This pistachio bread is soft, moist, and full of nutty flavor. Using yellow cake mix and pistachio pudding mix makes the recipe incredibly simple while giving the bread a tender texture and beautiful green color. Finished with a light pistachio glaze and chopped nuts, it’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to make using cake mix and pudding mix
Soft, moist texture that stays fresh for days
Rich pistachio flavor with a light nutty glaze
Perfect for sharing since it makes two loaves
Great for holidays, brunch, or everyday treats
Requires simple pantry ingredients
Beginner-friendly recipe with quick preparation
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the bread
15 oz yellow cake mix
3.4 oz instant pistachio pudding mix
3 large eggs
1 cup water
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup sour cream
For the glaze
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup finely chopped pistachios
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8×4-inch loaf pans or line them with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and pistachio pudding mix.
Add the eggs, water, melted butter, and sour cream to the dry ingredients.
Mix using a hand mixer or whisk until the batter is smooth and fully combined, about 2 minutes.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the loaves from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
Transfer the bread to a wire rack and let it cool completely.
To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread and sprinkle chopped pistachios on top.
Let the glaze set for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 16 slices (2 loaves)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 40–45 minutes
Cooling time: 20 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
Chocolate pistachio version
Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet chocolate twist.
Almond flavor boost
Add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract to enhance the nutty pistachio flavor.
Citrus pistachio bread
Mix in 1 tablespoon lemon or orange zest for a bright, fresh flavor.
Creamy pistachio frosting
Instead of glaze, frost the bread with a mixture of pistachio pudding, whipped topping, and a little milk for a creamy topping.
Nut-free option
Skip the chopped pistachios in the glaze for a smooth topping.
Storage/Reheating
Room temperature
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator
Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly to prevent it from drying out.
Freezer
Wrap the loaves or slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to make them soft and fresh again.
FAQs
Can I use pistachio cake mix instead of yellow cake mix?
Yes, pistachio cake mix can replace the yellow cake mix. The flavor will be stronger and the color more vibrant.
Why add pudding mix to the bread?
Instant pudding mix helps create a moist texture and adds extra pistachio flavor.
Can I make this recipe into muffins?
Yes. Divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F for about 18–22 minutes.
Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes, you can substitute the melted butter with 1/2 cup vegetable oil.
How do I know when the bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
Can I make this recipe in one large loaf pan?
Yes, but the baking time may increase to about 55–60 minutes.
Can I add nuts to the batter?
Yes, adding 1/2 cup chopped pistachios or walnuts to the batter works well.
Why did my bread sink in the middle?
This can happen if the bread is underbaked or if the oven door is opened too early during baking.
Can I make the glaze thicker?
Yes. Add more powdered sugar to thicken it or reduce the milk slightly.
Is this bread served warm or cold?
It can be enjoyed either way, but it’s easiest to slice once completely cooled.
Conclusion
Pistachio bread made with cake mix is a quick and reliable recipe that delivers soft texture and delicious nutty flavor every time. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can bake two beautiful loaves perfect for sharing with family and friends. The sweet glaze and crunchy pistachios make this treat even more irresistible.
Pistachio Bread with Cake Mix is a soft and moist quick bread made with yellow cake mix and pistachio pudding mix for rich flavor and a tender texture. Finished with a light vanilla glaze and chopped pistachios, it makes a simple yet delicious treat for breakfast, dessert, or snacking.
Total Time:1 hour 15 minutes
Yield:16 slices (2 loaves)
Ingredients
15 oz yellow cake mix
3.4 oz instant pistachio pudding mix
3 large eggs
1 cup water
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup sour cream
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup finely chopped pistachios
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8×4-inch loaf pans or line them with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and pistachio pudding mix.
Add the eggs, water, melted butter, and sour cream.
Mix with a hand mixer or whisk for about 2 minutes until smooth.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans.
Bake for 40–45 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the bread to cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
Transfer the loaves to a wire rack and cool completely.
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze.
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaves.
Sprinkle chopped pistachios on top and allow the glaze to set before slicing.
Notes
Adding pudding mix helps create a moist and tender texture.
You can substitute melted butter with vegetable oil if desired.
Chocolate chips can be added to the batter for a sweeter variation.
Add a small amount of almond extract to enhance the nutty flavor.
