Flourless Lemon Pistachio Cake is a delightfully moist, nutty and naturally gluten‑free dessert. This cake blends vibrant lemon zest with ground pistachios and almond flour—resulting in a beautifully tender crumb with a subtle crunch. Subscribe by email for more tasty recipes and baking tips!
Overview of Recipe Content
What the recipe is and where it fits
This luscious Lemon Pistachio Cake is perfect for brunch, afternoon tea, or a light dessert after dinner. It’s naturally gluten‑free and has a sophisticated, bright flavor.
Why readers will love it
- Moist and tender from almond flour and honey
- Citrusy zing balanced by pistachio richness
- Gluten‑free without compromising texture
- Sweetened naturally, with healthier fats
What it tastes like
Expect a delicate crumb, soft richness, and a fresh lemon‑pistachio aroma that dances on the tongue.
Health/nutritional benefits or seasonal relevance
Almond flour and pistachios deliver healthy fats and protein. Lemon adds vitamin C. Great for spring or summer gatherings.
Ingredient list
- 1 cup (130 g) unsalted shelled pistachios, finely ground
- 1 cup (100 g) almond flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup (120 ml) honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup (60 ml) melted coconut oil (or butter)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Tools needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- 8‑ or 9‑inch round springform pan
- Parchment paper
- Zester or microplane
- Food processor or nut grinder
Suggested substitutions and additions
- Swap coconut oil for melted butter
- Use agave or granulated sugar instead of honey/maple syrup
- Stir in a handful of chopped pistachios on top before baking for added crunch
How to Make Flourless Lemon Pistachio Cake
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line the pan with parchment and grease lightly.
- Grind nuts: In a food processor, pulse pistachios until finely ground (not oily). Combine with almond flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk eggs with honey (or syrup), melted coconut oil, lemon zest, juice, and vanilla.
- Fold together: Gently fold dry mixture into wet until just combined—don’t overmix.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden‑topped and a toothpick inserted comes out with crumb (not wet batter).
- Cool: Let cake cool completely in pan before slicing—cooling improves texture and flavor.
Enjoy the bright aroma as it bakes—it smells like pure sunshine!
What to Serve with Flourless Lemon Pistachio Cake
- Fresh berries or raspberry coulis
- A dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt
- Mint leaves or extra chopped pistachios for garnish
- Pair with Earl Grey tea, lemon‑mint herbal tea, or lightly sweet dessert wine
Tips for Making It Perfect
- Don’t over‑grind pistachios—that can turn oily and dense the cake
- Let eggs warm to room temperature for fluffier rise
- Use fresh lemon zest & juice for vibrant flavor
- Line the pan so it’s easy to remove the delicate cake
- Make ahead—store at room temperature or refrigerate; flavor only improves overnight
Storage Instructions
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
- Refrigerate up to 5 days if you prefer chilled
- Freeze slices wrapped well in foil or plastic wrap for up to 2 months; thaw in fridge or at room temp
General Information
This cake is inspired by Mediterranean nut‑based baking traditions—much like Greek amygdalota or Italian almond torte. It brings together simple, high‑quality ingredients and minimal flour, celebrating lemon and nuts in harmony.
If you’re drawing inspiration from other nut‑based cakes, you might enjoy exploring recipes like Delightful Fig and Orange Cake – A 5‑Star Mediterranean Treat which blends fruit and citrus beautifully poulef.com, or the savory Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta (for a full meal contrast) poulef.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use only almond flour?
Yes—just increase almond flour by 1 cup and omit pistachios. Flavor will be more almond-forward.
Is this cake sweet enough without granulated sugar?
Absolutely—honey or maple syrup gives a complex sweetness and moisture. Adjust to your taste.
Can it be dairy‑free?
Yes, use melted coconut oil or non-dairy butter to keep it dairy‑free.
Is it okay to use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh juice is best for brightness; bottled tends to be bland or acidic.
Can I add lemon glaze?
Yes—a simple mixture of powdered sugar and lemon juice drizzled on cooled cake is lovely.
Conclusion
This beautiful Flourless Lemon Pistachio Cake is a zesty, elegant dessert that brings together natural sweetness, nutty richness, and lemon brightness in a gluten‑free format. It’s simple to bake, full‑flavored, and perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!
Loved this? Try also:
- Delightful Fig and Orange Cake – A 5‑Star Mediterranean Treat
- Flourless Cinnamon Chia Seed Cake for another nut‑based, refined dessert.
Thank you so much for baking along with me! Drop a comment, photo, or rating—and be sure to pin your creation on Pinterest (pinterest.com/poulefrecipe
). Happy baking!
Interactive Elements
I’d love to hear how your cake turns out! Leave a review or comment below. Share a photo on Pinterest or tag me on social media—let’s connect and celebrate your kitchen creation!
Nutritional Information
Approximate per serving (makes 10 servings):
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | ~220 kcal |
Protein | ~6 g |
Carbohydrates | ~20 g |
Sugar | ~14 g |
Fat | ~14 g |
Saturated Fat | ~3 g |
Fiber | ~2 g |
Flourless Lemon Pistachio Cake 🍋🌿
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
A moist, nutty, naturally gluten‑free cake bursting with lemon zest and pistachio flavor.
Ingredients
1 cup shelled pistachios, finely ground
1 cup almond flour
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
3 large eggs
½ cup honey or maple syrup
¼ cup melted coconut oil or butter
Zest of 1 lemon
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare pan
2. Grind pistachios, mix with almond flour, baking powder and salt
3. Whisk eggs with honey, oil, lemon zest and juice, vanilla
4. Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture
5. Pour into pan and bake for 30‑35 minutes until golden and set
6. Cool completely before slicing
Notes
Use fresh lemon zest for best flavor.
Line pan for easy removal.
Let cake rest overnight for improved texture.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean‑inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx.)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
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