
✔ Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan.
✔ Bake for 40-45 minutes, until golden brown, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle come out clean.
Prepare the Syrup
✔ In a small bowl, add the icing (powdered) sugar and lemon juice.
✔ Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Using a toothpick, prick holes in the top of the cake.
✔Pour the syrup on top. Let to cool for 30 minutes.
Prepare the Glaze
✔ Combine icing (powdered) sugar with lemon juice, and stir until thick.
✔ Once the cake is completely cooled, coat with icing and top with crushed pistachios.
✔Let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
Baking Tips for the Perfect Vegan Loaf Cake
✔ Avoid Over-Mixing: Once the wet and dry ingredients are combined, fold gently to maintain a light, airy texture.
✔ Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice makes a noticeable difference in both the syrup and the glaze.
✔ Grind the Pistachios Well: For a smooth texture, pulse the pistachios until they’re almost like a coarse flour.
✔ Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair a slice with a cup of chamomile or green tea for a calming afternoon treat.
Add a dollop of coconut yogurt or a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for a more decadent dessert.
For a touch of warmth, lightly toast a slice and spread with vegan butter — it’s deliciously indulgent!
Enjoy!
Have you tried making this Vegan Pistachio Lemon Loaf Cake? I'd love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts and any creative twists you added to the recipe in the comments below. Or, tag me on Instagram (@FeliChic'Cuisine) when you post your recipe creations. Let's inspire each other. Thank You!
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