Cherry Sweet Bread

Prep: 20 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A moist, flavorful cherry sweet bread featuring candied cherries, dates or raisins, and pecans, perfect for breakfast, tea, or holiday celebrations with a sweet, nutty taste.

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Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 cup dates or raisins
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 3/4 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup candied cherries

Instructions

  1. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together.
  2. Sprinkle 1 cup of the sifted mixture over the dates and cherries.
  3. Cream together sugar, butter, and eggs until light and fluffy.
  4. Add the remaining sifted ingredients to the creamed mixture.
  5. Fold in the fruit and nuts last.
  6. Pour batter into two buttered loaf pans.
  7. Bake at 350°F for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

For added moisture, consider substituting half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce. If you don't have candied cherries, dried cherries can work as a substitute. Ensure you sift the dry ingredients thoroughly for a lighter texture. For extra flavor, a teaspoon of vanilla extract can be incorporated into the creamed mixture. This recipe is inspired by classic American recipes, making it a delightful treat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of Cherry Sweet Bread with a dollop of butter or cream cheese for a tasty breakfast or snack. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. This bread also goes well with fresh fruit or a side of yogurt. Consider serving it alongside Madeline'S Coffee Cake for a brunch spread that impresses.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Cherry Sweet Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or heat in the microwave for a few seconds until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cherry Sweet Bread contains roughly 522 calories, with 7g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is a good source of iron (16% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value), and protein (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1199mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).

522 kcal 26% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.5g 13% DV
Total Fat 33.8g 43% DV
Carbs 50.2g 18% DV
Fiber 4g 14% DV
Sugar 11.3g 23% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1198.8mg 52% DV
Potassium 236.5mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 68.3mg 23% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1.8mcg
Vitamin C 4.4mg 5% DV
Calcium 158.1mg 12% DV
Iron 2.9mg 16% DV
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

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 dried fruits instead of dates or raisins?

Absolutely! You can substitute with dried cranberries or apricots for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to chop any larger dried fruits into smaller pieces to ensure even distribution in the batter.

Is it necessary to use butter, or can I use an alternative?

You can substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative for a dairy-free version. Just ensure the alternative is melted and slightly cooled before adding to the mixture to maintain the right consistency.

How can I tell when the bread is done baking?

The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Additionally, the edges should start to pull away slightly from the sides of the pan, and the top should be golden brown.

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).

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