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Pistachio Lemon Breakfast Bread

A moist, tender breakfast bread (or loaf cake) loaded with real pistachios and a bright lemon flavor, topped with a thick, gooey lemon glaze.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 390

Ingredients
  

Pistachio Bread
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour divided
  • 0.75 cup shelled, unsalted pistachios raw preferred
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream room temperature
  • 0.25 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 0.25 cup milk room temperature
Thick Lemon Glaze
  • 1.5 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • 2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp chopped pistachios for garnish

Equipment

  • 9x5 inch loaf pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Food processor
  • Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a food processor, pulse the pistachios with 1/2 cup of the flour until finely ground. In a medium bowl, whisk this pistachio flour with the remaining 1 cup flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes). Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the lemon zest and vanilla.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and milk.
  5. Add the dry ingredients and the milk mixture to the butter mixture in alternating batches (begin and end with dry). Mix on low speed *just* until combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the bread cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Once completely cool, whisk the powdered sugar and 2 tbsp lemon juice. Add more juice *drops* at a time to reach a very thick, gooey, and viscous consistency. Drizzle over the loaf and top with chopped pistachios. Let set before slicing.

Notes

For the best green color, use unsalted, raw pistachios. Ensure bread is completely cool before adding the thick glaze, or it will melt and soak in. Do not overmix the batter.