This Pistachio Cherry Bread is a tasty treat with a fun twist! The crunchy pistachios and sweet cherries make a perfect pair, giving every slice a delightful mix of flavors.
When making this bread, I love the joy of watching the bright cherries pop against the green nuts. It’s so good, I might even hide a loaf from the family just for me! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This gives a rich flavor. If you’re out, use equal parts vegetable oil or coconut oil as a substitute. Just note that oil may make the bread a bit denser.
Pistachios: Chopped pistachios add great crunch! If you have allergies, walnuts or almonds can work well too. For a fun twist, try using roasted pistachios for added flavor.
Candied Cherries: These add sweetness and color. If you can’t find them, you could use dried cherries or cranberries, though they will change the texture and sweetness.
Milk: Regular milk is used for moisture. For a dairy-free option, almond milk or oat milk can be good substitutes without affecting the flavor much.
How Do You Ensure a Moist and Flavorful Bread?
To keep your Pistachio Cherry Bread moist, it’s essential to properly mix your ingredients. Creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy is key—it incorporates air for a lighter texture. When adding dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf.
- Make sure your oven is preheated; an accurate temperature is crucial.
- Using room temperature eggs makes for smoother batter.
- Cool the bread in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack—that’s when it prevents sogginess or sticking.
Pistachio Cherry Bread Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup chopped pistachios (unsalted, shelled)
- 1 cup candied green cherries, chopped
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
Optional Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prep and around 60 to 70 minutes to bake. After that, allow some cooling time—at least 10 minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack. Overall, you’ll need about 1.5 hours, plus additional cooling time if you plan to glaze the bread.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and grease it well with butter or cooking spray and lightly flour it, or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Mix until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time. Make sure each egg is well mixed in before adding the next. After all the eggs are in, stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely flavor.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step helps to lighten the flour and ensures everything is evenly mixed.
5. Mix It All Together:
Now, it’s time to combine! Alternately add the dry flour mixture and the milk to the butter mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Gently mix until everything is just combined—try not to overmix.
6. Fold in the Goodies:
Carefully fold in the chopped pistachios, candied green cherries, and maraschino cherries using a spatula. This will add a burst of color and flavor!
7. Pour & Smooth:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Smooth the top to ensure it bakes evenly.
8. Bake the Bread:
Put the loaf in the oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when you insert a toothpick in the center, and it comes out clean.
9. Cool Down:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. (Optional) Make the Glaze:
If you want to add a sweet glaze, mix the powdered sugar with milk until you have a smooth consistency. Drizzle this over the cooled bread for extra sweetness!
11. Slice and Serve:
Once everything’s cooled down, slice the bread and serve it up! Enjoy the delightful sweetness of cherries balanced with the crunch of pistachios. Perfect for tea time or as a special treat!
This fragrant bread is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy! 🎉
Can I Use a Different Type of Nut?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of pistachios, feel free to swap them out with walnuts or almonds. Just chop them roughly and use the same amount for a similar crunch.
Can I Substitute Fresh Cherries for Candied Ones?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries instead! Just make sure to pit and chop them. Keep in mind, fresh cherries will add a different texture and might require a bit more sugar if you prefer a sweeter bread.
How Should I Store Leftover Bread?
Store any leftover Pistachio Cherry Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it to extend its freshness for about a week, but it may dry out a bit.
Can I Freeze This Bread?
Definitely! After cooling completely, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before slicing.
