Pistachio Bread Recipe
Pistachio Bread Recipe is a easy American recipe that serves 10. 347 calories per serving. Recipe by Shugary Sweets on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 1 hr | Total: 1 hr 30 min
Cost: $25.97 total, $2.60 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar (for sweetening the batter)
- 0.33 cup Vegetable Oil (neutral oil for moisture)
- 0.75 cup Whole Milk (any variety of milk can be used)
- 0.25 cup Full-Fat Sour Cream (or plain Greek yogurt or vanilla Greek yogurt)
- 2 large Eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (pure vanilla extract)
- 1 tsp Almond Extract (measure carefully as it can be strong)
- 2 cup All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 1.5 tsp Baking Powder (double-acting)
- 0.5 tsp Baking Soda
- 0.5 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1 box Instant Pistachio Pudding Mix (provides pistachio flavor and color)
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar (for the glaze)
- 0.5 tsp Almond Extract (for the glaze; can substitute vanilla extract)
- 2 tbsp Milk (adjust glaze consistency as needed)
- 0.25 cup Chopped Pistachios (plus extra for topping; fresh and chopped)
Instructions
Combine Wet Ingredients
In the mixer bowl, add 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, 3/4 cup whole milk, 1/4 cup full‑fat sour cream, 2 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1 tsp almond extract. Mix on medium speed until smooth.
Time: PT5M
Add Dry Ingredients and Pistachio Mix
Add 2 cups all‑purpose flour, 1½ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp kosher salt, and the entire box of instant pistachio pudding mix to the wet mixture.
Time: PT5M
Mix Until Just Combined
Blend on low speed just until the batter is uniform; do not over‑mix.
Time: PT2M
Prepare Loaf Pan
Spray the 9‑inch loaf pan with cooking spray, then dust lightly with flour. Cut a small strip of parchment paper and line the bottom of the pan for easy removal.
Time: PT3M
Transfer Batter and Add Pistachios
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of the chopped pistachios over the top, reserving the rest for later.
Time: PT2M
Bake the Bread
Place the pan in a pre‑heated oven and bake at 350°F for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Time: PT1H
Temperature: 350°F
Cool Slightly
Remove the loaf from the oven and let it sit in the pan for 10 minutes, then use the parchment sling to lift it onto a cooling rack.
Time: PT10M
Prepare Almond Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, ½ tsp almond extract, and 2 tbsp milk until smooth. Adjust with a little more milk or powdered sugar to reach a drizzle‑consistency.
Time: PT5M
Glaze the Warm Bread
Drizzle the glaze over the still‑warm loaf so it melts and creates a glossy finish. Sprinkle the remaining chopped pistachios on top.
Time: PT3M
Set Glaze and Serve
Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes, then slice the loaf and serve warm or at room temperature.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 347
- Protein
- 6 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Wheat, Eggs, Milk, Pistachios, Soy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: brown sugar
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: canola oil, melted butter
- Instead of Whole Milk: 2% milk, almond milk
- Instead of Full-Fat Sour Cream: Greek yogurt, plain yogurt
- Instead of Eggs: egg replacer
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: vanilla essence
- Instead of Almond Extract: vanilla extract
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: bread flour
- Instead of Baking Powder: baking soda + cream of tartar
- Instead of Baking Soda: baking powder
- Instead of Kosher Salt: table salt
- Instead of Instant Pistachio Pudding Mix: pistachio flavoring
- Instead of Powdered Sugar: icing sugar
- Instead of Almond Extract: vanilla extract
- Instead of Milk: water
- Instead of Chopped Pistachios: toasted almonds
Equipment Needed
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- 9-Inch Loaf Pan
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper
- Oven
- Small Bowl for Glaze
- Whisk
- Cooling Rack (optional)
- Knife
- Spatula
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Do not over‑mix the batter; mix just until combined
- Bake at the correct temperature (350°F) for the full hour to ensure the crumb is moist and fully cooked
- Glaze the bread while it is still warm so the glaze melts and creates a smooth finish
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use room‑temperature ingredients for a smoother batter
- Toast the pistachios lightly before chopping for extra flavor
- If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the powdered sugar by ¼ cup
Troubleshooting
Bread is dense or heavy
Do not over‑mix the batter and ensure baking powder/soda are fresh.
Bread did not rise enough
Check that the baking powder and soda are not expired and that the oven temperature is accurate.
Glaze is too thick
Add a few more teaspoons of milk, whisking until the desired consistency is reached.
Glaze is too runny
Add additional powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until it thickens.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature in a sealed container for up to 2 days.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The loaf can be baked a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator; reheat gently before serving
- Glaze can be prepared up to 2 hours ahead and kept covered at room temperature
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of pistachio bread in American baking?
Pistachio bread is a modern twist on classic American quick breads, incorporating the nut’s rich flavor and vibrant green color. It became popular in the U.S. during the early 2000s as home bakers sought novel, visually appealing breads for brunch and holiday tables.
What regional variations of pistachio quick breads exist within the United States?
In the Pacific Northwest, bakers often add lemon zest for a bright contrast, while Southern versions may include a buttermilk glaze. Some New York bakers incorporate cardamom for an exotic note, showing the versatility of pistachio in regional American baking.
How is soft moist pistachio bread traditionally served in American households?
It is commonly sliced and served toasted with butter for breakfast, or paired with tea or coffee as an afternoon snack. The almond glaze adds a sweet finish, making it a popular treat for brunch gatherings and holiday spreads.
During which celebrations is pistachio bread typically enjoyed in American culture?
Pistachio bread often appears at spring celebrations like Easter and Mother’s Day because of its bright green hue, and it’s also a festive addition to holiday cookie swaps and potluck brunches.
What makes pistachio bread special compared to other quick breads in American cuisine?
The use of instant pistachio pudding mix gives the loaf a uniquely moist crumb and a natural pistachio flavor without the need for fresh nuts in the batter, while the almond glaze highlights the nutty profile, setting it apart from plain banana or pumpkin breads.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for pistachio bread versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include all‑purpose flour, sugar, oil, milk, eggs, sour cream, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and instant pistachio pudding mix. Acceptable substitutes are Greek yogurt for sour cream, almond extract for almond extract, and any neutral oil in place of vegetable oil.
What common mistakes should I avoid when making soft moist pistachio bread?
Avoid over‑mixing the batter, which can develop gluten and make the crumb dense. Also, ensure the baking powder and soda are fresh, and bake at the full 350°F for the entire hour to achieve a moist interior.
Why does this pistachio bread recipe use instant pistachio pudding mix instead of plain pistachio extract?
The pudding mix not only provides pistachio flavor but also adds starches and sugars that contribute to the bread’s tender crumb and moist texture, something a simple extract cannot achieve on its own.
Can I make the pistachio bread ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, bake the loaf a day or two in advance, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and refrigerate. For longer storage, freeze the wrapped loaf and thaw at room temperature before glazing or serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the pistachio bread is done?
The top should be a golden‑brown crust with a subtle green tint from the pistachio mix, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. The crumb should be soft, slightly open, and moist without being gummy.
What does the YouTube channel Shugary Sweets specialize in?
The YouTube channel Shugary Sweets specializes in easy-to-follow sweet treats, focusing on cakes, breads, and desserts that blend classic techniques with fun flavor twists like pistachio, rose, and cardamom.
How does the YouTube channel Shugary Sweets' approach to American dessert baking differ from other dessert channels?
Shugary Sweets emphasizes quick, ingredient‑light recipes that use pantry staples such as instant pudding mixes and simple glazes, whereas many other channels rely on more complex techniques or specialty ingredients. This makes the channel especially accessible for home bakers with limited time.
Last updated: August 21, 2026






