This homemade Cranberry Pistachio Bread is a delightful quick bread that brings together the tartness of cranberries and the rich flavor of pistachios. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy breakfast at home, it stands out not only for its taste but also for its beautiful color and texture. This loaf is easy to make, making it an excellent choice for both novice bakers and seasoned chefs looking to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 10 minutes of prep time, allowing you to enjoy fresh bread with minimal effort.
- Festive Flavor: The combination of cranberries and pistachios offers a unique flavor profile that’s perfect for special occasions.
- Moist and Tender: Thanks to the addition of pudding mix, this bread stays moist and tender, ensuring every bite is delicious.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as breakfast, snack, or dessert. It pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant colors of cranberries and green pistachios create an eye-catching loaf that will impress your guests.
Tools and Preparation
To make this fantastic Cranberry Pistachio Bread, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure your baking process goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Loaf pan (9×5)
- Cooking spray
- Food processor
- Mixing bowls
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, resulting in a light and fluffy texture.
- Loaf pan: Provides the perfect shape for baking your bread evenly.
- Food processor: Quickly chops cranberries to the desired consistency without much hassle.
Ingredients
This homemade cranberry pistachio bread is a delicious and lovely loaf of quickbread–perfect for the holidays!
For the Bread
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup + 1 TBSP sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cup fresh whole cranberries
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3.4-oz box instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
How to Make Cranberry Pistachio Bread
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 loaf pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment:
1. Beat together butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add eggs and vanilla extract, beating well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Step 4: Prepare Cranberries
In a food processor:
1. Combine cranberries with 1 TBSP sugar.
2. Pulse until roughly chopped (or chop by hand).
3. Add this mixture into the sugar and egg mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl:
1. Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and pistachio pudding mix, breaking apart any lumps.
Step 6: Mix Dry into Wet Ingredients
With the mixer on low speed:
1. Add half of the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
Step 7: Incorporate Milk
Add in the milk, mixing until combined smoothly.
Step 8: Finish Mixing Batter
Add remaining dry flour mixture along with the chopped pistachios, mixing just until combined without over-mixing.
Step 9: Bake the Bread
Transfer batter into prepared loaf pan:
1. Smooth out the top.
2. Bake for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 10: Cool Before Slicing
Allow cooling in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Let cool completely before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Cranberry Pistachio Bread
Cranberry pistachio bread is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether as a breakfast option, a snack, or dessert, this delightful loaf pairs well with many accompaniments.
For Breakfast
- Cream Cheese Spread: A smooth layer of cream cheese adds richness and balances the tartness of cranberries.
- Butter and Jam: A classic combination where butter enhances flavor, while your favorite jam adds sweetness.
As a Snack
- Nut Butter: Spread almond or peanut butter on slices for a protein-packed snack that’s both filling and delicious.
- Yogurt Dip: Pair with a yogurt dip for a refreshing and creamy contrast to the bread’s flavor.
For Dessert
- Whipped Cream: Top slices with whipped cream for a light and airy finish.
- Ice Cream: Serve warm slices with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
How to Perfect Cranberry Pistachio Bread
To ensure your cranberry pistachio bread turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Boldly choose fresh ingredients: Fresh cranberries and high-quality pistachios enhance taste and texture.
- Boldly measure accurately: Use precise measurements for flour and sugar to achieve the right consistency in your batter.
- Boldly mix gently: Avoid overmixing once the flour is added; this prevents dense bread.
- Boldly test doneness: Use a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean when the bread is fully baked.
Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Pistachio Bread
Serving cranberry pistachio bread is even more enjoyable when paired with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options to consider.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses like brie or goat cheese pairs beautifully with the flavors of the bread.
- Fruit Salad: Fresh seasonal fruits add brightness and texture alongside the rich loaf.
- Granola Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and fruit for a crunchy, creamy complement.
- Savory Soup: A bowl of warm butternut squash or tomato soup balances the sweetness of the bread perfectly.
- Herbal Tea: A soothing cup of chamomile or mint tea complements the flavors without overpowering them.
- Salad Greens: A light salad with vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet loaf.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking can be tricky, and even small mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for when making cranberry pistachio bread.
- Using stale ingredients: Always check the freshness of your baking powder and other ingredients. Stale components can affect the rise and flavor of your bread.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too vigorously can lead to dense bread. Stir just until combined for a lighter texture.
- Not measuring accurately: Baking is a science. Use dry measuring cups for flour and liquid measuring cups for milk to ensure accuracy.
- Skipping the cooling time: Allowing the bread to cool entirely before slicing helps maintain its structure and flavor. Patience pays off!
- Ignoring oven calibration: Every oven is different. If your bread is browning too quickly or slowly, consider using an oven thermometer for accurate temperature readings.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cranberry pistachio bread in an airtight container.
- It can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Cranberry Pistachio Bread
- Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating Cranberry Pistachio Bread
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Wrap the bread in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Slice and heat on a microwave-safe plate for 15-20 seconds per slice, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over medium-low heat for a couple of minutes on each side until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about cranberry pistachio bread that you might find helpful.
What is Cranberry Pistachio Bread?
Cranberry pistachio bread is a quickbread made with fresh cranberries and pistachios, offering a delightful balance of tartness and nutty flavor.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! Just make sure not to thaw them before adding them to the batter.
How do I customize my Cranberry Pistachio Bread?
Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or even substitute other nuts or dried fruits for added variety!
Can I make Cranberry Pistachio Bread gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for proper texture.
How should I serve Cranberry Pistachio Bread?
This bread is perfect as a breakfast treat or dessert. Serve it plain, with butter, or alongside cream cheese for added richness.
Final Thoughts
Cranberry pistachio bread is not only delicious but also versatile enough for various occasions. Its blend of flavors makes it ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even as a thoughtful gift during the holidays. Feel free to experiment with different nuts or fruits to make this recipe your own!
Cranberry Pistachio Bread
Indulge in the delightful flavors of homemade Cranberry Pistachio Bread, a quick bread that masterfully combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the rich, nutty essence of pistachios. This vibrant loaf is not only a feast for the eyes but also an ideal treat for holiday gatherings, cozy breakfasts, or afternoon snacks. With its moist texture and festive flair, this recipe is perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned chefs alike. In just under 10 minutes of prep time, you can create a loaf that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup + 1 TBSP sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cup fresh whole cranberries
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3.4 oz box instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5" loaf pan.
- In a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine.
- In a food processor, chop cranberries with sugar until roughly chopped; mix into the batter.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and pudding mix.
- Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk until smooth.
- Fold in chopped pistachios carefully.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg