Festive Cherry Nut Bread for a Heartwarming Holiday Treat
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, and the holiday season calls for delicious treats that will make your loved ones feel special. One of my favorite desserts to bake during this time is the Christmas Cherry Nut Bread Recipe. This recipe has been a staple in my family for years, and every bite is packed with festive flavors that will awaken your taste buds.
The combination of maraschino cherries and walnuts creates a sweet and nutty sensation that perfectly balances out the bread’s moist texture. The loaf’s aroma as it bakes fills up the entire house with the holiday spirit. It’s also visually stunning with its bright chunks of red cherries inside a tender loaf of bread. This dessert is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering or as a thoughtful gift for friends and family.
In this article, I’ll be sharing our family’s Christmas Cherry Nut Bread Recipe along with tips on how to get the perfect texture, ingredient substitutions, variations you can try, and much more. Get ready to discover one of the most delicious desserts of the holiday season – Christmas Cherry Nut Bread!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s be real, folks. There’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen. And when it comes to holiday baking, this Christmas Cherry Nut Bread recipe is a standout choice that is sure to impress.
But why should you choose this recipe, out of all the other ones out there? Well, let me tell you.
First and foremost, the star ingredients in this recipe are the maraschino cherries and walnuts, which come together to create a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors. Each bite is packed with juicy bits of cherry and crunchy bits of nut, all wrapped up in pillowy-soft bread. It’s like a party in your taste buds that just won’t quit.
But it’s not just the flavors that make this bread worth your time. The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, even for novice bakers. And because it’s a quick bread recipe (meaning no yeast or kneading required), prep time is minimal and the whole thing can be whipped up in no time at all.
Best of all, this Christmas Cherry Nut Bread is incredibly versatile. Whether you like serving it toasted with a pat of butter for breakfast or as a sweet snack with an afternoon cup of tea, it’ll tick all the boxes. Plus, it makes a great gift for neighbors or co-workers during the holiday season.
So if you’re on the lookout for a festive dessert bread that’s easy to make but impressive to serve, look no further than this Christmas Cherry Nut Bread recipe. Your taste buds (and your friends) will thank you for it.
Ingredient List
Here are all the ingredients you’ll need to make this Christmas Cherry Nut Bread recipe:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar, packed
- 2/3 cup of buttermilk
- 1/4 cup of maraschino cherry juice
- 1 teaspoon of almond extract
- 1 cup of sweet maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
- 3/4 cup of walnuts, chopped
Make sure to have all these ingredients ready before you start making the bread. You don’t want to be halfway through the recipe and realize you’re missing something!
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gathered all our ingredients, it’s time to start baking! Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Christmas Cherry Nut Bread.
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
Before starting, make sure all your ingredients are set up on the counter properly measured out. Next, drain and chop ½ cup of maraschino cherries and set them aside. Then, chop 1/2 cup of walnuts and set them aside as well.
Step 2: Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix together with a wooden spoon or whisk until well combined.
Step 3: Mixing Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, cream 8 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter until light and fluffy. Add in 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of brown sugar, then mix until well incorporated. Crack in 2 eggs one at a time and mix again. Afterward, stir in 1 teaspoon of almond extract, 2/3 cup of buttermilk and 3 tablespoons of maraschino cherry juice.
Step 4: Combining All Ingredients Together
Gradually add in the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredient mixture while continuously mixing. Once well blended, gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and walnuts.
Step 5: Baking Process
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two standard loaf pans with bakers’ spray or butter. Divide the batter evenly between two pans.
Bake at 350°F for around 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cooling on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes.
Step 6: The Final Touches
Lastly, garnish the top with additional chopped nuts or whipped cream if desired.
Your delightful Christmas Cherry Nut Bread is now ready to enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
Now, let’s talk about some fun substitutions and variations you can try for this Christmas Cherry Nut Bread Recipe.
Firstly, if you’re not a fan of maraschino cherries, you can always swap them out for dried cherries or cranberries to add a nice tartness to the bread. Alternatively, you could use fresh cherries when they are in season to give the bread a different flavor profile altogether.
If walnuts aren’t your favorite nut or you have an allergy, pecans or almonds could be used instead. But keep in mind that nuts add texture and flavor so it’s best to pick something similar.
For a more festive spin on this recipe, try adding some holiday spices like cinnamon, nutmeg or ginger. They add warmth and depth to the bread and really bring out those Christmas flavors.
If you prefer sweeter breads, consider adding chocolate chips or swapping out the butter for almond butter. You can also adjust the amount of sugar in this recipe to suit your preference.
