Grandma’s Chic Cherry Loaf 1968
Description: This delicate and buttery tasting cherry loaf carries the nostalgic flavors of a bygone era. The combination of maraschino cherries, butter, and three extracts creates a rich and indulgent treat that’s perfect for gifting during the holiday season or any special occasion. Plus, it freezes exceptionally well, making it a convenient option for those busy moments when you need a homemade touch without the hassle.
Recipe Category: Quick Breads 🍞
Keywords: Breads, Cherries, Fruit, Canadian, Christmas, Weeknight, Oven, < 4 Hours ⏳
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 3524.6
- Fat Content: 154.9g
- Saturated Fat Content: 93.3g
- Cholesterol Content: 801.2mg
- Sodium Content: 2710mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 494.3g
- Fiber Content: 14g
- Sugar Content: 296.5g
- Protein Content: 44.3g
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 4 cups | All-purpose flour |
| 16 | Maraschino cherries |
| 2 tsp | Baking powder |
| 1 tsp | Salt |
| 1 1/2 cups | Butter |
| 2 cups | Granulated sugar |
| 4 | Eggs |
| 2 tsp | Vanilla extract |
| 1 tsp | Almond extract |
| 1 tsp | Lemon extract |
| 1 cup | Milk (room temperature) |
Instructions
-
Prepare Cherries:
- Drain the maraschino cherries well, then cut them in half and pat them dry thoroughly. This step ensures the cherries don’t release excess moisture into the loaf.
-
Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease and flour two loaf pans. Each pan should have a capacity of approximately 7 cups.
-
Prepare Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution and a smoother texture in the final loaf.
-
Coat Cherries:
- Sprinkle a tablespoon of the flour mixture over the prepared cherries and gently toss them to coat. Coating the cherries in flour helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf during baking.
-
Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step creates a smooth and airy base for the loaf.
-
Incorporate Eggs and Extracts:
- Add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and lemon extract until fully incorporated. These extracts enhance the flavor profile and add depth to the loaf.
-
Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk:
- Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the room temperature milk. Mix until a smooth batter forms, taking care not to overmix.
-
Fold in Cherries:
- Gently fold the floured cherries into the batter until evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense loaf.
-
Bake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 1/2 hours, or until a tester inserted into the center of the loaves comes out clean.
-
Check for Doneness:
- To ensure the loaves are fully baked, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of each loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the loaves are ready. Avoid overbaking to maintain a moist and tender texture.
-
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and serve the cherry loaf on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.
-
Enjoy or Gift:
- Enjoy the nostalgic flavors of Grandma’s Chic Cherry Loaf 1968 with a cup of tea or coffee, or wrap it up neatly in plastic wrap and foil for a thoughtful homemade gift. This delightful loaf is sure to bring joy to anyone who receives it, whether for Christmas, a special occasion, or simply as a sweet gesture of kindness.
