There’s something so cheerful about pistachio bread. Maybe it’s the soft green color, maybe it’s the sweet cherries peeking through, or maybe it’s that comforting cinnamon sugar topping that makes the whole kitchen smell amazing while it bakes. This recipe is one of those easy “mix and bake” kinds, but it looks like you’ve put in way more effort than you actually have. Perfect for when you want to bring something a little different to the table without spending hours in the kitchen.
I first made this pistachio bread for a holiday brunch, and it immediately became a family favorite. The sour cream keeps it moist, the pudding mix gives it a light, fluffy texture, and the cherries add a fun pop of color and sweetness. It’s one of those loaves that disappears quickly—everyone slices off “just a little piece” and before you know it, the plate is empty.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 (18.25-ounce) package yellow cake mix
- 4 eggs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 (3-ounce) package instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries
- 1/2 teaspoon green food coloring
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
Tip: If you want the bread extra colorful, chop the cherries into smaller pieces so they spread more evenly through the loaf.
How to Make Pistachio Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9 x 5-inch loaf pans so your bread will release easily once it’s baked.
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, pistachio pudding mix, sour cream, cherries, and food coloring. Stir everything together until well blended, then divide the batter between your prepared pans.
In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the tops of the loaves. This creates a light, sweet crust that pairs beautifully with the soft bread inside.
Bake until the bread is fully set and golden on top. Let the loaves cool before slicing, which makes them easier to cut and keeps them from crumbling.
Why You’ll Love It
This bread is moist, fluffy, and lightly spiced with just enough sweetness to feel indulgent but not heavy. The green pistachio color makes it a fun and festive choice for holidays or gatherings, while the cherries give it a playful, retro touch. It’s a loaf that feels both nostalgic and special at the same time.
Storage and Serving
You can store the loaves tightly wrapped at room temperature for about 3 days, or refrigerate them to keep them fresh a bit longer. They also freeze really well—just wrap slices individually and tuck them in the freezer for a quick treat later.
Enjoy a slice with coffee in the morning, or serve it as a sweet snack after dinner. It’s the kind of recipe that works just as well for everyday moments as it does for celebrations.