Best Moist Pistachio Loaf Cake | Easy Glazed Recipe

If you’re looking for a bakery-style treat that’s soft, nutty, lightly sweet, and beautifully glazed, this Best Moist Pistachio Loaf Cake is exactly what you need. With its delicate green crumb, subtle pistachio flavor, and silky vanilla glaze dripping over the top, this loaf cake is elegant enough for special occasions yet simple enough for everyday baking.

This easy pistachio bread recipe delivers a perfectly moist texture thanks to a combination of butter, yogurt, and finely ground pistachios. Unlike overly sweet cakes, this homemade pistachio loaf strikes a balanced flavor profile—nutty, fragrant, and lightly rich.

Whether you’re baking for brunch, afternoon tea, holiday gatherings, or simply craving a comforting dessert, this pistachio dessert recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Moist Pistachio Loaf Cake

There are countless loaf cakes out there, but this one stands apart for several reasons:

• Ultra-moist texture that stays soft for days
• Real pistachio flavor from ground nuts, not just artificial flavoring
• Simple ingredients you likely already have at home
• Elegant vanilla glaze that adds sweetness and visual appeal
• Perfect for gifting or serving at brunch and holidays

The subtle green hue of this pistachio cake with glaze makes it visually stunning without the need for food coloring. It’s naturally beautiful and incredibly delicious.

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What Makes This Pistachio Cake So Moist?

The secret to achieving the best moist pistachio loaf cake lies in three key elements:

1. Finely Ground Pistachios

Grinding pistachios into a fine meal releases natural oils that enhance both flavor and moisture.

2. Full-Fat Yogurt

Yogurt adds richness and tenderness without making the cake heavy.

3. Proper Mixing Technique

Overmixing leads to dense cake. Gentle folding ensures a soft, airy crumb.

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Ingredients

For the Pistachio Loaf Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup shelled unsalted pistachios (finely ground)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp almond extract (optional but recommended)
• ½ cup plain full-fat yogurt
• ¼ cup milk

For the Vanilla Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk or cream
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1–2 tbsp finely chopped pistachios (for garnish)

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Pistachios

Pulse shelled pistachios in a food processor until finely ground. Be careful not to over-process into paste.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ground pistachios, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).

Step 5: Add Eggs and Extracts

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and almond extract.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry

Add dry ingredients in batches, alternating with yogurt and milk. Mix just until combined.

Step 7: Bake

Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool

Allow cake to cool in pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Prepare the Glaze

Whisk powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth and pourable.

Step 10: Glaze and Garnish

Drizzle glaze over cooled loaf and sprinkle with chopped pistachios.

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Tips for the Perfect Pistachio Loaf

• Use fresh pistachios for the brightest flavor.
• Don’t skip parchment paper—it prevents sticking.
• Let the loaf cool completely before glazing.
• For extra green color, add a tiny drop of natural food coloring (optional).

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Flavor Variations

Lemon Pistachio Loaf

Add 1 tbsp lemon zest and 1 tbsp lemon juice for brightness.

Chocolate Pistachio Version

Fold in ½ cup white chocolate chips.

Rose Pistachio Cake

Add ½ tsp rose water for a Middle Eastern twist.

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Serving Suggestions

This homemade pistachio loaf pairs beautifully with:

• Hot coffee or espresso
• Fresh berries
• Whipped cream
• Afternoon tea

It’s perfect for Easter, spring gatherings, holiday dessert tables, or a cozy weekend bake.

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Storage and Freezing

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigerate for up to 5 days.

To freeze:

• Wrap unglazed loaf tightly in plastic wrap
• Store up to 2 months
• Thaw overnight and glaze before serving

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Fun Fact About Pistachios

Pistachios have been enjoyed for over 9,000 years and were once considered a royal delicacy. Today, they remain one of the most beloved nuts worldwide, especially in desserts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pistachio pudding mix?

Yes, but real pistachios provide better flavor and texture.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Why did my loaf sink?

It may have been underbaked or overmixed.

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Final Thoughts

This Best Moist Pistachio Loaf Cake is a bakery-quality treat made easily at home. Its nutty richness, soft crumb, and glossy glaze create the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Whether you’re baking for family, guests, or yourself, this pistachio cake with glaze delivers every time.

Bake it once, and it will quickly become your go-to pistachio dessert recipe.