Ingredients:

For the Bread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped (plus extra for topping)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup whole milk or buttermilk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest for garnish (optional)

Steps to Make Pistachio Lemon Bread:

1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Pan:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, chopped pistachios, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Ensure everything is evenly mixed for a consistent texture in the bread.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
   • In another bowl, whisk the milk (or buttermilk), vegetable oil, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined. The lemon juice adds a bright flavor and helps create a tender crumb.
4. Make the Batter:
   • Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense rather than light and tender.
5. Pour Batter into the Pan:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle a few extra chopped pistachios over the top for a decorative, crunchy finish.
6. Bake the Bread:
   • Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.
7. Cool the Bread:
   • Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, lift it out of the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Prepare the Lemon Glaze:
   • In a small bowl, whisk the powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice until smooth. You can adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar (for a thicker glaze) or more lemon juice (for a thinner glaze).
9. Glaze the Bread:
   • Once the bread has cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top, letting it run down the sides for a decorative look. Sprinkle with additional lemon zest, if desired.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Slice the bread and enjoy the zesty, nutty flavors. This bread pairs perfectly with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.

Nutrition Facts (Per Slice, based on 10 slices):

• Calories: 310 kcal
• Protein: 5 grams
• Carbohydrates: 42 grams
• Fat: 14 grams
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Sugars: 25 grams

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on portion size and specific ingredients used.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use another type of nut instead of pistachios?

Yes, you can substitute almonds or walnuts if pistachios aren’t available. However, each nut brings its unique flavor, so keep in mind that the final taste may differ slightly.

Q2: Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice?

Yes, a few drops of lemon extract can replace fresh lemon juice in the batter, though fresh juice provides a brighter, more natural flavor. The lemon glaze, however, should use fresh juice for the best taste and consistency.

Q3: How do I keep the bread from being too dense?

To avoid dense bread, make sure not to overmix the batter. Mix until the ingredients are just combined; overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which can make the bread tougher.

Q4: Can I make this bread dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute plant-based milk, such as almond or oat milk, for the whole milk. Also, using dairy-free yogurt instead of buttermilk works well in this recipe.

Q5: How can I make the bread gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum, which helps with texture. Almond flour can work as well, though it may change the consistency slightly.

Tips for Making the Best Pistachio Lemon Bread:

1. Choose Fresh Lemons:
   • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice can taste less vibrant.
2. Adjust the Sweetness and Tang:
   • If you prefer a slightly sweeter bread, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the wet ingredients. For more tang, increase the lemon juice in the glaze.
3. Make Mini Loaves or Muffins:
   • This batter can be used to make mini loaves or muffins. For mini loaves, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes, and for muffins, bake for 18-22 minutes.
4. Cool Completely Before Glazing:
   • Let the bread cool fully before applying the glaze; otherwise, the glaze will melt into the bread and may not set properly.
5. Store Leftovers Properly:
   • Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Storage Tips:

1. Room Temperature:
   • Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Wrap the bread in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to help keep it fresh.
2. Refrigeration:
   • For longer storage, keep the bread in the refrigerator for up to a week. Wrap it in plastic or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
3. Freezing:
   • This bread freezes well. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature and drizzle with fresh glaze before serving.
4. Refreshing the Bread:
   • If the bread seems a bit dry after storing, warm slices in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back the soft, moist texture.

Conclusion:

This Pistachio Lemon Bread with Lemon Glaze is a delightful treat that blends citrusy brightness with the earthy crunch of pistachios. Whether enjoyed as a morning snack, dessert, or tea-time treat, it’s sure to please both lemon and nut lovers alike. With a few simple ingredients and steps, this bread is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. The lemon glaze adds a finishing touch that enhances the bread’s natural flavors, making every bite refreshing and satisfying.

Give this recipe a try and enjoy the wonderful balance of tart, nutty, and sweet flavors. It’s a beautiful addition to any recipe collection, offering a taste of springtime freshness all year round.