There’s something magical about baking a loaf that fills your home with warmth, color, and a little nostalgia. Pistachio Bread is one of those recipes that instantly transports you back to childhood bake sales, holiday gatherings, or cozy afternoons in the kitchen with someone you love. The charming green hue, the soft texture, the sweet glaze, and the surprise pops of maraschino cherries all come together in a loaf that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
This bread isn’t your typical quick bread. It has a tender crumb thanks to sour cream, a subtle nuttiness from pistachio pudding, and a beautiful festive glow that makes it perfect for Christmas, spring brunches, or gifting. It’s easy enough for beginners but impressive enough for celebrations. And the best part? It comes together with simple pantry staples and just a few minutes of mixing.
Whether you’ve been baking this bread for years or it’s your first time trying it, Pistachio Bread will quickly become the kind of recipe you pass down, bake often, and crave even more. Let’s dive into what makes this loaf such a standout.
Recipe Overview
Pistachio Bread is a moist, sweet, lightly nutty loaf infused with instant pistachio pudding and studded with maraschino cherries. Made with a yellow cake mix and sour cream for extra softness, it bakes into two gorgeous loaves topped with a silky almond glaze. It’s festive, flavorful, and wonderfully easy to prepare—ideal for holidays, brunch, or everyday snacking.
Ingredients & Instructions
This recipe requires simple ingredients but rewards you with standout flavor and texture. Here’s everything you’ll need and how to ensure perfect results.
Ingredients
- 1 package yellow cake mix
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant pistachio pudding mix
- 4 eggs
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¾ cup maraschino cherries, halved
- Green food coloring (optional, for a richer color)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–2 ½ tbsp milk
- 1 tsp almond extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Pans and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease the bottom and sides of two small loaf pans. Greasing thoroughly helps the loaves release cleanly after cooling. You can also line the pans with parchment for extra insurance.
2. Make the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and pistachio pudding mix. Add the eggs, vegetable oil, water, and sour cream. Beat until the batter is smooth and creamy, scraping the bowl as needed.
Tip: If you want the traditional deep pistachio green color, add a few drops of green food coloring. This enhances the visual appeal without altering flavor.
3. Add the Cherries
Drain your maraschino cherries well and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Excess moisture can streak the batter or sink to the bottom. Slice them in half and gently fold them into the batter.
The cherries not only add color—they add a juicy sweetness that pairs beautifully with pistachio flavor.
4. Pour and Bake
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the loaves to cool on a wire rack. Let them cool fully inside the pans before removing to prevent tearing.
5. Make the Almond Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and almond extract. Adjust the milk as needed until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency.
Drizzle generously over the cooled loaves and allow the glaze to set before slicing or storing.
Cooking Tips & Variations
1. Boost the Flavor
- Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract directly to the batter for a more pronounced nutty flavor.
- Fold in ½ cup chopped pistachios for crunch and visual appeal.
2. Create Festive Versions
- Add red and green sprinkles to the batter for a holiday version.
- Make mini loaves for gifting—simply reduce the baking time.
3. Swap the Cherries
If cherries aren’t your thing, try:
- White chocolate chips
- Dried cranberries
- Chopped dried apricots
Each variation adds a unique sweetness.
4. Make It Dairy-Friendly
Substitute dairy-free sour cream and use nut milk in the glaze. The pudding mix typically contains dairy, but you can find dairy-free pistachio pudding substitutes online if necessary.
5. Test Doneness Correctly
Because this loaf is naturally moist, test in the center with a toothpick. It should come out clean or with a few soft crumbs—never wet batter.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store wrapped or covered for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for 1 week.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 3 months. Freeze without glaze and add fresh icing after thawing for best results.
Serving Ideas
Pistachio Bread shines on its own, but you can elevate it by serving with:
- A hot cup of coffee or tea
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
It’s perfect for brunch, dessert, or gifting during holidays.
Pistachio Bread is one of those timeless treats that combines charm, flavor, and nostalgia in every slice. With its beautifully moist texture, sweet almond glaze, and pops of cherry, it brings joy whether you’re baking it for a celebration or simply for yourself. It’s effortless to prepare, always a crowd-pleaser, and versatile enough for any season. If you’re looking for a simple but unforgettable homemade treat, this Pistachio Bread is exactly what you need. Why not bake a loaf today and share the joy with someone special?
FAQs
1. Do I have to use green food coloring?
No—the pudding mix already gives a light green hue. The food coloring is purely optional for a richer color.
2. Can I make this into muffins?
Absolutely! Bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes, depending on muffin size.
3. What if I don’t like cherries?
Leave them out or substitute with nuts, dried fruit, or white chocolate chips.
4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix—most pudding mixes are naturally gluten-free, but check the label.
5. How do I prevent the cherries from sinking?
Dry them very well and lightly toss them in a teaspoon of flour before folding them into the batter.
This Pistachio Bread is soft, moist, and festive, made with pistachio pudding, sour cream, and maraschino cherries, topped with a sweet almond glaze. Perfect for holidays, gifting, or everyday baking!
