If you’re craving a vibrant, nutty, and irresistibly moist treat, look no further than this Pistachio Cake Mix Bread with Green Food Coloring and Pistachio Glaze Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on classic quick bread that combines the convenience of a cake mix with the rich flavor of pistachios and a splash of green that’s sure to catch everyone’s eye. The pistachio glaze adds the perfect finishing touch, making this bread a showstopper for any occasion or just a cozy afternoon snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Pistachio Cake Mix Bread with Green Food Coloring and Pistachio Glaze Recipe plays a crucial role in building delightful layers of flavor and texture. From the moist crumb to the hint of almond and that gorgeous green tint, each element shines through beautifully.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness with a subtle caramel note to enhance the bread’s flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: Provides warmth and pairs magically with the richness of pistachios and sugar.
- Yellow cake mix: The foundation of this bread, offering an easy base for moisture and structure.
- Pistachio pudding mix: Infuses the bread with true pistachio flavor without any extra steps needed.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the bread’s tender texture.
- Whole milk: Keeps the batter silky smooth and adds richness.
- Vegetable oil: Ensures the bread stays moist and soft for days.
- Sour cream: Adds a slight tang and extra moisture to balance the sweetness.
- Almond extract: A small addition that deepens the pistachio flavor impressively.
- Chopped pistachios: Incorporated and sprinkled on top for delightful crunch and nutty bursts.
- Green food coloring: Optional, but lends the bread an eye-catching green hue that matches its flavor.
- Icing sugar: Key for the smooth and sweet pistachio glaze finishing touch.
- Milk (for glaze): Thins the icing sugar to the perfect consistency for drizzling.
- Vanilla extract (for glaze): Enhances the glaze’s flavor, adding depth and balance.
How to Make Pistachio Cake Mix Bread with Green Food Coloring and Pistachio Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. For an extra touch of cinnamon-sugar magic, mix together the light brown sugar and ground cinnamon, then dust the bottom of the pan with a tablespoon of this mixture. This simple step adds a beautifully sweet and spiced base that perfectly complements the pistachio flavor.
Step 2: Whip Up the Batter
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the yellow cake mix, pistachio pudding mix, eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, sour cream, and almond extract if you’re using it. Stir everything until the batter is silky smooth and combined. Then fold in half a cup of chopped pistachios for that wonderful crunch inside each bite. If you want your bread to stand out visually, add 1 to 3 drops of green food coloring and gently mix until the color is just right.
Step 3: Layer and Bake
Pour half of the batter into your prepared loaf pan. If you opted for the cinnamon-sugar mix, sprinkle the remaining mixture on top of the batter, then carefully add the rest of the batter over it. This layering gives a subtle beautiful swirl and extra pop of flavor. Bake your bread for 45 to 55 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should come out clean. If the bread starts browning too fast on top, tent with foil for the last 10 to 15 minutes to keep it moist and prevent over-browning.
Step 4: Cool the Bread
Once baked, place the loaf pan on a wire rack and let the bread cool for 10 minutes inside the pan. Then carefully remove it from the pan and allow it to cool completely on the wire rack. Cooling fully is essential before adding the glaze so it sets perfectly without melting into the bread.
Step 5: Prepare and Add the Pistachio Glaze
Whisk together icing sugar, milk, almond extract, and vanilla extract until the glaze is thick but still spreadable. Adjust the milk as needed, adding a little at a time to get the texture just right for drizzling. Once the bread is fully cooled, generously drizzle the glaze over the top and immediately sprinkle with the remaining chopped pistachios. That glossy glaze and nutty topping complete this stunning Pistachio Cake Mix Bread with Green Food Coloring and Pistachio Glaze Recipe perfectly!
How to Serve Pistachio Cake Mix Bread with Green Food Coloring and Pistachio Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the chopped pistachios on top, try adding a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant snowy look or some finely chopped fresh mint leaves to complement the pistachio flavor with a refreshing twist. A few edible flowers can also turn this festive bread into a centerpiece at brunch.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of tea or coffee that balances the sweetness. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream to add creaminess and brightness that complement each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the bread into thick pieces and arrange them on a decorative platter with extra pistachios scattered around. For holiday or party servings, cut into cubes for bite-sized delights and serve with a pistachio-flavored cream cheese dip. You can also toast slices lightly and serve with a smear of softened butter for an easy, comforting treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep the Pistachio Cake Mix Bread with Green Food Coloring and Pistachio Glaze Recipe fresh for about 3 to 4 days, preserving its moist crumb and flavors.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, slice the bread first and freeze the pieces in a resealable bag or container. It’s best to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready, thaw slices overnight in the fridge or on the counter.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds to bring back that fresh-baked feel. A light toast adds a wonderful crisp contrast to the soft crumb inside, especially delightful with a touch of butter or your favorite spread.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix for this recipe?
