Pistachio cardamom rose loaf is a beautifully fragrant and moist cake infused with the warmth of cardamom, the nuttiness of pistachios, and the delicate floral notes of rose. Topped with a light rose glaze and crushed pistachios, this loaf is perfect for afternoon tea, breakfast, or an elegant dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Moist – The perfect balance of soft texture and nutty crunch.
Warm and Floral – Cardamom and rose create an aromatic, Middle Eastern-inspired flavor.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and a one-bowl batter.
Versatile – Great for breakfast, tea-time, or as a dessert.
Naturally Beautiful – A delicate pink glaze and chopped pistachios make for an elegant presentation.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Loaf:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup ground pistachios (finely blended unsalted pistachios)
1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cardamom
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
¼ cup milk
1 tsp rose water

For the Rose Glaze:

½ cup powdered sugar
1-2 tbsp milk or rose water (adjust for consistency)
½ tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp pink food coloring (optional)

For Garnish:

¼ cup chopped pistachios
Dried rose petals (optional)

Directions

Preheat the oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Prepare the dry ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, ground pistachios, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cardamom.
Cream the butter and sugar – In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs and wet ingredients – Mix in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract, Greek yogurt, milk, and rose water.
Combine the batter – Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.
Bake – Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool completely – Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Prepare the glaze – Whisk powdered sugar with rose water (or milk) and vanilla extract until smooth. Add pink food coloring if desired.
Decorate – Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf and sprinkle with chopped pistachios and dried rose petals.
Serve and enjoy – Slice and serve with tea or coffee.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8-10 slices
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

Dairy-Free – Use coconut oil instead of butter and almond milk instead of dairy milk.
Gluten-Free – Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Extra Floral – Add a bit more rose water for a stronger floral aroma.
Nut-Free Option – Replace pistachios with almond flour or omit them completely.
Citrus Twist – Add orange zest for a refreshing flavor boost.

Storage/Reheating

Storage – Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing – Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating – Warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a freshly baked feel.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pistachio flour?

Yes, but freshly ground pistachios provide a better texture and stronger flavor.

What type of rose water should I use?

Use high-quality, food-grade rose water for the best floral aroma.

Is this cake very sweet?

No, it has a balanced sweetness with floral and nutty notes.

Can I add chocolate?

Yes, white chocolate chips complement the flavors beautifully.

What type of cardamom works best?

Ground green cardamom is ideal for its sweet, fragrant flavor.

Can I bake this in a bundt pan?

Yes, but adjust the baking time as needed, checking for doneness around 40 minutes.

Can I use dried rose petals in the batter?

Yes, but use edible-grade rose petals and chop them finely.

How do I prevent the loaf from drying out?

Avoid overbaking and store it in an airtight container.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and bake in two loaf pans.

How do I make the glaze thicker?

Add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.

Conclusion

Pistachio cardamom rose loaf is an elegant and flavorful cake that combines warm spices, nutty pistachios, and floral rose notes for a unique and irresistible treat. Whether served with tea, coffee, or as a dessert, this loaf is sure to impress with its rich flavors and delicate presentation. Try it for your next gathering or as a homemade gift!