Walnut and candied cherry loaf is a rich, moist quick bread packed with colorful candied cherries and crunchy toasted walnuts. With its buttery texture and festive appearance, this loaf is especially popular during the holiday season, but it’s delicious enough to enjoy all year long.
The sweet cherries add bursts of fruity flavor while the walnuts bring a soft crunch that perfectly balances the tender crumb. Simple to make and beautiful when sliced, this loaf makes a wonderful dessert, snack, or homemade gift.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft, moist, and buttery texture
- Packed with candied cherries and walnuts
- Perfect for holidays, tea time, or gifting
- No glaze or frosting needed
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons extra flour (for coating fruit and nuts)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 eggs
- ⅓ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup canola oil
- 1½ cups candied cherries
- 1 cup walnuts, toasted and cooled
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together yogurt, sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and canola oil until smooth.
4. Combine the Batter
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
5. Add the Cherries and Walnuts
Toss the candied cherries and walnuts with the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour.
Fold them gently into the batter to help keep them evenly distributed.
6. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve
Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice and serve as is, or with butter if desired.
Texture & Flavor
This loaf is moist and tender with bursts of sweet cherry flavor and crunchy walnuts throughout. It has a rich, buttery taste without feeling too heavy.
Tips for Best Results
- Coat cherries and walnuts in flour to prevent sinking
- Use toasted walnuts for deeper flavor
- Do not overmix the batter
- Let the loaf cool fully before slicing
How to Store
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 1 week
- Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months
- Serving tip: Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture
A Festive Baking Favorite
This loaf is a wonderful addition to holiday baking trays and also makes a thoughtful homemade gift. The bright cherries and rich walnuts create a comforting, traditional flavor combination.
Walnut and candied cherry loaf is a simple yet impressive bake filled with festive flavor and comforting texture. Moist, rich, and easy to prepare, it’s a timeless recipe perfect for sharing with family and friends.
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