Welcome, dear friends—thank you for stopping by! I’m thrilled to share this joyful, flavor-packed cake that brightens any day. It’s zesty, nutty, and oh-so-moist. Don’t forget to subscribe for more recipes by email—you won’t want to miss what’s next!
Overview of Recipe Content
What it is & when to serve
This is a tangy lemon cake loaded with tropical coconut and crunchy pistachios—perfect for brunch, spring gatherings, or as an afternoon pick-me-up.
Why you’ll love it
It’s moist from sour cream, vibrant from lemon, and nutty with both coconut and pistachio—each bite is a delightful surprise!
Flavor profile
Tart and bright from the lemon, sweet and creamy, with tropical notes and a satisfying crunch.
Health hints & seasonality
Made with real fruit flavor (no extracts!) and includes pistachios which add protein and healthy fats. Light enough for spring and summer.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ÂĽ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temp
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- ÂĽ cup lemon juice (fresh!)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup shredded coconut
- ½ cup chopped pistachios
Tools needed
- 9″ springform or round cake pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Zester & juicer
- Spatula
Substitutions & additions
- Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream
- Use almond flour for half the flour for a nutty twist
- Add white chocolate chips or swirl cream cheese frosting for indulgence
How to Make Heavenly Lemon Coconut Pistachio Cake
- Preheat & prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9″ cake pan. - Dry mix
Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. - Cream butter & sugar
Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 mins). The kitchen will smell like a bakery! - Add eggs & vanilla
Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Batter will turn creamy. - Mix in wet ingredients
Blend sour cream, lemon juice, and zest until smooth. Add to batter and mix gently. - Combine dry & wet
Fold dry mix in batches until just combined—don’t overmix. - Stir in coconut & pistachios
Fold in shredded coconut and chopped pistachios. The batter looks gorgeous! - Bake
Pour into pan. Bake 30–35 mins or until golden and toothpick comes out slightly crumbed. - Cool
Let it rest in the pan 10 mins, then transfer to wire rack. It’s heavenly warm!
What to Serve with Heavenly Lemon Coconut Pistachio Cake
- A dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
- Fresh berries (raspberries or blueberries)
- Lightly sweetened iced tea or sparkling lemonade
Tips for Making It Perfect
- Soft butter matters: Room temperature means gently pressable.
- Fresh lemon zest: Grate just the yellow—no bitter white pith.
- Don’t overmix: Keep crumb tender by mixing until just combined.
- Advance prep: Bake ahead—store airtight, then warm gently before serving.
- Nut option: Toast pistachios for extra crunch.
Storage Instructions
- Room temperature: Cover cake (no frosting) for up to 48 hrs.
- In the fridge: Store in airtight container up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze slices in foil inside zip bags up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge overnight.
General Information
This cake blends Southern comfort (sour cream) with Mediterranean flair (pistachio) and tropical coconut. It’s a lovely twist on classic lemon cakes and brings sunshine any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use coconut oil instead of butter?
A: Yes! Use equal amount of melted coconut oil for a dairy-free option; the cake may be denser slightly.
Q: My batter seems too thick—why?
A: Check your sour cream measurement—it should be ½ cup. Too thick can mean too much flour or too little liquid.
Q: Can I skip the coconut?
A: You can, but coconut adds unique texture. You could instead use chopped almonds or macadamia nuts.
Q: Do I need to toast pistachios?
A: No, but toasting lightly enhances their flavor—spread on a baking sheet, 5 mins at 350°F.
Q: How to make it gluten-free?
A: Use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, stir gently—texture stays great with sour cream.
Conclusion
This Heavenly Lemon Coconut Pistachio Cake is an absolute delight—bright, nutty, moist, and bursting with flavor. Next time, you might love my Lemon Blueberry Pound Cake or my Coconut Almond Bliss Bars—both lovely citrus-nut pairings perfect here. Thanks for cooking with me—see you soon with another scrumptious recipe!
Interactive Elements
I’d love to hear what you think—please leave a review or comment below!
Share your creation on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/ or tag me on Instagram—I can’t wait to see your photos! 📸💕
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (1/12 cake) | Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein | Sugar | Sodium | Fiber |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Amount | 300 kcal | 15 g | 35 g | 5 g | 22 g | 180 mg | 1.5 g |
Heavenly Lemon Coconut Pistachio Cake! 💛 A burst of flavors in every bite. 🍋🥥
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Bright lemon cake with coconut and pistachios—moist, nutty, and bursting with flavor!
Ingredients
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
ÂĽ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup sour cream
ÂĽ cup lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup shredded coconut
½ cup chopped pistachios
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare pan.
2. Whisk dry ingredients.
3. Cream butter and sugar until light.
4. Add eggs and vanilla.
5. Mix in sour cream, lemon juice, and zest.
6. Fold dry ingredients into batter.
7. Stir in coconut and pistachios.
8. Bake for 30–35 mins until golden.
9. Cool in pan, then on rack.
Notes
Use fresh lemons for best flavor.
Toast pistachios for extra crunch.
Store airtight up to 5 days, or freeze slices.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
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