Cranberry Pistachio Bread

This Cranberry Pistachio Bread is an enticing loaf that combines the tartness of cranberries with the nutty flavor of pistachios. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful snack, this quickbread stands out with its vibrant colors and rich flavors. It’s an ideal treat for holiday gatherings or cozy family breakfasts, bringing warmth and cheer to any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh cranberries and pistachios creates a unique taste that pleases the palate.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this bread can be whipped up in no time.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm with butter, as part of a breakfast spread, or as a standalone snack.
• Perfect for Gifting: Wrap it up beautifully to share with friends and family during the holiday season.
• Beautiful Presentation: Its colorful appearance makes it a striking centerpiece on any table.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious bread, you’ll need some essential tools that will make your baking experience smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Cooking spray
• Mixing bowls
• Food processor
• Loaf pan

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool saves time and effort by easily blending ingredients to a light and fluffy consistency.
• Food processor: Quickly chops cranberries and helps in mixing without much hassle.

Ingredients

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 inch loaf pan with cooking spray. This ensures your bread doesn’t stick while baking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment:
1. Beat together unsalted 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 smoothly.

Step 4: Prepare Cranberries

In a food processor:
1. Combine fresh whole cranberries with 1 TBSP sugar.
2. Pulse just until roughly chopped (you can also chop them by hand or leave them whole).

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Add cranberry mixture into the sugar and egg mixture, mixing on low until just combined.

Step 6: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl:
1. Combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and instant pistachio pudding mix.
2. Whisk together to break apart any lumps.

Step 7: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

With the mixer on low speed:
1. Add half of the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.

Step 8: Add Milk

Pour in the milk, mixing until fully combined.

Step 9: Final Flour Mixture Addition

Add the remaining flour mixture along with chopped pistachios, mixing just until combined.

Step 10: Bake the Bread

Transfer batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top:
1. Bake for 55–65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow cooling in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delightful homemade cranberry pistachio bread!

How to Serve Cranberry Pistachio Bread

Cranberry pistachio bread is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you are serving it for breakfast or as a snack, here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

Toasted with Butter

• Toast a slice of cranberry pistachio bread and spread a layer of butter on top for a warm, comforting treat.

Topped with Cream Cheese

• Spread cream cheese over a slice for a rich and creamy contrast that complements the flavors nicely.

Served with Jam

• Pair the bread with your favorite jam, such as raspberry or apricot, to add an extra layer of sweetness.

Accompanied by Fresh Fruit

• Serve slices alongside fresh fruit like oranges or berries for a refreshing balance that brightens up the meal.

Enjoyed as French Toast

• Dip slices in an egg mixture and cook on a skillet to create delicious cranberry pistachio French toast.

Paired with Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy this bread with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon snack or breakfast option.

How to Perfect Cranberry Pistachio Bread

Creating the perfect cranberry pistachio bread requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your loaf turns out just right.

• Use fresh ingredients: Always opt for fresh cranberries and high-quality nuts for the best flavor and texture.

• Measure accurately: For consistent results, use proper measuring techniques. Level off flour and sugar with a knife for precision.

• Don’t overmix: Mix until just combined to avoid dense bread. Overmixing can lead to tough textures.

• Check doneness: Use a toothpick inserted in the center to check if it’s done. It should come out clean when the bread is ready.

• Cool completely: Allow the bread to cool before slicing. This helps maintain its structure and flavor.

• Store properly: Keep leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature, or freeze it for longer storage.

Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Pistachio Bread

Cranberry pistachio bread pairs well with several side dishes that can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Greek Yogurt Parfait
   A creamy yogurt layered with granola and berries makes for a nutritious complement to your bread.

2. Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and brightness, balancing the richness of the bread.

3. Cheese Platter
   Include various cheeses, such as brie or goat cheese, which provide savory notes that pair wonderfully with sweet bread.

4. Vegetable Soup
   Serve alongside a warm vegetable soup for comfort on chilly days; it creates a satisfying meal pairing.

5. Mixed Greens Salad
   A light salad dressed with vinaigrette offers crispness that contrasts beautifully with the dense loaf.

6. Chia Seed Pudding
   This healthy pudding brings texture and nutrition, making it an excellent accompaniment for breakfast or brunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making cranberry pistachio bread, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Bold ingredient measurements: Not measuring ingredients accurately can lead to inconsistencies in texture and taste. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Bold overmixing the batter: Overmixing can make the bread tough. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy loaf.
• Bold skipping the greasing step: Forgetting to grease the pan can result in sticking. Always grease your loaf pan before pouring in the batter.
• Bold using stale ingredients: Old baking powder or flour can impact rise and flavor. Check expiration dates before using any dry ingredients.
• Bold not cooling properly: Cutting into the bread too soon can cause it to crumble. Wait until it cools completely on a rack for clean slices.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cranberry pistachio bread in an airtight container.
• It lasts up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cranberry Pistachio Bread

• Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Cranberry Pistachio Bread

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, wrap in aluminum foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Warm slices on a microwave-safe plate for 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Toast slices in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about cranberry pistachio bread that might help you.

Can I use frozen cranberries for Cranberry Pistachio Bread?

Yes, frozen cranberries work well! Just add them directly to the batter without thawing.

What can I substitute for pistachios in this recipe?

You can use walnuts or almonds if you’re looking for an alternative nut flavor.

How should I serve Cranberry Pistachio Bread?

Cranberry pistachio bread is great on its own, but you can also spread cream cheese or butter on top for extra richness.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

To make it vegan, substitute eggs with flaxseed meal and use plant-based milk instead of regular milk.

Final Thoughts

This cranberry pistachio bread is not only delightful but also versatile. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, it invites customization with your favorite nuts or dried fruits. Try it out and enjoy this festive treat!

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Cranberry Pistachio Bread

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• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: About 10 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of our Cranberry Pistachio Bread, a perfect blend of tart cranberries and nutty pistachios. This quickbread is not only visually stunning with its vibrant colors but also incredibly versatile—ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as a scrumptious snack. Its moist texture and rich taste make it an excellent choice for holiday gatherings or cozy family breakfasts, bringing warmth and cheer to any occasion.

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Ingredients

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• 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

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a stand mixer bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light.
3. Add eggs and vanilla; beat until combined.
4. In a food processor, chop cranberries with a tablespoon of sugar until roughly chopped.
5. Add cranberry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low.
6. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and pudding mix.
7. Gradually add half of the dry mixture to the wet ingredients; mix gently.
8. Pour in milk and stir until combined.
9. Fold in remaining dry mixture and chopped pistachios until just mixed.
10. Transfer batter into the loaf pan and smooth the top.
11. Bake for 55–65 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (60g)
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg