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–+ servings
Cherry Nut Bread from Danielle
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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Cooling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course bread
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 296 kcal

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
Keyword cherry bread, classic recipes, holiday baking, homemade, nostalgic food, quick bread, vintage
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