Easy Pistachio Bread – A Tasty Holiday Treat Recipe

Introduction

This easy pistachio bread is a festive and flavorful treat perfect for the holiday season. With a moist texture and subtle nutty taste, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s simple to make using a boxed cake mix and instant pudding.

Ingredients

• 1 (13.25-oz or 15.25-oz) box yellow cake mix
• 2 (3.4-oz) boxes instant pistachio pudding mix
• 3/4 cup hot water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 4 eggs
• 2–3 drops green food coloring (optional)
• Holiday sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Grease two 8×4-inch loaf pans, or six foil mini pans, or a combination of your choice. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a stand mixer bowl fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large mixing bowl using a hand mixer, combine the yellow cake mix, pistachio pudding mixes, hot water, vegetable oil, eggs, and green food coloring if using.
3. Step 3: Beat the mixture on low speed for about 30 seconds to combine, then increase to medium speed and beat for an additional two minutes until smooth.
4. Step 4: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Optionally, sprinkle holiday sprinkles on top for a festive touch.
5. Step 5: Bake full-size pans for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the surface springs back when gently pressed. For mini pans, begin checking at 25 minutes and continue checking every five minutes until done.
6. Step 6: Allow the bread to cool in the pans before removing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a stronger pistachio flavor, add chopped pistachios to the batter or sprinkle on top before baking.
• If you prefer a nut-free variation, omit the pudding mix and substitute with vanilla or almond flavoring.
• Use green food coloring sparingly for a light tint, or skip it for a natural look.
• Mini loaf pans make great gift-sized portions for holiday sharing.

Storage

Store pistachio bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm slightly before serving for best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this bread without yellow cake mix?

You can try substituting with a plain white or vanilla cake mix, but the yellow cake mix provides a classic flavor and color that complements the pistachio pudding well.

Do I have to use pistachio pudding mix?

The instant pistachio pudding mix adds moisture and rich pistachio flavor, but if unavailable, you may experiment with vanilla or almond pudding mixes for a different twist.

Easy Pistachio Bread – A Tasty Holiday Treat Recipe

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4.6 from 89 reviews

This Easy Pistachio Bread is a delightful holiday treat that combines the nutty flavor of pistachios with the moist texture of yellow cake and instant pistachio pudding mix. Enhanced with optional green food coloring and festive holiday sprinkles, this quick and simple bread is perfect for holiday gatherings or as a cheerful gift. Baked to perfection, it offers a moist crumb with a subtle pistachio taste that everyone will enjoy.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
• Total Time: 55-65 minutes
• Yield: 2 loaves (8×4 inch pans) or 6 mini loaves 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1 (13.25-oz or 15.25-oz) box yellow cake mix
• 2 (3.4-oz) boxes instant pistachio pudding mix

Wet Ingredients

• 3/4 cup hot water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 4 eggs
• 2–3 drops green food coloring (optional)

Toppings (Optional)

• Holiday sprinkles

Instructions

1. Prepare Pans and Oven: Grease two 8×4″ loaf pans or six foil mini pans, or your desired combination of pans. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when your batter is mixed.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a stand mixer bowl fitted with the paddle attachment, or a large bowl with an electric hand mixer, combine the yellow cake mix, instant pistachio pudding mixes, hot water, vegetable oil, eggs, and green food coloring if using. Beat on low speed for about 30 seconds to incorporate, then increase to medium speed and continue beating for about two minutes until the batter is smooth and blended evenly.
3. Fill Pans: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Optionally, sprinkle holiday sprinkles over the tops to add a festive touch to your loaves.
4. Bake the Bread: Place the pans in the preheated oven. Bake full-size loaf pans for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the surface springs back gently to the touch. If using mini pans, start checking at about 25 minutes, then test every five minutes to avoid overbaking.
5. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and allow the bread to cool completely before slicing. This resting time helps set the structure and flavor, making for perfect slices to serve at your holiday celebrations.

Notes

• You can use either size of the yellow cake mix box as indicated; the larger 15.25-oz box will yield slightly more batter.
• Green food coloring is optional but adds a festive appearance perfect for holiday-themed treats.
• If using different pan sizes, adjust baking time accordingly and monitor the doneness with a toothpick.
• For extra texture, you can fold in chopped pistachios into the batter before baking.
• Store leftover bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: pistachio bread, easy holiday bread, pistachio dessert, holiday treat, quick bread recipe