This Pistachio Cherry Bread is a tasty treat, with bright cherries and crunchy pistachios adding fun flavors. It’s perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack!
I love how the cherries pop with sweetness while the pistachios give a nice crunch! It’s so easy to make; just mix, bake, and enjoy—you’ll want seconds, trust me! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pistachios: Ground pistachios give this bread its unique flavor. If you’re allergic or can’t find them, you can replace them with finely chopped walnuts or almonds for a different yet tasty spin.
Cherries: I use chopped glace or maraschino cherries, which bring a lovely sweetness and color. Feel free to swap them for dried cranberries or raisins if you want a slightly different taste.
Butter: Unsalted butter is a must for this recipe to control salt content. You can use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute if you prefer a dairy-free option.
Milk: Whole milk is recommended, but almond milk or any plant-based milk works just fine. It’ll still keep the bread moist!
How Do I Get the Bread to Rise Properly?
Getting your Pistachio Cherry Bread to rise well is key for a light and fluffy texture. Follow these steps for the best results:
- Make sure your baking powder is fresh. It should bubble when mixed with liquid. Old baking powder can lead to flat bread.
- Cream the butter and sugar thoroughly. This incorporates air, helping the bread rise.
- Don’t overmix! Stir the batter until just combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense.
- Check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer. An even temperature helps everything bake perfectly.
With these tips, your bread will not only rise but also be the star of your kitchen! Enjoy every bite!
Pistachio Cherry Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 cup shelled pistachios, finely ground
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, enhances nutty flavor)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup chopped glace or maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
- Green food coloring (optional, for pistachio color)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or lemon juice
- Chopped pistachios for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Pistachio Cherry Bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 55-65 minutes to bake. Make sure to allow time for it to cool before adding the glaze, which takes an additional 10 minutes. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 30 minutes to make this delicious bread.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan to prepare for the batter.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, ground pistachios, baking powder, and salt. Just whisk them until well combined, then set the bowl aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
Now, in a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the Eggs and Extracts:
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract, if you’re using it. This step adds a lovely flavor to the bread!
5. Mix the Milk and Color:
If you’d like your bread to have a lovely pistachio color, add a few drops of green food coloring to the milk and mix until it’s well blended.
6. Combine the Mixtures:
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with the colored milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until everything is just combined—don’t overmix!
7. Fold in the Cherries:
Gently fold in the chopped cherries, being careful not to break them too much. This adds sweet bursts of flavor throughout the bread.
8. Pour the Batter into the Pan:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top with a spatula.
9. Bake the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in your preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean!
10. Cool the Bread:
Once baked, take the loaf out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Prepare the Glaze:
In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice. Whisk until you get a smooth glaze. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or sugar as needed.
12. Glaze the Bread:
Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. This adds sweetness and visual delight!
13. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, sprinkle some chopped pistachios on top for a pretty presentation. Slice the bread and serve it up! Enjoy every moist and flavorful bite of your homemade Pistachio Cherry Bread!
This unique and colorful bread is perfect for any occasion and is sure to impress everyone who tries it!
Can I Use Other Nuts Instead of Pistachios?
Absolutely! If you don’t have pistachios on hand or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute with finely chopped walnuts or almonds. Just keep the quantity the same for the best results.
What Can I Use Instead of Maraschino Cherries?
If you’re looking for an alternative to maraschino cherries, try using chopped dried cherries or cranberries. They will provide a delightful tartness that pairs well with the sweet bread.
How Should I Store Leftover Bread?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 2 months. Just let it thaw at room temperature before serving!
Can I Make This Bread Vegan?
Yes! You can make this recipe vegan by substituting the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) and using a plant-based butter substitute along with almond or oat milk.