Finally, if you want to experiment with different types of quick breads, try making this recipe with bananas instead of cherries. The results will be an entirely new dessert bread perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
Remember to keep the ratio between dry and wet ingredients balanced when making substitutions. This way you will not alter the consistency too much and your dessert will turn out perfect every time!
Serving and Pairing
After taking your Christmas Cherry Nut Bread out of the oven, you’ll undoubtedly want to share it with others. This moist and delectable treat pairs perfectly with a cup of hot tea or coffee. The nut bread’s rich, savory flavor is spectacular when combined with creamy butter, honey or cream cheese frosting. For the individuals who have a sweet tooth and love a bit of variety in their snacks, you can serve this cherry nut bread alongside cupcakes, cookies, candy or gingerbread.
Also, consider pairing the cherry bread with other festive foods like cranberry bread, dried cherries or even banana bread to create an unforgettable dessert spread. The Christmas Cherry Nut Bread can be sliced into thick portions for meals or thin slivers for light snacks. Regardless of how you choose to serve it up, your friends and family will love every bite.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you’ve successfully baked your Christmas Cherry Nut Bread, it’s important to know how to properly store and reheat it. This bread is perfect for making ahead of time as the flavors tend to intensify over time.
To make ahead of time, simply let the bread cool completely and wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be stored at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If storing in the refrigerator, be sure to bring the bread to room temperature before serving.
When it comes to reheating, there are a few options. The best method is to wrap the bread in foil and place it in a preheated 325°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. This will result in a warm and moist bread with delicious cherry and nut flavors that will make your taste buds dance.
Alternatively, you may also choose to slice the bread and toast it in a toaster or toaster oven. This method will give you a slightly crispy texture while maintaining all of the sweet flavors. However, if you do choose this option, be sure not to over-toast as this could dry out your bread.
No matter which reheating method you choose, be sure not to microwave your Christmas Cherry Nut Bread as this will result in a rubbery texture.
By following these tips for storing and reheating your Christmas Cherry Nut Bread, you can ensure that each slice is just as delicious as when it first came out of the oven. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Results
Baking can be a tricky business but with a few helpful tips, creating the perfect Christmas Cherry Nut Bread can be a cinch. Here are my top tips to help you achieve bakery-worthy results every time.
Firstly, ensure you use room temperature ingredients. Cold butter and eggs straight out of the refrigerator can result in uneven mixing and a dense final product. To avoid this, let your butter and eggs sit out for an hour before beginning to bake.
Another essential tip is to mix your dry ingredients together thoroughly before adding them to the wet ingredients. Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into a separate bowl and stir until they are evenly distributed. This will prevent any clumps from forming in the bread’s batter and will help ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
When it comes to adding in the cherries and walnuts, chop them into small pieces so that each slice of your bread has a balanced flavor. Make sure to reserve some cherries to place on top of the batter just before baking. This will not only look impressive but will also add bursts of flavor throughout each slice.
It’s also important to watch the cook time carefully; every oven is different, and too much or too little time in the oven can drastically affect the bread’s texture. A good pointer is to start checking 5-10 minutes before the recommended cook time is up using a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center of the bread – if it comes out clean, then it’s ready!
Finally, when cooling your bread down after taking it out of the oven, place it on a wire rack rather than on a hot surface. This will allow air to circulate around it, ensuring that it does not become damp or doughy on the bottom.
By following these helpful tips, you can create delicious Christmas Cherry Nut Bread anytime that is sure to have everyone begging for seconds!
Bottom Line
Now that you have all the tools and secrets to make the perfect Christmas Cherry Nut Bread, why not give it a try? Share it with your family, friends or colleagues at work. Impress them not only with its delightful taste but also with how easy it was for you to make it.
Remember to always use high-quality ingredients and take special care when measuring them. Follow the instructions closely, but also feel free to add your own twist to the recipe. You could substitute the cherries for cranberries or add some dried fruit. The possibilities are endless.
This Christmas Cherry Nut Bread recipe is perfect as a gift too. Wrap it up in a nice packaging and make someone’s day. It is the perfect dessert bread for a holiday party or a cozy winter evening with your loved ones.
Have fun baking and enjoy this festive and flavorful bread as part of your holiday traditions.
Christmas Cherry Nut Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soft butter
- 2 eggs
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 2/3-3/4 cup chopped maraschino cherry (about a 10-11 oz. jar)
Instructions
- Dump everything but the cherries in a mixing bowl and beat well, scrape, and mix again.
- Add the cherries and mix well.
- Put into a greased bread pan.
- 350 oven for 60-70 minutes still a tester comes out clean.
- Remove from pan and let cool.
- Store at least 8 hours before slicing.
- Note: To substitute soured milk for buttermilk, add vinegar to the whole milk and let sit for 5 minutes before adding to the bowl. This is what I use usually.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.