Cherry Heart Bread

Welcome to lovewithrecipes.com, where we’re thrilled to share the delightful and visually appealing “Circle of Hearts Cherry Bread” recipe with you, a quick bread that’s perfect for weeknight indulgence or gatherings with large groups. 🍒🍞

Recipe Name: Circle of Hearts Cherry Bread
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Recipe Category: Quick Breads
Keywords: Breads, Fruit, Weeknight, For Large Groups, Oven, < 4 Hours

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup maraschino cherries
• 1/2 cup maraschino cherry juice
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon reduced-fat margarine (for filling)
• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 16 ounces hot water
• 1 tablespoon reduced-fat margarine (for bread)
• 1 egg
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 2 tablespoons skim milk (for glaze)

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 225.3
• Fat Content: 9.3g
• Saturated Fat Content: 1.9g
• Cholesterol Content: 14mg
• Sodium Content: 453.2mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 31.9g
• Fiber Content: 1g
• Sugar Content: 13.2g
• Protein Content: 3.8g

Recipe Servings: 14

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Filling:

   • In a saucepan, combine maraschino cherries, cherry juice, cornstarch, 1 tablespoon margarine, walnuts, and almond extract.
   • Cook over medium heat until very thick and clear, stirring constantly.
   • Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Prepare Baking Sheet and Custard Cup:

   • Prepare a baking sheet with cooking spray and set aside.
   • Also, prepare a six-ounce custard cup with cooking spray and set aside.

3. Prepare the Bread Dough:

   • In a mixing bowl, combine hot roll mix, foil packet, granulated sugar, hot water, remaining margarine, and egg. Mix well.
   • On a lightly floured surface, shape the dough into a ball and knead for five minutes until smooth.
   • Cover and let it rest for five minutes.

4. Shape and Fill the Dough:

   • Roll the dough into an 18 x 12″ rectangle on a floured surface.
   • Spread the prepared filling over the dough, leaving half an inch at the edges.
   • Roll up the dough tightly, starting with the 18-inch side, and press the edges to seal.
   • Place the rolled dough on the prepared baking sheet, seam side down, and join the ends to form a ring.
   • Insert the prepared custard cup bottom side up in the center of the ring.
   • Pinch the ends of the dough to seal.

5. Create Heart Shapes:

   • Using scissors or a sharp knife, cut from the outside edge of the ring to within half an inch of the inside, making fourteen cuts 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches apart.
   • Turn two cut sections on their sides in opposite directions to form heart shapes. Repeat to make seven hearts.

6. Let the Dough Rise:

   • Cover the dough and let it rise for 30 minutes on a wire rack set over a large pan with hot water added.

7. Bake to Perfection:

   • Preheat the oven to 375°F.
   • Bake for 35 minutes or until golden brown.
   • Carefully remove the custard cup and allow the bread to cool completely.

8. Prepare the Glaze:

   • In a bowl, combine powdered sugar and milk for the glaze.
   • Mix until you achieve a drizzling consistency.
   • Drizzle the glaze over the bread, outlining the heart shapes.

Embrace the sweet aroma and visual allure of the Circle of Hearts Cherry Bread, a delightful creation that combines the rich flavors of maraschino cherries, crunchy walnuts, and a perfectly sweet glaze. Share this masterpiece with your loved ones, and let the hearts intertwine in a celebration of culinary joy. 💖🍒🥖