Maraschino Cherry Nut Bread: A Festive Delight for Any Occasion
Maraschino cherry nut bread is a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of maraschino cherries, the crunch of nuts, and the comforting texture of homemade bread. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, or simply as a special snack. This recipe provides a detailed guide to creating a moist, flavorful, and visually appealing loaf that will impress your family and friends. We’ll walk you through each step, offering tips and variations along the way, ensuring your baking experience is enjoyable and your results are exceptional.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Festive and Flavorful:** The bright red cherries and nutty undertones create a visually stunning and delicious bread that’s perfect for any celebration.
* **Moist and Tender:** This recipe yields a wonderfully moist and tender crumb that stays fresh for days.
* **Easy to Make:** With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can achieve impressive results.
* **Versatile:** Customize the recipe with your favorite nuts, spices, or extracts to create your own unique variation.
* **Great for Gifting:** A loaf of homemade maraschino cherry nut bread makes a thoughtful and delicious gift for friends, family, and neighbors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 3 cups (360g). Provides the structure for the bread. Make sure to measure accurately using the spoon-and-level method or a kitchen scale.
* **Granulated Sugar:** 1 cup (200g). Sweetens the bread and contributes to its moistness.
* **Baking Powder:** 1 tablespoon. Leavens the bread, creating a light and airy texture.
* **Salt:** 1/2 teaspoon. Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **Eggs:** 2 large. Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
* **Milk:** 1 cup (240ml). Adds moisture and helps to create a tender crumb. Whole milk is recommended for the best results, but you can use other types of milk as well.
* **Vegetable Oil:** 1/2 cup (120ml). Adds moisture and contributes to a soft texture. Canola oil or melted coconut oil are good alternatives.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1 teaspoon. Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.
* **Maraschino Cherries:** 1 cup (240ml), drained and halved or quartered. The star of the show! Be sure to drain them well and pat them dry with paper towels to prevent the batter from becoming too watery.
* **Nuts:** 1 cup (120g), chopped (walnuts, pecans, or a mix). Adds flavor, texture, and nutritional value. Toasting the nuts beforehand will enhance their flavor.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
* **Flour:** For a slightly denser bread, you can substitute up to 1 cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. However, keep in mind that this will change the texture of the bread.
* **Sugar:** You can reduce the amount of sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet bread. Brown sugar can also be used for a deeper, more caramel-like flavor. Be sure to pack the brown sugar when measuring.
* **Milk:** Buttermilk can be used in place of regular milk for a tangier flavor and a more tender crumb. If using buttermilk, you may want to reduce the amount of baking powder slightly.
* **Oil:** Melted butter can be used in place of vegetable oil for a richer flavor. However, keep in mind that butter can solidify in cold temperatures, so the bread may become slightly firmer in the refrigerator.
* **Nuts:** Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds, macadamia nuts, or even dried cranberries. You can also add a sprinkle of nuts on top of the bread before baking for a more decorative look.
* **Maraschino Cherries:** If you’re not a fan of maraschino cherries, you can substitute them with other candied fruits or dried cherries. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness of the bread accordingly.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Loaf Pan:** 9×5 inch loaf pan. Greasing and flouring the pan prevents the bread from sticking.
* **Mixing Bowls:** For combining the wet and dry ingredients.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Whisk or Fork:** For mixing the dry ingredients.
* **Rubber Spatula:** For folding the wet and dry ingredients together.
* **Oven:** For baking the bread.
* **Wire Rack:** For cooling the bread.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a detailed guide to making your own delicious maraschino cherry nut bread:
**1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:**
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oven rack is in the center position.
* Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. You can also use baking spray with flour already included. This will prevent the bread from sticking to the pan.
**2. Combine the Dry Ingredients:**
* In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which will help the bread rise properly.
**3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:**
* In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature for the best results.
**4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:**
* Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough bread. A few streaks of flour are okay.
**5. Add Cherries and Nuts:**
* Gently fold in the drained and halved (or quartered) maraschino cherries and chopped nuts. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
**6. Pour into the Pan and Bake:**
* Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. If desired, sprinkle some extra chopped nuts on top.
* Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil.
**7. Cool the Bread:**
* Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent the bread from sticking to the pan and allow it to cool evenly.
**8. Slice and Serve:**
* Once the bread is completely cool, slice it and serve. Enjoy it as is, or toast it and spread with butter or cream cheese.
Tips for Success
* **Measure Ingredients Accurately:** Baking is a science, and accurate measurements are crucial for success. Use measuring cups and spoons designed for baking, and follow the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour.
* **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined.
* **Drain the Cherries Well:** Maraschino cherries are packed in syrup, so it’s important to drain them well and pat them dry with paper towels to prevent the batter from becoming too watery.
* **Toast the Nuts:** Toasting the nuts before adding them to the batter enhances their flavor and aroma.
* **Check for Doneness:** Use a wooden skewer to check for doneness. If the skewer comes out clean, the bread is done. If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes.
* **Cool Completely Before Slicing:** Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.
Variations and Add-Ins
* **Spice it Up:** Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to the dry ingredients for a warm and festive flavor.
* **Citrus Zest:** Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the wet ingredients for a bright and refreshing flavor.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent twist.
* **Dried Fruit:** Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, raisins, or apricots to the batter for a chewy texture and added sweetness.
* **Glaze:** Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled bread for a sweet and decorative touch.
Serving Suggestions
* **Breakfast or Brunch:** Serve slices of maraschino cherry nut bread with butter, cream cheese, or a dollop of whipped cream.
* **Afternoon Tea:** Enjoy a slice of bread with a cup of tea or coffee.
* **Dessert:** Serve the bread as a light and festive dessert.
* **Snack:** Pack a slice of bread in your lunchbox for a sweet and satisfying snack.
* **Gifting:** Wrap a loaf of bread in cellophane and tie it with a ribbon for a thoughtful and homemade gift.
Storage Instructions
* **Room Temperature:** Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
* **Refrigerator:** Store the bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. This will help to keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out.
* **Freezer:** Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Troubleshooting
* **Bread is too dry:** Make sure you are measuring the ingredients accurately, especially the flour. Also, avoid overbaking the bread. You can also try adding a tablespoon or two of extra milk to the batter.
* **Bread is too dense:** This could be due to overmixing the batter or using too much flour. Be careful not to overmix, and make sure to measure the flour accurately.
* **Bread is not rising:** This could be due to using old or inactive baking powder. Make sure your baking powder is fresh, and that you are using the correct amount.
* **Bread is burning on top:** If the top of the bread is browning too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
* **Cherries are sinking to the bottom:** This can happen if the cherries are too wet or if the batter is too thin. Make sure to drain the cherries well and pat them dry with paper towels. You can also try tossing the cherries in a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter.
Nutritional Information (approximate per slice)
* Calories: 250-300
* Fat: 12-15g
* Saturated Fat: 3-4g
* Cholesterol: 30-40mg
* Sodium: 150-200mg
* Carbohydrates: 30-35g
* Sugar: 15-20g
* Protein: 3-4g
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
Conclusion
Maraschino cherry nut bread is a delightful and festive treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With its bright red cherries, crunchy nuts, and moist, tender crumb, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. This recipe provides a detailed guide to creating your own delicious loaf, with tips and variations to help you customize it to your liking. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of this irresistible bread! Enjoy!