Bright, zesty lemon pistachio bread with a sweet glaze—easy to bake and perfect for brunch, gifting, or a refreshing springtime treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and simple: Made with a boxed cake mix and pudding for convenience.
Moist and fluffy texture: The pudding mix adds incredible moisture and richness.

Fresh, vibrant flavor: The combination of lemon and pistachio is refreshing and unique.
Elegant glaze finish: A lemon glaze with zest brings it all together beautifully.
Versatile serving options: Serve it at brunch, as a snack, or even as a light dessert.

Make-ahead friendly: Keeps well and can be made a day in advance.
Customizable: Easily switch up the flavors or add-ins.
Great for gifting: Beautiful and impressive for sharing.

One-bowl recipe: Less cleanup means more time enjoying.
Kid and adult approved: Loved by all ages for its sweet and tangy taste.

Ingredients

For the Bread:

1 box lemon cake mix
1 (3.4 oz) box instant pistachio pudding mix
4 large eggs

1 cup water
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup chopped pistachios (plus more for garnish)

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

Zest of 1 lemon

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, pistachio pudding mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth and well blended.

Gently fold in the chopped pistachios.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
Bake for 50–55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the bread cools, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread and garnish with additional chopped pistachios if desired.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 10 slices
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 55 minutes

Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Calories per serving: Approximately 320 kcal

Variations

Use orange instead of lemon: Try orange cake mix and orange zest for a different citrus profile.

Add a touch of almond extract: Enhance the nutty flavor with 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract.
Turn it into muffins: Divide the batter into muffin tins and bake for 20–25 minutes.
Add dried cranberries or white chocolate chips: For a festive twist.

Top with a cream cheese glaze: Swap the lemon glaze for a tangy cream cheese topping.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: If needed, refrigerate for up to 5 days, though it’s best enjoyed at room temp.

Freezing: Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter. Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.

FAQs

How Do I Know When The Bread Is Fully Baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s done.

Can I Use Homemade Cake Mix Instead?

Yes, you can substitute a homemade lemon cake mix, but it may alter the texture slightly.

What Can I Use Instead Of Pistachio Pudding?

Vanilla or lemon instant pudding can be used, but the pistachio flavor will be missing.

Can I Make This Gluten-Free?

Yes, use a gluten-free lemon cake mix and ensure the pudding mix is also gluten-free.

How Do I Prevent The Bread From Sticking To The Pan?

Grease and flour your pan well, or use parchment paper for easy removal.

Is It Okay To Skip The Glaze?

Absolutely. The bread is flavorful on its own, but the glaze adds extra zing.

Can I Use A Bundt Pan Instead Of A Loaf Pan?

Yes, adjust baking time and start checking around 40 minutes.

Do I Need To Chop The Pistachios Finely?

Chop them to your preference, but smaller pieces distribute more evenly.

Can I Double The Recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and divide between two loaf pans.

How Long Does The Glaze Take To Set?

The glaze usually sets within 20–30 minutes at room temperature.

Can I Use Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest Instead of Extract?
Yes, using 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of zest can give a natural citrus flavor.

How Should I Store the Bread?
Wrap in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for 2–3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Can This Recipe Be Frozen?
Yes! Freeze the loaf or slices (without glaze) in airtight packaging for up to 2 months. Add glaze after thawing.

Can I Make Muffins Instead of a Loaf?
Absolutely. Pour batter into muffin tins and bake for 18–22 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick.

What Kind of Pistachios Work Best?
Use shelled, unsalted pistachios. Roasted adds extra flavor, while raw allows for more control over salt content.

Can I Use Sugar-Free Pudding Mix?
Yes, a sugar-free pistachio pudding mix is fine and works well if you’re reducing sugar intake.

Is It Suitable for Spring or Holiday Brunch?
Definitely. The light lemon flavor and pale green hue make it great for Easter, Mother’s Day, or spring potlucks.

Can I Add Yogurt or Sour Cream for Moisture?
Yes. Mix in ¼ to ½ cup of Greek yogurt or sour cream for extra moisture and richness.

How Can I Customize the Glaze?
Try mixing in a bit of lemon zest, a few drops of lemon extract, or a dash of food coloring for a vibrant finish.

Is This Bread Kid-Friendly?
Yes, it’s soft, sweet, and lightly citrusy—kids usually enjoy the unique green tint and flavor combo.

Conclusion

Easy Lemon Pistachio Bread With Glaze is a bright, delicious treat that’s both quick to prepare and delightfully satisfying. With its zesty flavor, soft texture, and beautiful presentation, it’s ideal for any occasion—whether casual or classy. Whether you’re serving it at brunch or gifting a loaf to a friend, this recipe is sure to become a favorite go-to in your baking rotation.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

To enhance your baking journey and keep readers engaged, we’ve curated a few handpicked treats that pair perfectly with the vibrant, nutty flavors of our Easy Lemon Pistachio Bread. Explore the bright, citrus-packed Zesty Raspberry Lemon Drizzle Cake or experience a floral twist in our Floral Lemon Lavender Cookies—a delightful option for spring gatherings. If you enjoy pistachio-forward desserts, don’t miss these chewy and indulgent Pistachio White Chocolate Delight Cookies. For fans of fruity textures, the Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Bars offer a perfect blend of tart and creamy layers. And for a fun, Southern-inspired twist, these crispy Peach Cobbler Egg Rolls will be your next go-to dessert idea.

Easy Lemon Pistachio Bread With Glaze

Author: Chef Clara
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Yield: 10 slices
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Easy, moist lemon pistachio bread topped with a sweet citrus glaze—simple to make, bursting with flavor, perfect for breakfast or dessert!

Ingredients

Scale

1 box lemon cake mix
1 (3.4 oz) box instant pistachio pudding mix
4 large eggs

1 cup water
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup chopped pistachios (plus more for garnish)

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
Zest of 1 lemon

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine lemon cake mix, pistachio pudding mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until fully blended and smooth.

Fold in the chopped pistachios.
Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
While cooling, whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth to create the glaze.
Drizzle glaze over cooled bread and top with additional chopped pistachios if desired.

Notes

Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for best flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Can be frozen without glaze for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Bread

Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice

Calories: 320
Sugar: 24g
Sodium: 340mg

Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g

Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 1g

Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 55mg