Holiday Nut Bread
A rich, nutty holiday bread infused with mincemeat, perfect for festive gatherings or cozy mornings, offering warm spices and crunchy nuts in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat margarine and sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time.
- Add milk and flour mixture alternately, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in crumbled mincemeat and chopped nuts.
- Pour batter into a greased and floured loaf pan.
- Bake for 1 hour and 25 minutes or until a test for doneness comes out clean.
- Cool for 10 minutes.
- Remove from pan and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. If you don't have condensed mincemeat, you can substitute with a mix of chopped apples, raisins, and spices. Ensure the nuts are toasted for added crunch and flavor. If you're looking for a festive twist, add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Holiday Nut Bread warm or at room temperature, sliced thick with a pat of butter or cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, and would make a delightful addition to a holiday brunch alongside dishes like Scott'S Oatmeal Delight Cookie. Consider garnishing with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the nut bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerated for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing slices, which can be reheated in a toaster or microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Nut Bread contains roughly 991 calories, with 11g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (42% of the Daily Value), iron (38% of the Daily Value), and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2822mg per serving (123% 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 a different type of nut in this recipe?
Absolutely! While walnuts and pecans are classic choices, you can also use almonds, hazelnuts, or even pistachios. Just make sure to chop them coarsely so they distribute evenly throughout the bread.
What should I do if my bread is too dry?
If your nut bread turns out dry, it may be due to overmixing or baking too long. To remedy this, you can serve it with butter or a spread like cream cheese. For future bakes, keep an eye on the baking time and test for doneness slightly earlier.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegan. Substitute the margarine with a plant-based butter and use flax eggs or applesauce in place of the eggs. Make sure your condensed mincemeat is also vegan-friendly, and you'll have a delicious vegan Holiday Nut Bread!
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).