A moist and flavorful Pistachio Lemon Breakfast Bread combining the nutty crunch of pistachios with the zesty brightness of lemon, topped with a sweet lemon glaze. This bread makes an irresistible morning indulgence or a perfect accompaniment for afternoon tea.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe combines the natural richness of pistachios with the tangy freshness of lemon for a balanced, delightful flavor. It’s incredibly moist thanks to the yogurt and oil, while the glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness. Whether served fresh or reheated, it’s a treat that’s both satisfying and versatile.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, chopped pistachios, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, beat the eggs. Add the vegetable oil, yogurt, milk, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix until well combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the glaze, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled loaf and garnish with additional chopped pistachios if desired.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 10
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes
Variations
Nut-Free Option: Replace pistachios with sunflower seeds or skip the nuts entirely for a plain lemon loaf.
Citrus Twist: Substitute the lemon zest and juice with orange for a sweeter citrus flavor.
Whole Grain Version: Use whole wheat flour for a more wholesome twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking mix to make this bread suitable for gluten sensitivities.
Dairy-Free: Replace yogurt and milk with non-dairy alternatives like almond yogurt and oat milk.
Storage/Reheating
Store the Pistachio Lemon Breakfast Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, I recommend microwaving slices for about 15 seconds to restore their moist texture.
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FAQs
How do I prevent the loaf from becoming dry?
Using yogurt and oil ensures moisture, but avoid overbaking as it can dry out the bread. Check for doneness with a toothpick around the 50-minute mark.
Can I use salted pistachios?
Yes, but reduce the salt in the recipe by half to balance the flavors.
What’s the best way to chop pistachios?
I prefer using a food processor for even chopping, but a sharp knife works just as well.
Can I make this bread without the glaze?
Absolutely! The bread is flavorful on its own, but the glaze enhances the lemony sweetness.
Can I add mix-ins like dried fruit?
Yes, dried cranberries or cherries pair beautifully with the pistachio and lemon flavors.
Conclusion
This Pistachio Lemon Breakfast Bread is a delicious and versatile recipe that can brighten any morning or tea-time. With its moist crumb, nutty crunch, and citrusy zing, it’s an easy-to-make treat that feels gourmet. Try it for your next brunch or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
📖 Recipe:
PrintPistachio Lemon Breakfast Bread
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and flavorful Pistachio Lemon Breakfast Bread, combining the nutty crunch of pistachios and the zesty brightness of lemon. Topped with a sweet lemon glaze, it’s perfect for a morning indulgence or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, pistachios, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, oil, yogurt, milk, vanilla, and lemon zest until combined.
- Fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just mixed. Do not overmix.
- Pour batter into prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the glaze: mix powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bread.
- Garnish with additional chopped pistachios if desired.
Notes
Substitute pistachios with sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
Use dairy-free yogurt and milk for a vegan-friendly version.
For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10 servings
- Calories: 320 kcal