Every family has that one recipe that instantly brings a smile to everyone’s face—the kind of treat that feels nostalgic, festive, and comforting all at once. Pistachio Bread is one of those treasures. With its signature soft green crumb, sweet maraschino cherries, and tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, it’s a loaf that stands out on any dessert table.
This recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s beautifully simple. Thanks to a few pantry staples like yellow cake mix and instant pistachio pudding, you get effortless flavor with minimal prep. Add the sour cream for richness, cherries for sweetness, and a dreamy almond glaze on top, and you have a loaf that tastes like a bakery specialty but comes together in minutes.
Whether you bake it during the holidays, wrap it for gifts, or slice it for a cozy afternoon treat, Pistachio Bread brings a whimsical touch to your kitchen. It’s colorful, fun, and undeniably irresistible—perfect for anyone who loves easy baking that still feels special.
Recipe Overview
Pistachio Bread is a moist, tender loaf flavored with pistachio pudding mix and studded with sweet maraschino cherries. Made with a yellow cake mix base, the recipe comes together quickly and bakes into two beautifully green loaves topped with a sweet almond glaze. Perfect for brunch, dessert, gifting, or holiday baking.
Ingredients & Instructions
This recipe is delightfully simple yet delivers bakery-level flavor. Below is a detailed breakdown, plus helpful tips to ensure your loaves come out perfectly every time.
Ingredients
- 1 package yellow cake mix
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant pistachio pudding
- 4 eggs
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¾ cup maraschino cherries, halved
- Green food coloring (optional)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–2½ tbsp milk
- 1 tsp almond extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the bottom and sides of two small loaf pans to prevent sticking. You may also line the bottoms with parchment for clean removal.
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 the mixture until smooth and creamy.
Tip: If you prefer a deeper green color, add a few drops of green food coloring at this stage.
3. Prepare and Add the Cherries
Drain the maraschino cherries thoroughly and pat them dry—this prevents excess moisture from turning the loaf soggy. Cut each cherry in half, then gently fold them into the batter with a spatula.
4. Bake the Loaves
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans. Smooth the tops gently.
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 in the pans for 10–15 minutes before removing them to cool completely.
Tip: Overbaking can dry out the loaves, so begin checking at the 32-minute mark.
5. Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract. Add milk gradually until the glaze reaches a drizzle-friendly consistency—thick enough to cling but thin enough to pour.
Drizzle the glaze generously over the fully cooled loaves. Allow it to set before slicing or covering.
Cooking Tips & Variations
1. Add Nuts for Crunch
Stir in ½ cup chopped pistachios for extra texture and a lovely flavor boost.
2. Swap the Fruit
If you’re not a fan of cherries, try:
- Diced dried apricots
- Mini chocolate chips
- Crushed pineapple (well-drained)
3. Make Cupcake Versions
Instead of loaves, bake the batter in muffin tins. Reduce bake time to 18–22 minutes.
4. Enhance the Green Color
For holiday baking or St. Patrick’s Day, a small amount of green food coloring makes the loaves extra festive.
5. Add a Cream Cheese Glaze
For a richer topping, replace part of the glaze with softened cream cheese.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store tightly wrapped for up to 4 days.
- Refrigerator: Lasts up to one week—keep covered to maintain moisture.
- Freezer: Wrap unglazed loaves in plastic and foil; freeze for up to 3 months. Glaze after thawing.
Serving Ideas
- Slice and serve with coffee or hot tea.
- Pair with fresh berries for a light dessert.
- Wrap in clear bags with ribbon as gifts for holidays, neighbors, or teachers.
This bread is lovely for brunch spreads, potlucks, or casual desserts—it’s beautiful, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Pistachio Bread is the kind of easy, charming recipe that becomes a family favorite fast. With its soft crumb, sweet cherries, and luscious almond glaze, it delivers a perfect balance of color and flavor in every bite. Whether you’re baking it for a holiday gathering, sharing it with friends, or enjoying a warm slice at home, this recipe brings joy straight from the oven.
Simple ingredients, big flavor, and a touch of whimsy—what more could you want from a homemade treat? Give it a try and enjoy the cozy, nostalgic sweetness of this irresistible pistachio loaf.
FAQs
1. Can I use a white cake mix instead of yellow?
Yes! White cake mix works well and gives a slightly lighter flavor.
2. Can I leave out the cherries?
Absolutely. The bread tastes amazing with or without them.
3. Do I have to use food coloring?
No, it’s optional—the pudding provides a natural light green tint.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles easily and is great for gift-giving.
5. Why pat the cherries dry?
Excess moisture can cause the batter to turn streaky or soggy, so drying is important.
This easy Pistachio Bread recipe uses cake mix, pudding, cherries, and a sweet almond glaze to create a moist, colorful, bakery-style loaf perfect for holidays, gifting, or everyday treats.
