Holiday Bread
A festive and moist bread packed with cranberries, cherries, nuts, and a hint of cinnamon, perfect for holiday gatherings and sweet breakfast treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together milk, egg, oil, and vanilla.
- Set aside.
- Mix together sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the milk mixture and combine well.
- Fold in cranberries, chopped nuts, cherries, and chopped apple with cinnamon.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9 x 5-inch loaf pan or 3 mini loaf pans.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting whole milk or adding a touch of almond extract. If fresh cranberries aren't available, frozen cranberries can work well too. You can also replace chopped nuts with seeds for a nut-free version. Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the bread light and fluffy. For a festive touch, sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Holiday Bread sliced with a dollop of whipped cream cheese or butter for a delightful breakfast or snack. It pairs beautifully with warm beverages like coffee or spiced tea. For a festive brunch, consider serving it alongside Zesty Biscuits or fresh fruit. This bread also makes a lovely gift during the holiday season.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Holiday Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To freeze, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to three months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or enjoy slices cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Bread contains roughly 788 calories, with 7g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (22% of the Daily Value) and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1234mg 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 other fruits instead of cranberries?
Yes, you can substitute cranberries with other fruits like blueberries or chopped apples. Just remember to adjust the sugar level based on the sweetness of the fruit you choose, especially if using sweeter options like bananas.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Holiday Bread gluten-free, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to also check that your baking powder is gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still yield a delicious bread.
What can I do if I don't have maraschino cherries?
If maraschino cherries aren't available, you can substitute them with dried cherries or even chopped fresh cherries, depending on the season. Just keep in mind that this may alter the color and sweetness of the bread slightly.
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).