Holiday Nut Loaf
A rich, nut-filled holiday loaf featuring pecans, walnuts, Brazil nuts, dried fruits, and cherries, perfect for festive gatherings and nut lovers seeking a sweet, hearty treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the maraschino cherries and add them to the mixture.
- Stir to coat the nuts and fruit with the flour mixture.
- Beat the eggs and add vanilla extract.
- Mix the beaten eggs and vanilla into the flour and fruit mixture until well combined.
- Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly in a large container.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of the Holiday Nut Loaf, consider toasting the nuts before mixing them in. If you’re short on some nuts, you can substitute with other varieties like almonds or pecans. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour. Don't hesitate to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra holiday kick.
Serving Suggestions
This nut loaf is a delightful treat on its own but pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Consider serving it alongside a light salad, such as Broccoli And Olive Salad, to balance the richness. It's perfect for holiday gatherings or as a special dessert during festive occasions.
Storage & Reheating
Store the Holiday Nut Loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to three weeks. To reheat, slice and warm in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes, ensuring it stays moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Nut Loaf contains roughly 3767 calories, with 49g protein, 403g carbohydrates, and 207g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (143% of the Daily Value), protein (99% of the Daily Value), and iron (90% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1151mg per serving (50% 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 dried fruit instead of the fruit and peel mix?
Absolutely! Dried fruits like raisins, apricots, or cranberries can be excellent substitutes for the fruit and peel mix. Just chop them into smaller pieces to ensure even distribution in the loaf. This not only adds flavor but also gives a lovely texture.
How can I make this nut loaf less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness of the Holiday Nut Loaf, you can cut back on the sugar by about a third without significantly affecting the texture. Alternatively, consider using unsweetened applesauce as a partial sugar replacement, which will also add moisture.
Can I freeze the Holiday Nut Loaf?
Yes, you can freeze the Holiday Nut Loaf! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and warm it slightly before serving.
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).