Cherry Pecan Bread
Cherry Pecan Bread offers a delightful combination of sweet cherries, crunchy pecans, and a moist, tender crumb, perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour off cherry juice and reserve.
- Quarter the maraschino cherries.
- In a mixing bowl, stir in sugar and melted oleo (butter or margarine).
- Add orange juice, reserved cherry juice, and water to the mixture.
- Mix well until combined.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing after each addition.
- Fold in chopped pecans and quartered cherries.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 to 1 1/4 hours, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Glaze the cooled bread with a powdered sugar and milk mixture.
- Decorate with chopped cherries and pecans before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense cherry flavor, consider adding a splash of almond extract. If you don't have oleo, butter or margarine works just as well. You can substitute half of the pecans with walnuts for a different nutty taste. Ensure the cherries are well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the batter, which could lead to a dense loaf. This recipe is great for using up leftover maraschino cherries from other desserts.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Cherry Pecan Bread warm or at room temperature, drizzled with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. This bread pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect afternoon treat. Consider serving it alongside Daisy'S Pineapple And Cheese Salad for a refreshing contrast or as a delightful addition to a brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Cherry Pecan Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or toast lightly for a delightful crunch.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Pecan Bread contains roughly 377 calories, with 5g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 688mg per serving (30% 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; just make sure to pit and chop them. Fresh cherries will provide a different texture and flavor profile. You may want to reduce the amount of sugar slightly, as fresh cherries are less sweet than maraschino cherries.
What can I substitute for orange juice?
If you don't have orange juice, you can substitute it with apple juice or lemon juice mixed with a little sugar. This will still give your bread a nice citrus flavor. Another option is to use a flavored sparkling water for a unique twist.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix or almond flour. Make sure the baking powder is gluten-free as well. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still yield a delicious loaf.
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).