Cherry Loaf
Cherry Loaf is a moist and flavorful quick bread bursting with the vibrant flavors of maraschino cherries and a hint of orange peel. Perfect for breakfast, teatime, or dessert, it appeals to cherry lovers and those seeking a sweet, fruity treat with a tender crumb.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the red maraschino cherries, reserving the liquid and adding water if needed to make 1/3 cup.
- Cut up the red and green maraschino cherries.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add the milk, vegetable oil, applesauce, and cherry liquid.
- Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in the red and green cherries, chopped pecans, and orange peel.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F for about 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Cherry Loaf, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract to the wet mixture. If you don't have maraschino cherries, you can substitute with fresh or frozen cherries; just ensure to adjust the sweetness accordingly. For a nutty twist, try folding in chopped pecans, which complement the cherries beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Cherry Loaf is delightful on its own, but you can serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of vanilla glaze for added sweetness. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon snack. It also pairs beautifully with Granny Tiner's Sour Orange Pie for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Cherry Loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Loaf contains roughly 492 calories, with 8g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), calcium (27% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1380mg per serving (60% 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 use fresh or frozen cherries instead of maraschino cherries. Just pit and chop them, and consider adding a bit of extra sugar to balance the tartness. Be sure to adjust the overall sweetness of the recipe to match your taste.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make a healthier version of Cherry Loaf, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar by a third. Using unsweetened applesauce can also help cut down on added sugars while keeping moisture in the loaf.
What can I do with leftover cherry juice?
Leftover cherry juice can be used in various ways! Consider adding it to smoothies, drizzling it over pancakes, or using it as a base for a fruit salad dressing. It can also be mixed into cocktails or simply enjoyed as a refreshing drink.
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).