Pistachio Carrot Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting (video)

If you love carrot cake, you’ll love this easy and delicious pistachio carrot bread with cream cheese frosting! A delicate and moist bread dotted with crunchy pistachios and grated carrots – perfectly complemented with a rich and creamy frosting. It’s made with Greek yogurt, butter, eggs, and a touch of ground cinnamon for extra aroma and flavor. A slice or two of this delicious bread with coffee in the morning is the best way to start the day! It’s perfect for springtime occasions and the Easter holiday!

Watch My Pistachio Carrot Bread Video Tutorial

Watch my YouTube video tutorial for pistachio carrot bread and see just how easy it is to make at home! Want to stay up to date on my newest recipes and posts? Subscribe to my website email list and my YouTube channel for notifications.

Ingredients for Pistachio Carrot Bread

Here are my tips for the main ingredients you’ll need to make this carrot bread at home. Find the full list of ingredients in the printable recipe card below.

• Pistachios – use shelled, roasted and salted pistachios. The saltiness will balance wonderfully with the sweetness of the bread.
• Carrots – this recipe calls for raw, peeled carrots. Make sure to wash them first, then peel and grate.
• Unsalted Butter – I recommend always using unsalted butter for baking recipes. This gives you more control over the salt content of the recipe.
• Ground Cinnamon
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt – use full-fat versions of either one for the recipe.
• Cream Cheese – soften the cream cheese at room temperature while the bread is baking.

Supplies & Tools for the Recipe

Need some supplies or tools to make this carrot bread at home? Shop my Amazon Affiliate links for the items I use in my kitchen! See Disclosure Statement.

• Non-Stick Bread Loaf Pans
• Glass Mixing Bowls
• KitchenAid Handheld Mixer

How to Make Pistachio Carrot Bread

This recipe for pistachio carrot bread is super easy and comes together in no time! If you plan to have company, or want some leftovers, I recommend doubling up the recipe. This bread will be gone in no time!

1. Preheat the oven to 350F. Prepare an 8 or 9-inch bread loaf pan for the recipe – line it with parchment paper or spray the inside with a non-stick baking spray. Set aside.
2. Into a large mixing bowl, add the Greek yogurt, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. Using a whisk or mixer, beat the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Pour in the melted butter next and mix again for a minute.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, sea salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir them together, then sift the dry ingredients into the wet batter.
4. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet batter for a minute or two, just until well combined.
5. Add the diced pistachios and grated carrots last and fold in gently with a spatula until evenly distributed.

Baking Instructions for Carrot Bread

1. Using a spatula or spoon, transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
2. Bake at 350F for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bread should be a deep, golden-brown color on the outside.
3. Remove the bread from the oven and rest for 5 minutes in the pan, then remove it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Cream Cheese Frosting for Carrot Bread

I recommend waiting for the carrot bread to cool completely before adding the cream cheese frosting. Warm bread will cause the frosting to melt and slide off.

1. For the frosting: place the softened butter into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Using a mixer, beat the butter for a few minutes until it’s creamy and fluffy.
2. Next, add in the softened cream cheese and mix together with the butter for a few minutes, until creamy and clump-free.
3. Next, add the heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Start mixing on a slow speed until the sugar is incorporated, then mix on medium-high speed for 4 to 5 minutes, until the frosting is thick and creamy.
4. Transfer the frosting into a piping bag with a medium-sized round tip attached; I used Ateco tip #806.
5. Pipe the plain cream cheese frosting over the top of the bread, creating a thick, uniform layer. Garnish with diced pistachios.

How to Make Frosting Carrots

Want to make this carrot bread look extra special? Try adding frosting carrots as pictured in this blog post!

1. For the frosting carrots: transfer about ½ cup of frosting into a separate bowl and stir in a few drops of food coloring. Transfer the frosting into a piping bag with a small star tip attached; I used Wilton tip #21.
2. Smooth the plain frosting already on the bread with an offset spatula, then pipe little carrots on top of the bread. Add a sprinkle of finely diced pistachios on top of the carrots for the ‘green tops’.

Serving & Storing Suggestions

This pistachio carrot bread can be enjoyed right away! I recommend enjoying the bread at room temperature for the best texture and flavor. Use a sharp, serrated knife to slice the bread loaf.

If you have any leftovers, place them into an airtight container or wrap the bread with plastic wrap and place them into the refrigerator. Keep the bread chilled until ready to enjoy, then warm up at room temperature.

More Recipes to Try!

Enjoyed this easy and delicious pistachio carrot bread? Check out some of my other recipes you’re sure to enjoy!

• Maple Pecan Banana Bread – the only banana bread recipe I ever use! Moist, delicious, and so easy to make!
• Easy Pistachio Bread – a simple and delicious bread with loads of pistachios and a hint of warming cardamom.
• Lemon Poppy Seed Bread – a lovely bread that’s perfect for spring!
• Pistachio Raspberry Bread – delicate pistachio bread dotted with sweet raspberries, topped with a raspberry glaze.

Share it on Pinterest!