Orange Blossom Pistachio Loaf Cake

The combination of citrusy orange and fragrant orange blossom water with the richness of pistachios creates a loaf cake that is both refreshing and indulgent. This Orange Blossom Pistachio Loaf Cake is a perfect balance of flavors and textures—moist, flavorful, and aromatic. The light and fluffy cake is topped with a sweet glaze and garnished with chopped pistachios for a delightful crunch. This cake is perfect for special occasions, an afternoon tea, or simply as a treat to brighten your day. With its unique flavor profile, it’s sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Orange Blossom Pistachio Loaf Cake is a sophisticated yet easy-to-make dessert that combines the floral and citrusy notes of orange blossom water and fresh orange juice with the earthy richness of ground pistachios. It’s a versatile recipe, ideal for a casual snack or an elegant dessert to serve at a dinner party. The cake itself is tender and flavorful, and the glaze adds the perfect touch of sweetness and shine. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe offers simple steps to create a stunning cake that’s sure to be the highlight of any gathering.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Ground pistachios (plus extra for topping)
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Sugar
• Eggs
• Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
• Orange blossom water
• Orange zest
• Fresh orange juice

For the Glaze:

• Powdered sugar
• Orange juice
• Orange blossom water

Variations

• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option. Be sure to check that your pistachios are gluten-free as well.
• Nuts: While pistachios are the star ingredient, you can experiment with other nuts such as almonds or hazelnuts for a different flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free: Swap the butter for a plant-based butter and use dairy-free yogurt to make this cake dairy-free.
• Citrus Variations: Try adding lemon zest or using lemon juice in place of the orange juice for a citrus twist.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper to ensure the cake doesn’t stick during baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, ground pistachios, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until everything is evenly combined.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Mix in the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), orange blossom water, orange zest, and orange juice until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.

Step 5: Combine and Bake

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

While the cake cools, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange blossom water in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios and a little orange zest for added texture and flavor. Slice and serve!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Toast the Pistachios: For an extra layer of flavor, toast the pistachios before grinding them. Simply place them in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until they become fragrant, then grind them.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can result in a dense cake.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and yogurt are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even mixing.
• Glaze Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add a little more orange juice to thin it out. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar to reach your desired consistency.

How to Serve

This Orange Blossom Pistachio Loaf Cake is best served at room temperature or slightly chilled. The refreshing citrus notes paired with the richness of pistachios make it a perfect match for a cup of tea or coffee. You can serve it as a light dessert after a meal or enjoy it as a snack throughout the day. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh mint leaves or a dollop of whipped cream for added elegance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

Store the leftover loaf cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to preserve its freshness for a longer period, you can refrigerate it for up to a week.

Freezing:

You can freeze the unfrosted loaf cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to serve, thaw it at room temperature and drizzle with the glaze.

Reheating:

If you’ve refrigerated or frozen the cake, simply let it come to room temperature before serving. If you’d like to warm it slightly, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use other nuts instead of pistachios?

Yes, you can substitute pistachios with almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts for a different nutty flavor.

2. How can I make this cake gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour and ensure your pistachios are gluten-free. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

3. Can I make this recipe without orange blossom water?

Yes, you can substitute orange blossom water with a small amount of vanilla extract or almond extract for a different flavor profile.

4. Can I use buttermilk instead of yogurt?

Yes, buttermilk can be used instead of yogurt. It will provide a slight tang and help make the cake tender.

5. How long does the cake stay fresh?

The cake will stay fresh for 3-4 days at room temperature in an airtight container. If refrigerated, it can last for up to a week.

6. Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake either frosted or unfrosted. Wrap it tightly and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.

7. Can I add more pistachios to the cake?

Absolutely! You can add extra ground pistachios to the cake batter for an even more intense pistachio flavor. You can also sprinkle extra pistachios on top for garnish.

8. Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this cake is vegetarian-friendly, as it contains no meat products.

9. Can I make this in a round cake pan instead of a loaf pan?

Yes, you can bake this cake in a round cake pan. Adjust the baking time as necessary, and keep an eye on it to prevent overbaking.

10. Can I make this cake without the glaze?

Yes, you can skip the glaze if you prefer a less sweet cake or if you’re looking for a lighter version. The cake itself is still delicious without it.

Conclusion

The Orange Blossom Pistachio Loaf Cake is a delightful treat that combines the refreshing zest of orange with the rich, nutty flavor of pistachios. Its light, tender texture and fragrant glaze make it a perfect addition to any occasion. Whether served as a dessert or a snack, this cake offers a sophisticated and aromatic flavor profile that’s sure to impress. Easy to make and beautifully presented, it’s a treat your friends and family will love!

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