First offâthank you, truly, for being here. Whether youâre baking for the holidays or just craving something cozy and a little nostalgic, this Pistachio Bread is the kind of treat that never goes out of style. Itâs bright, nutty, moist beyond belief, and it always brings joy to the table.
This is the bread I grew up seeing on cookie trays at Christmas, but Iâve learned over the years it deserves way more than a seasonal cameo. Itâs a year-round winnerâeasy to whip up, endlessly giftable, and just plain pretty.
Soft and fluffy with a hint of crunch from chopped pistachios, this quick bread has a subtle sweetness and a beautiful green hue (thank you, pistachio pudding + food coloring!). Itâs the kind of bake that feels special, but takes very little effort.
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Why Youâll Love This Pistachio Bread
- đ Quick and easyâone bowl and minimal prep!
- đż Moist and tender thanks to instant pudding
- đ¨ Naturally green with an optional food coloring boost
- đ Perfect for gifting, especially around the holidays
- â A total crowd-pleaserâgreat for brunch, dessert, or snacking
What Does Pistachio Bread Taste Like?
Itâs got that soft, bakery-style crumb you love from a good pound cake, but lighter and fluffier. The pistachio pudding adds creaminess and flavor, and the chopped nuts bring little pops of crunch throughout. Itâs sweet but not cloying, and if you use food coloring, it bakes up a stunning pale green that feels festive and fun.
The red and green sprinkles on top? Optionalâbut adorable. This bread just feels happy.
Ingredients
- 1 (15.25 oz) box yellow cake mix
- 3 (3.4 oz each) boxes pistachio instant pudding mix
- 1 cup hot water
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 4 eggs, at room temperature
- Âź cup chopped pistachios
- 2â4 drops green food coloring (optional but beautiful!)
- Red & green sprinkles (optional, for topping)
Tools Youâll Need đĽŁ
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or hand mixer
- 2 loaf pans
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
- Toothpick (for doneness test)
Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
- Swap yellow cake mix for white cake mix if thatâs what you have.
- No food coloring? No problem! The pudding adds a soft green hue on its own.
- Add-ins: Stir in mini chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or more nuts for variation.
- Top it off: Try a simple glaze or dusting of powdered sugar after baking for a bakery-style look.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Pistachio Bread
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and lightly flour two standard loaf pans or line them with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cake mix, pistachio pudding mix, hot water, oil, eggs, and optional food coloring until smooth and well blended (about 1â2 minutes). No lumps!
3. Fold in the Nuts
Stir in the chopped pistachios for that lovely crunch in every bite.
4. Pour & Decorate
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans. Top with sprinkles if youâre feeling festive!
5. Bake
Bake for 40â45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be lightly golden and springy to the touch.
6. Cool Completely
Let the loaves cool in the pans for about 10â15 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
What to Serve With Pistachio Bread
- A warm mug of coffee or chai latte â
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a dessert-style treat
- Yogurt and berries for a sweet brunch pairing
- Or just on its ownâwarm with a little butter. You canât go wrong.
Tips for Perfect Pistachio Bread
- Use room temp eggs for the best texture.
- Donât overmix once the batter is combinedâthis keeps the bread light and fluffy.
- Check early! Every oven runs a little differentlyâstart checking around 40 minutes.
- Let it cool completely before slicing to avoid crumbly edges.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temp: Store wrapped or in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Fridge: Keeps for up to 7 days, just let it come to room temp before serving.
- Freezer-Friendly: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this into muffins?
Yes! Divide batter into muffin tins and bake at 350°F for 18â22 minutes.
Can I use homemade cake mix?
Absolutelyâjust use a basic yellow cake mix substitute (about 3½ cups).
Is it very sweet?
Itâs sweet, but not overly so. The pudding adds richness without extra sugar.
Can I skip the food coloring?
Of course! The pudding will still give the bread a soft green tint.
In Conclusion
This Pistachio Bread is proof that a quick bread can be festive, flavorful, and fuss-free. Whether youâre baking it for a holiday brunch, a potluck dessert, or simply to satisfy that cozy afternoon craving, it delivers every single time. The texture is dreamy, the flavor is nutty-sweet, and itâs as pretty as it is delicious.
đ Bonus: Wrap it in parchment and tie it with twine for a charming homemade gift!
Donât Forget to Share the Love!
Did you make this bread? Iâd love to see your green beauties! Tag me on Pinterest, leave a review below, and show off those sprinkles! đ
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Slice)
Servings: 16 slices
Calories: ~210
Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 3g
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: ~240mg
Thank you again for baking with me today! May your loaves rise perfectly, your sprinkles sparkle, and your kitchen always smell amazing. â¨đ
