Cherry Nut Bread
Cherry Nut Bread offers a moist, flavorful loaf combining the sweetness of cherries and brown sugar with the crunch of pecans or walnuts. Its tender crumb and fruity burst make it perfect for breakfast, tea time, or as a delightful snack, appealing to those who love fruity, nutty baked goods.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 cup buttermilk ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1/4 cup shortening ⓘ
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon soda ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except cherries in a mixing bowl.
- Blend on low speed of electric mixer for 15 seconds; increase to medium speed and blend for 30 additional seconds.
- Stir in cherries.
- Pour batter into a greased and floured 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan.
- Bake at 350° F for 1 hour and 10 to 15 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool for 10 minutes in the pan.
- Remove from pan to a wire rack and cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. If you don't have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes. To make the bread even more delightful, add a teaspoon of almond extract. Ensure not to overmix the batter after adding the cherries to keep the bread tender.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Cherry Nut Bread with a pat of butter or cream cheese for a delicious breakfast or snack. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a creative twist, enjoy it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert, or try it with a glass of Ice Cream Party Punch for a fun gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Once completely cooled, store the Cherry Nut Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the bread overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes for a fresh-baked taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Nut Bread contains roughly 323 calories, with 4g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1246mg per serving (54% 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 cherries, but be sure to pit and chop them. Fresh cherries will add a different texture and flavor. Adjust the amount of sugar slightly, as fresh cherries can be less sweet than maraschino cherries.
What can I substitute for shortening in this recipe?
You can substitute an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil for the shortening. This will give the bread a richer flavor and slightly different texture. Just ensure that the butter is softened before mixing.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make Cherry Nut Bread gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Ensure the baking powder is gluten-free as well. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still be delicious.
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).