Vegan Lemon Pistachio Olive Oil Cake
If you love citrus as much as I do, you are going to be obsessed with this vegan lemon pistachio olive oil cake! It is incredibly moist, perfectly sweet, and packed with bright, zesty lemon flavor and nutty pistachios. It’s the ultimate spring cake that will surely brighten up your week!
I am always looking for ways to create delicious plant-based desserts that feel indulgent but use wholesome ingredients. Baking with olive oil is one of my absolute favorite ways to keep cakes incredibly soft and tender without needing butter or seed oils. The olive oil also adds a delicate earthy, floral note to the cake which pairs well with lemon.
The combination of olive oil with the fresh lemon and ground pistachios is seriously next level. You get that beautiful bakery-style crumb and a flavor profile that is sophisticated yet so comforting. Make sure to use enough lemon zest to get that lemon flavor.
This cake is so easy to make and is topped with a creamy coconut whip. I love coconut whip because it’s light, not overly sweet, and made with just a couple of ingredients. You can definitely do a simple lemon glaze as well or even a dusting of powdered sugar on top!
No one would know this cake is completely dairy-free and egg free too! It’s perfect for Easter, Spring, Summer, or any day you want a delicious cake!
If you make this vegan lemon pistachio olive oil cake, tag me @nutsaboutgreens on Instagram so I can see your creations! Don’t forget to leave a comment below!
Vegan Lemon Pistachio Olive Oil Cake
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, ground
- 1 Tbsp arrowroot starch (or sub cornstarch)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2/3 cup pure organic cane sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup almond milk (or any non-dairy milk)
- 1/3 cup applesauce
topping options:
- coconut whip (recipe in the notes)
- lemon glaze (powdered sugar mixed with lemon juice)
- powdered sugar for dusting on top
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and/or line an 8 inch square pan.
- In a medium bowl, add the flour, ground pistachios, arrowroot starch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until well combined.
- In a large bowl, add the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar, vanilla, almond milk, and applesauce. Whisk until well combined.
- Add the dry to the wet. Use a spatula and mix until just combined. Don’t over mix. Pour batter into the prepared cake pan.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let it cool for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and place on a cooling rack to cool completely. Top with coconut whip and crushed pistachios if desired. You can also make a simple lemon glaze instead or do a dusting of powdered sugar on top. Enjoy!
Notes
