I am willing to bet money that tucked away in the back of your refrigerator is a three quarters full, and questionably old, jar of maraschino cherries. Ah, maraschinos...it's really quite incredible how these sugary sweet and violently red little cherries stand the test of time. I for one happen to love them; made of the same magical stuff as unicorns and glitter if you ask me!
Anyway, back to that jar in your fridge. I have the perfect recipe to use up those cherries: my Great Grandmother's Cherry Nut Bread. This loaf is a deliciously moist cherry and vanilla cake, beautifully pink and studded with walnuts and cherries. If this recipe doesn't scream Valentine's Day than I don't know what does!
So, pretty please with a cherry on top, make a loaf of Cherry Nut Bread this Valentine's Day. I promise you it's just as delicious as it is beautiful.
photos by Freutcake
Cherry Nut Bread- adapted from my Great Grandma's recipe
makes- 1 loaf
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon baking powder
½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
¾ cup maraschino cherries- halved
¾ cup walnuts - chopped
2 eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ cup whole milk
¼ cup maraschino cherry juice
½ cup sour cream
Directions:
1. Grease and line a standard 9" loaf pan with parchment paper and nonstick spray.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; cream butter and sugar.
3. Add eggs, vanilla, and sour cream beating until combined. Scrape down sides.
4. In a seperate bowl, whisk together flour, salt and baking powder.
5. In a liquid measuring cup combine milk and cherry juice.
6. With mixer on low slowly add flour mixture and milk mixture alternating in multiple batches starting and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
7. Stir in cherries and nuts with a spatula making sure to evenly mix through batter.
8. Scrape batter into prepared pan and bake at 350 degrees for 60 minutes or until lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.
9. Cool for 10 minutes in pan before removing to cool completely on a cooling rack.
kristina says
I love how your nail polish matches the cherries, this look so yum! Come on over + enter my Deborah Lippmann Giveaway when you get a chance: http://tinyurl.com/be8h6ro xx
Chelsea says
Yum yum yum! I love maraschino cherries so much that I used to order a tiny bowl of them to snack on at restaurants as a kid.
xoxo,
Chelsea & The City
kimberly ah says
Sadly, my jar is not three quarters full...it's almost empty because I cannot stop eating them once I start! Since I have to go to the store for the milk & sour cream, I might as well buy a fresh jar and try this recipe!
Eleanor ~ Ballyhoo & Bedbugs says
Maraschino cherries don't last long around here. I mean, between Old Fashioned's, Dirty Shirley's and even my citrus fruit cocktail....there's nary a cherry to be found.
I might just have to buy a new jar and bake this bread!
christin says
oh you're killin' me.
Jackie, One of the Two Chums says
Love this! It looks delicious, Leah!
xo
Alli says
Cool recipe! Never thought of adding maraschino cherries in baked goods.
Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe says
Looks delicious Leah! But somehow I don't have a jar of maraschino cherries in my fridge. I do have jars of practically everything else though!
Shoegal Out In The World says
I really loved this recipe & yesterday I finally made it... I have even made a post on my blog about this amazing Cherry Nut Bread with links to your recipe & blog... If you find time please check it out...
Have a great week!!!
http://www.shoegaloutintheworld.com/2013/03/cherry-nut-bread-to-start-your-day.html
xo, Violeta