Ingredients

1 box yellow cake mix
2 or 3 (**see note below) 3.4-oz boxes instant pistachio pudding mix
1 cup hot water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
2-3 drops green food coloring (optional)
holiday sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

Grease two 8x4" loaf pans (or 6 foil mini pans or desired combination thereof) and preheat oven to 350F.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or in a large mixing bowl with an electric hand mixer), combine dry cake mix, dry pudding mixes, hot water, vegetable oil, eggs, and food coloring (if using). Beat on low speed for about 30 seconds, then increase speed to medium and continue beating for about two minutes.
Divide batter among prepared pans. If desired, top with holiday sprinkles.
Bake for about 40-50 minutes for full-size pans, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If using mini pans, begin checking on them at about 25 minutes, then continue checking every five minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Allow to cool before serving.

NOTES
**For years, I made this bread with 3 pudding mixes. However, over time, cake mixes have decreased in size from 18.25-ounces to 15.25-ounces. For some readers, using 3 pudding mixes to the smaller cake mixes has caused their loaves to sink in the middle. I did additional testing with the smaller cake mixes, and using 2 pudding mixes yields the most consistent results now. If you have had success with 3 mixes, feel free to continue using 3. But for the most reliable results, 2 boxes works well and still provides plenty of pistachio flavor.**
This bread makes a really fun, inexpensive, edible gift. Think teachers, neighbors, friends, coworkers, etc. (Obviously, just don't give it to anyone with a nut allergy in their household). You can bake these in foil loaf pans, either full-size or mini-size, wrap with cellophane and a pretty bow or fun gift tag, and deliver Christmas cheer!
If baking in mini loaf pans, I recommend you fill the pans no more than halfway full, and start checking on them after 25 minutes of baking, because they will bake a little faster. Check on them every 5 minutes until the toothpick comes out clean.
These freeze well! Wrap cooled, individual loaves tightly with plastic wrap and pop in the freezer until you need them. This is a great way to simplify your holiday baking, because you can make them ahead of time, or you can pull one out if you have unexpected holiday company!
The green food coloring and sprinkles are optional, but I like the enhanced colors.

quick breads