Pistachio Bread Recipe

Quick & Nutty Pistachio Bread Recipe Everyone Will Love

Rich, nutty pistachio bread elevates ordinary baking into a delightful culinary adventure that sparks joy in every kitchen.

Bakers passionate about unique flavor combinations will find this recipe irresistibly tempting.

Subtle green hues and a luxurious texture make this bread stand out from traditional quick breads.

Delicate pistachio essence weaves through each tender crumb, creating a sophisticated yet comforting experience.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients elevate this simple recipe beyond basic sweet loaves.

A perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness promises to delight even discerning palates.

The magic happens when carefully selected ingredients merge into a harmonious, mouthwatering creation.

What Goes in Homemade Pistachio Bread

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • Cake Mix, Pistachio Pudding Mix: Provides the foundational sweet and nutty flavor for the bread, with convenient pre-mixed dry ingredients.
  • Eggs: Binds ingredients together and adds richness to the bread's texture.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and tenderness in the final baked product.
  • Water: Helps blend ingredients smoothly and maintain bread's moisture.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creates a more tender, soft crumb.
Topping and Coating Ingredients:
  • Sugar, Cinnamon: Creates a sweet and aromatic layer inside the bread pans for extra flavor and texture.
  • Powdered Sugar, Melted Butter, Almond Extract, Vanilla Extract: Combines to make a smooth, rich glaze with complex flavor notes.
  • Milk: Adjusts the glaze consistency to achieve perfect drizzling texture.
Garnish Ingredients:
  • Chopped Pistachios: Provides a delightful crunch and visual appeal, highlighting the bread's signature nut flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pistachio Bread

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Pans

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two loaf pans. Sprinkle sugar-cinnamon mixture on bottom and sides of pans.

Ingredients for sugar-cinnamon mixture:
  • Sugar
  • Cinnamon

Step 2: Create Bread Batter

Combine all base ingredients in large mixing bowl. Blend until smooth and well incorporated.

Ingredients:
  • Dry cake mix
  • Pistachio pudding mix
  • Eggs
  • Vegetable oil
  • Water
  • Sour cream

Step 3: Fill Loaf Pans

Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Spread mixture smoothly across each pan.

Step 4: Bake Bread

Place pans in preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes. Check doneness by inserting toothpick into center- it should come out clean.

Step 5: Cool Bread

Remove bread from oven. Let loaves rest in pans for 10 minutes. Transfer to wire rack and allow complete cooling.

Step 6: Create Drizzle Glaze

Whisk glaze ingredients in medium bowl. Adjust milk quantity for desired consistency.

Ingredients:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Melted butter
  • Almond extract
  • Vanilla extract
  • Milk

Step 7: Finish And Serve

Drizzle glaze generously over cooled bread. Sprinkle chopped pistachios on top. Slice and serve.

Pistachio Bread Tips You Should Know

  • Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for cake mix, pudding mix, and other ingredients to ensure consistent texture and flavor.
  • Mix Thoroughly: Blend all ingredients until completely smooth, avoiding lumps for a uniform, tender bread.
  • Check Doneness Carefully: Insert a toothpick at the center of the loaf; it should come out clean with no wet batter to confirm perfect baking.
  • Cool Completely: Allow bread to cool entirely before glazing to prevent the glaze from becoming runny and absorbing too quickly.
  • Customize Glaze: Adjust milk quantity gradually to achieve your preferred glaze thickness, creating a perfect drizzle every time.

How to Save and Warm Up Pistachio Bread

  • Refrigeration: Wrap the pistachio bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to preserve its delicate flavor.
  • Room Temperature: If enjoying within 2 days, store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature. Place a paper towel inside to absorb excess moisture and maintain freshness.
  • Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the bread's soft texture.

Pistachio Bread Pairings That Hit the Spot

  • Pair with Creamy Coffee: Brew a smooth, medium-roast coffee with a splash of vanilla cream to complement the bread's nutty pistachio flavor and sweet glaze.
  • Match with Fruity Tea: Steep a light, fruity herbal tea like raspberry or peach to balance the rich, sweet notes of the pistachio bread and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Serve alongside Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoop a cold, creamy vanilla ice cream next to a warm slice of bread to create a delightful dessert experience with contrasting temperatures and textures.
  • Enjoy with Whipped Mascarpone: Spread a dollop of light, silky mascarpone cheese on top of the bread to enhance its richness and add a subtle tangy element to each bite.

Pistachio Bread Twists and Swaps to Try

  • Almond Adventure: Replace pistachio pudding mix with almond pudding mix and swap chopped pistachios with sliced almonds for a nutty transformation.
  • Citrus Splash: Add lemon zest to the batter and glaze, using lemon extract instead of almond extract to create a bright, refreshing flavor profile.
  • Chocolate Crunch: Mix mini chocolate chips into the batter and sprinkle cocoa powder in the sugar-cinnamon mixture for a rich, decadent version of the bread.
  • Berry Bliss: Fold fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter and top with a berry-infused glaze, creating a fruity and moist quick bread experience.

Pistachio Bread: What Makes It a Must-Bake

  • Create Effortless Elegance: This pistachio bread recipe transforms simple ingredients into a stunning dessert with minimal kitchen skills required, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
  • Indulge in Luxurious Layers: The combination of pistachio pudding mix, sour cream, and cinnamon sugar creates a moist, richly flavored bread with an irresistible swirl of sweetness in every bite.
  • Dress Up with Decadent Drizzle: The homemade almond-vanilla glaze and sprinkled chopped pistachios elevate this bread from ordinary to extraordinary, adding gourmet touches that impress without complicated techniques.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare this bread in under an hour, making it ideal for last-minute gatherings, weekend brunches, or spontaneous dessert cravings that demand something special yet simple.
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Pistachio Bread Recipe

Pistachio Bread Recipe


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4.6 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Homemade pistachio bread delivers nutty richness with delicate green hues and sweet vanilla undertones. Moist crumb and irresistible flavor invite you to slice, savor, and celebrate this delightful Mediterranean-inspired treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 (15.25 ounces / 432 grams) yellow cake mix
  • 2 (3.4 ounces / 96 grams) instant pistachio pudding mix
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½1 cup chopped pistachios

Liquid and Fat Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • 1/8 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Seasoning and Glaze Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Milk (as needed)

Instructions

  1. Create a fragrant foundation by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing two loaf pans with a delicate sugar-cinnamon coating.
  2. In a spacious mixing vessel, amalgamate the cake mix, pistachio pudding powder, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and sour cream until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
  3. Meticulously distribute the aromatic batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans, ensuring a smooth surface.
  4. Position the pans in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, periodically testing for doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center – it should emerge pristine and crumb-free.
  5. Allow the freshly baked loaves to rest within their pans for 10 minutes, facilitating a gentle cooling process.
  6. Gently transfer the loaves to a wire cooling rack, permitting them to reach room temperature completely.
  7. Craft a luxurious glaze by whisking powdered sugar, melted butter, almond extract, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl, gradually incorporating milk until achieving a perfect drizzling consistency.
  8. Once the bread has cooled entirely, elegantly cascade the glaze across the surface, creating an enticing finish.
  9. Enhance the visual and textural appeal by sprinkling chopped pistachios over the glazed bread.
  10. Slice the bread into delectable portions, ready to be savored and shared.

Notes

  • Pudding mix transforms this ordinary cake mix into a moist, flavorful bread with rich pistachio undertones.
  • Greasing pans with sugar-cinnamon mixture creates a delightful caramelized crust that adds unexpected crunch and sweetness.
  • Baking time is crucial – check at 45 minutes with a toothpick to ensure perfectly cooked, tender loaves without drying out.
  • Homemade glaze elevates the bread from simple to spectacular, bringing a luxurious touch with almond and vanilla extracts.
  • Store cooled bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer preservation.
  • Chopped pistachios on top provide a beautiful garnish and delightful nutty crunch that complements the bread’s soft texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 360 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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