Cherry Nut Loaf
A moist and flavorful cherry nut loaf featuring sweet maraschino cherries and crunchy nuts. Perfect for brunch, tea time, or as a dessert, its tender crumb and fruity bursts make it a crowd-pleaser for all occasions. Easy to prepare and delightful to enjoy with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain cherries, reserving the juice.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg yolks, sour cream, and reserved cherry juice; mix well.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and baking soda; gradually add to the creamed mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Fold the beaten egg whites into the batter gently.
- Add chopped cherries and nuts; fold to combine.
- Pour batter into a greased 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using almond extract along with the cherry juice. If maraschino cherries are not available, fresh or frozen cherries can be substituted, but be sure to adjust the sugar accordingly. You could also use pecans or walnuts as alternatives to mixed nuts for a different texture. Make sure to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form to ensure a light and fluffy loaf.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the Cherry Nut Loaf and serve it warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For a lovely brunch, consider serving it alongside fresh fruit or a citrus salad. You can also enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Cherry Nut Loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice the loaf and warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy it cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Nut Loaf contains roughly 464 calories, with 2g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is a good source of calcium (17% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 912mg per serving (40% 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 other types of nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for chopped nuts, you can use any nuts you prefer, such as pecans, walnuts, or even hazelnuts. Each type of nut will impart a different flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment with your favorites.
What can I do if my loaf comes out too dense?
If your Cherry Nut Loaf turns out dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter or not properly incorporating the egg whites. Make sure to gently fold in the beaten egg whites to maintain the airiness of the batter. Also, check that your baking powder and baking soda are fresh, as expired leavening agents can affect the rise.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of Cherry Nut Loaf by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to choose a blend that contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help with the loaf's structure. The texture may differ 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).