Description
A moist and tender pistachio ricotta breakfast loaf with a delicate citrus aroma, crunchy pistachios, and a soft crumb enriched with Greek yogurt and almond extract.
Ingredients
1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup avocado oil or melted coconut oil
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
Zest of 1 lemon
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons turbinado sugar (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together ricotta, Greek yogurt, oil, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract, almond extract, and lemon zest.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined.
- Fold in chopped pistachios, reserving a small amount for topping.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle reserved pistachios and turbinado sugar over the surface.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Whole milk ricotta provides the richest texture, but low-fat ricotta can be used.
Substitute orange zest for lemon zest for a sweeter citrus variation.
A simple glaze of powdered sugar and lemon juice can be added for a dessert-style finish.
Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Slices can be frozen individually and thawed or gently reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg