Holiday Gift Bread
A rich, festive bread filled with cherries and pecans, glazed with a sweet icing—perfect for holiday gifting or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine softened cream cheese, margarine, sugar, and vanilla, mixing until well blended.
- Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Gradually add 2 cups of sifted cake flour with baking powder, mixing well after each addition.
- Toss remaining flour with chopped maraschino cherries and chopped pecans; fold into batter.
- Pour batter into greased and floured loaf pans.
- Bake in a 325°F oven for 60 to 80 minutes.
- Cool for 5 minutes; remove from pans.
- Cool thoroughly.
- Mix confectioners sugar and milk to make glaze.
- Glaze warm loaves with the icing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using mascarpone cheese in place of cream cheese. If you want to make it a bit healthier, swap out half of the sugar for a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Ensure your margarine is at room temperature for easier mixing. Adding a pinch of nutmeg can also enhance the holiday spirit.
Serving Suggestions
This Holiday Gift Bread is delightful on its own but can be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. It pairs beautifully with a cup of spiced tea or coffee. For a festive touch, consider topping it with Candied Flowers For Decorations On Cakes for special occasions.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm slices in a toaster or microwave before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Gift Bread contains roughly 699 calories, with 7g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 regular butter instead of margarine?
Yes, you can substitute regular butter for margarine in this recipe. Just ensure that the butter is softened to room temperature for smooth mixing. The flavor may be slightly richer and creamier with butter.
What can I use instead of maraschino cherries?
If you're looking for an alternative to maraschino cherries, consider using dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a similar texture and sweetness. These alternatives will give the bread a unique twist while still keeping it festive.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
To check if your Holiday Gift Bread is done, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is ready. Keep an eye on it, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
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).