Easy Pistachio Bread Recipe – Irresistibly Moist & Nutty

There’s something magical about the combination of tender, moist bread studded with vibrant green pistachios. This pistachio bread delivers a delightful nutty flavor with a subtle sweetness that makes it perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or dessert.

The beautiful green specks throughout create an eye-catching appearance that’s sure to impress guests. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe comes together easily with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. The result is a perfectly balanced loaf that’s neither too sweet nor too plain.

Reasons to Try Pistachio Bread

Save

This pistachio bread stands out for its exceptional texture and flavor profile. The ground pistachios create an incredibly moist crumb that stays fresh for days, while whole pistachio pieces add delightful pockets of crunch throughout each slice. The natural oils from the nuts infuse the bread with a rich, buttery taste that’s both sophisticated and comforting.

The gorgeous green-flecked appearance makes this bread a showstopper on any table. Pistachios have been prized in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines for centuries, bringing an elegant touch to this approachable quick bread. The simple glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the delicate pistachio flavor, creating a perfect balance that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Ingredients Notes

For the Pistachio Bread:

• All-purpose flour
• Shelled pistachios (unsalted)
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Butter
• Milk
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract

For the Glaze:

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Crushed pistachios

Save

How to Make Pistachio Bread

For the Pistachio Bread:

1. Prepare your pan and preheat the oven
2. Grind half the pistachios and chop the remaining half
3. Combine the dry ingredients in one bowl
4. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy
5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well
6. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk
7. Fold in the pistachios
8. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake until golden

For the Glaze:

1. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth
2. Drizzle over cooled bread
3. Sprinkle with crushed pistachios

What You Must Know About Pistachio Bread

Use unsalted pistachios to control the salt level in your bread. Salted varieties can make the final product taste too salty and throw off the flavor balance. Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting—this ensures proper emulsification and a tender crumb. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to curdle or result in a dense texture.

Don’t overmix the batter once you add the flour. Overmixing develops gluten, which will make your bread tough instead of tender. Mix just until the flour disappears. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs—not wet batter. An overbaked loaf will be dry.

Helpful Tips

Toast the pistachios lightly before adding them to enhance their flavor and bring out their natural oils. Just five minutes in a dry skillet over medium heat makes a noticeable difference. Line your loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.

If your pistachios have skins on them, blanch them briefly in boiling water, then rub with a towel to remove the skins. This creates a more vibrant green color throughout your bread. Reserve some whole pistachios to press into the top of the batter before baking for a beautiful presentation.

Save

Variations and Substitutions

Replace half the pistachios with almonds or hazelnuts for a different flavor profile. You can substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for up to half the amount to add nutritional value and a nutty depth. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and your favorite non-dairy milk.

Add a teaspoon of rose water or orange zest to the batter for a Middle Eastern twist. White chocolate chips make an indulgent addition that pairs beautifully with pistachios. For a less sweet version, reduce the sugar by a quarter cup and skip the glaze, serving with butter instead.

Serving Suggestions for Pistachio Bread

Save

Serve thick slices of pistachio bread with whipped honey butter or cream cheese for breakfast or brunch. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or Earl Grey tea. For an elegant dessert, toast slices and top with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of honey.

Create a stunning brunch platter by arranging sliced pistachio bread alongside fresh berries, Greek yogurt, and a selection of preserves. The bread also makes an excellent base for French toast—dip slices in an egg mixture and pan-fry for an extra-special breakfast treat. Garnish serving plates with fresh mint leaves and extra crushed pistachios for a professional presentation.

Storage and Reheating

Store pistachio bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. The bread actually improves after the first day as the flavors meld together. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, place in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to three months.

To reheat, let frozen slices thaw at room temperature for about an hour. For a warm slice, pop it in the toaster or microwave for 10-15 seconds. If reheating multiple slices, wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Based on 12 servings per loaf

Save

Easy Pistachio Bread Recipe – Irresistibly Moist & Nutty

This pistachio bread recipe creates a perfectly moist, nutty loaf with a sweet glaze. Simple ingredients, easy steps, and bakery-worthy results every time!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course breakfast and brunch

Cuisine American, Mediterranean inspired

Servings 12 servings

Calories 245 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Pistachio Bread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups shelled unsalted pistachios divided
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs room temperature
• ½ cup unsalted butter softened
• ½ cup whole milk
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons crushed pistachios for garnish

Instructions

 

For the Pistachio Bread:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper
• Finely grind ¾ cup pistachios in a food processor until they reach a coarse meal consistency, and roughly chop the remaining ¾ cup
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt
• In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes
• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla and almond extracts
• Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients
• Gently fold in both the ground and chopped pistachios until just combined, being careful not to overmix
• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula
• Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs
• Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely

For the Glaze:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable
• Drizzle the glaze over the completely cooled bread
• Immediately sprinkle the crushed pistachios over the wet glaze so they adhere
• Allow the glaze to set for about 15 minutes before slicing

pistachio bread, quick bread, nut bread, easy baking, homemade bread, spring dessert, tea time treat