Cherry-Date Nut Bread
Cherry-Date Nut Bread offers a moist, flavorful loaf combining tart cherries, sweet dates, and crunchy nuts, perfect for breakfast or teatime with a hint of vanilla.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream sugar, shortening, and eggs together until well combined.
- Add buttermilk to the creamed mixture and mix thoroughly.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, vanilla, and soda.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing well.
- Stir in the chopped nutmeats, chopped dates, and maraschino cherries.
- Pour the batter into greased loaf pans.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before removing from pans and slicing.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. For a healthier twist, try using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. This Cherry-Date Nut Bread also works well with walnuts or pecans in place of the nutmeats.
Serving Suggestions
This delightful bread is perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. Serve it warm with butter or cream cheese for an indulgent treat. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a festive touch, consider serving alongside Apricot Fold-Overs or as part of a brunch spread featuring various breads and pastries.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Cherry-Date Nut Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer, where it will keep for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw and warm slices in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry-Date Nut Bread contains roughly 646 calories, with 7g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value), calcium (14% of the Daily Value), and iron (11% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes, you can substitute fresh cherries for maraschino cherries, but make sure to pit and chop them before adding to the batter. Fresh cherries will provide a different texture and flavor, so you may want to reduce the sugar slightly to balance the sweetness.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Cherry-Date Nut Bread gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that the other ingredients, like the baking soda, are also gluten-free. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly, as gluten-free flours can absorb moisture differently.
Can I add other fruits to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can experiment by adding other dried fruits like cranberries or apricots. Just make sure to chop them into similar sizes as the dates for even distribution in the batter. This will create a unique flavor profile while still maintaining the bread's moist texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).