Cherry Nut Bread is a vibrant quick bread that combines the sweetness of maraschino cherries with the crunch of chopped nuts for a delightful contrast in both flavor and texture. This nostalgic bake is reminiscent of classic holiday loaves, perfect for gift-giving or enjoying with a cup of coffee. With its blush pink hue and tender crumb, it offers a playful yet comforting slice that's great any time of year, whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup margarine
- 2 eggs (beaten )
- 2½ cups flour (sifted )
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 12 maraschino cherries (chopped )
- ½ to ¾ cup nuts (chopped, such as walnuts or pecans)
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup maraschino cherry juice
Instructions
Step 1: Cream Base
- Cream margarine and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add Eggs
- Beat in the eggs until well incorporated.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 4: Alternate Mixing
- Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with the milk and cherry juice, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
Step 5: Fold in Add-ins
- Gently fold in the chopped cherries and nuts.
Step 6: Bake
- Generously grease 1 large or 2 small loaf pans. Pour in the batter.
- Bake at 325°F for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Wrap
- Immediately turn loaves out of pans after baking. Let cool on wire racks.
- Wrap in aluminum foil once completely cooled for storage.
Tips
- Substitute butter for margarine for a richer flavor.
- Fold in mini chocolate chips for a cherry–chocolate variation.
- Replace half the milk with sour cream for extra moisture.
- Use pecans or walnuts depending on preference.
- Add ½ tsp almond extract to enhance cherry flavor.
- Bake as muffins (18–22 minutes at 350°F).
- Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze after cooling.
- Add dried cherries for extra texture.
- Use maraschino cherry juice to tint the bread a festive pink.
Nutrition
Calories: 296kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.003gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 191mgPotassium: 75mgFiber: 1gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 398IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 104mgIron: 2mg
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