Yellow cake mix is preferred because it provides a neutral, buttery base, but you can experiment with vanilla cake mix. Avoid chocolate or heavily flavored mixes as they may overwhelm the pistachio flavor.
Is the green food coloring necessary?
The green food coloring is entirely optional but adds a fun and vibrant look that highlights the pistachio theme. If you prefer a natural appearance, omit it and enjoy the subtle green tint pistachio pudding imparts.
Can I substitute sour cream with something else?
Yes! Greek yogurt makes a great substitute for sour cream and will keep the bread moist with a slight tang. Just use the same amount to maintain the texture.
How long does the glaze take to set?
The glaze sets pretty quickly once drizzled over cooled bread—usually 15 to 30 minutes. For best results, let the bread rest undisturbed during that time.
Can I add other nuts or mix-ins?
Absolutely! While chopped pistachios are classic here, chopped almonds or walnuts will work too. You could also fold in chocolate chips for extra indulgence, just keep the pistachios in the glaze to maintain the signature flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Pistachio Cake Mix Bread with Green Food Coloring and Pistachio Glaze Recipe is one of those delightful recipes that feels both special and refreshingly easy. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering, a cozy weekend brunch, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, it delivers impressive flavor and cheerful color every time. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your baking rotation—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Pistachio Cake Mix Bread with Green Food Coloring and Pistachio Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pistachio Bread is a moist, flavorful loaf featuring the rich nutty taste of pistachios combined with a subtle almond essence and a hint of cinnamon. Enhanced with yellow cake mix and pistachio pudding mix, it yields a tender crumb and is topped with a sweet almond-vanilla glaze and crunchy chopped pistachios for added texture. Perfect for a special breakfast, brunch, or dessert treat.
Ingredients
Bread Batter
- 4 tablespoons light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 (15.25-oz) box yellow cake mix
- 1 (3.4-oz) box pistachio pudding mix (instant or regular; dry, not prepared)
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- ½ cup chopped pistachios
- 1–3 drops green food coloring (optional)
Glaze and Topping
- 1 cup icing sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk (plus more by ½ teaspoon if needed)
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped pistachios (for topping)
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly. If using, combine 4 tablespoons of light brown sugar with ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, then lightly dust the bottom of the pan with 1 tablespoon of this cinnamon-sugar mixture to add flavor and prevent sticking.
- Make batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yellow cake mix and pistachio pudding mix. Add 4 large eggs, ¾ cup whole milk, ½ cup vegetable oil, ¼ cup sour cream, and ½ teaspoon almond extract if desired. Stir the mixture until smooth and evenly combined. Fold in ½ cup chopped pistachios gently. For a vibrant green hue, mix in 1-3 drops of green food coloring, ensuring even color throughout the batter.
- Bake: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter if using. Carefully top with the remaining batter, smoothing out the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. To prevent over-browning, cover the loaf loosely with foil for the last 10 to 15 minutes of baking if needed. Avoid underbaking to prevent the bread from sinking in the center.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Then, gently remove it from the pan and allow it to cool completely on the wire rack to room temperature before glazing.
- Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of icing sugar, 1 tablespoon milk (add more by ½ teaspoon increments if needed to achieve a thick but spreadable consistency), ½ teaspoon almond extract, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Once the bread has fully cooled, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top. Immediately sprinkle ½ cup chopped pistachios over the glaze for a crunchy, flavorful finish.
Notes
- Ensure the bread is fully cooled before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and sliding off.
- Adjust the number of green food coloring drops to control the intensity of the pistachio color.
- If you do not have sour cream, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute to maintain moisture.
- Using a toothpick to check doneness is essential to avoid under or overbaking.
- Covering the bread with foil towards the end of baking helps prevent excessive browning on top.
- The cinnamon sugar layer is optional, but it adds a pleasant flavor and texture contrast.
