Name: Pistachio Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Ingredients: 1 package (3.4 oz) instant pistachio pudding mix; 2 cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup sugar; 2 eggs; ½ cup vegetable oil; ¾ cup milk; 1 teaspoon almond extract; ½ cup chopped pistachios

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If you are searching for a delightful treat that combines nutty richness with a moist, tender crumb, you’re going to absolutely love this Pistachio Bread Recipe. It’s a beautifully green quick bread bursting with the flavor of real pistachios and a subtle almond essence that makes every slice feel special. Whether you want a charming addition to your brunch table or a thoughtful homemade gift, this recipe delivers a luscious loaf that’s wonderfully simple yet impressive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A loaf of greenish-yellow bread is sliced on a wooden board with pistachios scattered around it. The top layer of the bread is golden brown with whole pistachios pressed into it, while the inside is light green and soft. Next to the bread is a small round container filled with shelled pistachios. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with green leaves faintly visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Pistachio Bread Recipe plays an essential role, combining to create delightful texture, subtle sweetness, and that unmistakable pistachio flavor. Each one is simple but important, creating balance and harmony in the final bread.

Instant pistachio pudding mix (3.4 oz): This adds moisture, sweetness, and that iconic pistachio flavor that makes the bread so special.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): The backbone of the bread, providing structure and a tender crumb.
Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Helps the bread rise and become fluffy without large air pockets.
Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Works alongside baking powder to achieve the perfect rise and texture.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Sugar (¾ cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to complement the nutty notes.
Vegetable oil (½ cup): Keeps the bread moist and tender without overpowering the pistachio taste.
Milk (¾ cup): Brings moisture and richness; can be substituted with almond milk for a dairy-free delight.
Eggs (2): Bind everything together and add a light, fluffy texture.
Almond extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the nutty flavors and pairs beautifully with the pistachios.
Chopped pistachios (½ cup): Adds delightful crunch and bursts of real pistachio flavor throughout the bread.

How to Make Pistachio Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard loaf pan thoroughly to ensure your Pistachio Bread will come out easily after baking without sticking to the sides. This prep step sets you up for success.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, instant pistachio pudding mix, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This blend ensures your bread will rise perfectly while delivering pistachio flavor consistently through the loaf.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, vigorously whisk the eggs and sugar until the mixture is smooth. Then add the vegetable oil, milk, and almond extract, continuing to stir until everything is well combined. These ingredients contribute moisture, richness, and that subtle almond aroma.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and gently fold them together just until everything is combined. Overmixing can make the bread denser, so aim for a smooth, thick batter.

Step 5: Fold in the Pistachios

Carefully fold in the chopped pistachios, distributing them evenly so each bite offers that wonderful crunch and nutty surprise. The pistachios elevate the texture and reinforce the bread’s signature flavor.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Set

Pour the batter into your greased loaf pan and place it in the oven. Bake for approximately 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. When baked just right, the bread will have a lightly golden top and a moist crumb.

Step 7: Cool and Optional Glaze

Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. For an extra touch of sweetness and presentation, drizzle a simple icing on top and sprinkle with crushed pistachios. This step is optional but always a crowd-pleaser.

How to Serve Pistachio Bread Recipe

The image shows a loaf of bread sliced into four thick pieces arranged vertically on a white marbled surface. The bread has a golden brown crust with a slightly rough texture covered in small bits of nuts. The inside of the bread is a light yellow color with visible swirls and specks of darker brown, indicating the presence of nuts or spices spread evenly throughout the soft and moist crumb. The slices reveal an airy, porous texture with small holes across the surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of crushed pistachios on top instantly amps up the visual appeal and adds a little crunch. You can also dust lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple vanilla glaze to enhance sweetness and presentation.

Side Dishes

This pistachio bread pairs wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad or a dollop of creamy mascarpone or ricotta cheese. It’s also fantastic alongside a cup of tea or your favorite coffee for a well-rounded brunch experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice it thick for a rustic, hearty snack, or cut into smaller pieces for party platters. Wrap slices individually with parchment and tie with a ribbon for delightful homemade gifts that friends and family will cherish. You can also toast slices lightly to bring out the flavors even more.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover pistachio bread fresh by wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days, perfect for enjoying a couple more snacks.

Freezing

This Pistachio Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To bring your bread back to life, warm slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds. Reheating refreshes the texture and amplifies the pistachio aroma, making it taste as if freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk?

Absolutely! Almond milk works wonderfully in this Pistachio Bread Recipe and keeps it lactose-free while enhancing the nutty flavors already present.

Do I have to use instant pistachio pudding mix?

The instant pistachio pudding mix is key for that moist texture and classic pistachio flavor, so it’s highly recommended. Using another mix might change the taste and consistency.

Can I substitute vegetable oil with butter?

You can substitute melted butter for vegetable oil, but keep in mind it may change the texture slightly, making it a bit denser and richer. Vegetable oil helps keep the bread light and moist.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

If you don’t have almond extract, you can omit it or replace it with a teaspoon of vanilla extract, but the nutty almond note really complements the pistachio beautifully in this recipe.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with only a few crumbs attached, your pistachio bread is perfectly baked and ready to cool.

Final Thoughts

This Pistachio Bread Recipe is one of those special finds that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. It’s simple enough for a weeknight treat but elegant enough to impress guests or be gifted to loved ones. I can’t encourage you enough to try making it yourself—you’ll quickly see why it’s become a beloved recipe in so many kitchens. Happy baking!