Heavenly Lemon Coconut Pistachio Cake! 💛 A burst of flavors in every bite. 🍋🥥

Lemon Coconut Pistachio Cake
Lemon Coconut Pistachio Cake

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

  1. Preheat & prep
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9″ cake pan.
  2. Dry mix
    Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream butter & sugar
    Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 mins). The kitchen will smell like a bakery!
  4. Add eggs & vanilla
    Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Batter will turn creamy.
  5. Mix in wet ingredients
    Blend sour cream, lemon juice, and zest until smooth. Add to batter and mix gently.
  6. Combine dry & wet
    Fold dry mix in batches until just combined—don’t overmix.
  7. Stir in coconut & pistachios
    Fold in shredded coconut and chopped pistachios. The batter looks gorgeous!
  8. Bake
    Pour into pan. Bake 30–35 mins or until golden and toothpick comes out slightly crumbed.
  9. 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)CaloriesFatCarbsProteinSugarSodiumFiber
Amount300 kcal15 g35 g5 g22 g180 mg1.5 g
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Heavenly Lemon Coconut Pistachio Cake! 💛 A burst of flavors in every bite. 🍋🥥


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Poulef
  • 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

Scale

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
Product Image

26-Piece Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls Set

A versatile set of mixing bowls with airtight lids and non-slip bottoms. Includes 3 grater attachments for added convenience in the kitchen!

Walmart Available on Walmart
This post may contain affiliate links. Learn more
I’m Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!. Let’s be friends!