Zach'S Grandma'S Nut Loaf
A rich, nutty loaf with a moist crumb and delightful crunch from walnuts, perfect for teatime or as a comforting snack for family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and set aside an 8 x 4 x 3-inch loaf pan.
- In a small bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter until soft and smooth.
- Add the sugars gradually to the butter, creaming until fluffy.
- Add vanilla and beat in one egg at a time until thoroughly combined.
- Stir in chopped walnuts and beat well.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the creamed mixture, beating until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the butter with applesauce or adding a pinch of cinnamon to the flour mixture. If you don’t have walnuts, pecans or almonds can be excellent alternatives. Make sure to sift the flour to avoid clumps, and for best results, let the butter sit at room temperature before creaming to ensure a fluffy texture.
Serving Suggestions
This nut loaf is delightful served warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a spread of cream cheese or butter. For a more substantial meal, enjoy it alongside a fresh salad or as part of a brunch spread with items like The Gift Cake for dessert. It's a versatile dish that can be served any time of the day.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, wrap the nut loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, slice the loaf and freeze it in an airtight container for up to three months. To reheat, unwrap and place in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zach'S Grandma'S Nut Loaf contains roughly 602 calories, with 5g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. 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 a different type of nut in this recipe?
Yes, you can easily substitute walnuts with pecans, hazelnuts, or almonds. Each nut will impart a unique flavor to the loaf, so feel free to experiment based on your preference or what you have on hand.
What can I do if my loaf is too dry?
If your nut loaf turns out dry, it may be due to overbaking. To prevent this next time, check the loaf at the minimum baking time. You can also add a tablespoon of milk to the batter to keep it moist, or serve slices with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
How do I know when the nut loaf is done baking?
The nut loaf is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Baking times may vary slightly, so it's best to start checking around the 1-hour mark to avoid overbaking.
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).