Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite festive treat: Pistachio Cherry Bread! This sweet delight is not just a loaf; it’s a celebration in itself! Every time I whip up a batch, I can practically hear the holiday bells ringing. The combination of crunchy pistachios and chewy cherries creates a flavor explosion that’s just perfect for any gathering. I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering—everyone was raving about it, and I felt like a rock star in the kitchen! Trust me, once you take a slice, you’ll be hooked on its festive charm!
Ingredients for Pistachio Cherry Bread
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this festive and sweet Pistachio Cherry Bread a success. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the backbone of our bread, providing structure and a soft crumb.
- 1 cup sugar: For that sweet touch that balances the nutty pistachios and tart cherries.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture, making the bread wonderfully tender.
- 2 large eggs: They help bind everything together and contribute to the bread’s lovely texture.
- 1/2 cup milk: This adds moisture and helps create a soft, fluffy loaf.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor, making it even more delightful.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This is our leavening agent, helping the bread rise to perfection!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
- 1 cup chopped pistachios: These add a wonderful crunch and a beautiful green hue to the bread.
- 1 cup dried cherries: They provide a lovely burst of sweetness and a chewy texture that complements the nuts.
With these ingredients, you’re well on your way to baking something truly special. Each component plays a vital role, so don’t skip any of them! Happy baking!
How to Prepare Pistachio Cherry Bread
Now, let’s get to the fun part—making this gorgeous Pistachio Cherry Bread! It’s all about the process, and I promise you’ll enjoy every step. Ready? Let’s go!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because a hot oven helps the bread rise evenly, giving you that fluffy texture we all crave. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Next, grab a mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial because it adds air to the mixture, which is key for a light, tender bread. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks pale and has a nice creamy texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Mix
Now, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures everything gets fully incorporated and helps create that perfect, moist crumb. Don’t rush this step; give it a good mix!
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are totally fine! Overmixing can lead to a dense bread, and we want it light and airy!
Step 5: Fold in Pistachios and Cherries
Now comes the fun part—fold in those beautiful pistachios and dried cherries! Use a spatula to gently combine them into the batter, making sure they’re evenly distributed. Folding helps maintain the airiness of your batter, so take your time with this step.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and pop it in the oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end—oven times may vary! Once it’s done, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step helps set the texture, making it easier to slice!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Pistachio Cherry Bread turns out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, be sure your butter is softened but not melted—this helps achieve that lovely creamy texture when creaming with sugar. Next, I recommend measuring your flour accurately; too much can make the bread dense, so spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off. Also, if you want an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a splash of almond extract along with the vanilla. Lastly, let the bread cool completely before slicing; this ensures clean cuts and a perfect texture. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information for Pistachio Cherry Bread
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness of this delightful Pistachio Cherry Bread! Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying in each slice. Here’s the breakdown:
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 200mg
This bread is a treat, so enjoy it as part of a balanced diet! The combination of pistachios and cherries not only adds flavor but also a bit of nutrition, making it a festive indulgence you can feel good about. Yum!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Flavor: The combination of pistachios and cherries creates a beautiful, vibrant bread that screams celebration!
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip this up with confidence.
- Deliciously Sweet: Each slice is packed with sweetness and a delightful crunch, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
- Perfect for Sharing: This loaf is ideal for gatherings, making it a great treat to share with family and friends.
- Versatile Enjoyment: Enjoy it warm, at room temperature, or even toasted with a bit of butter for an extra treat!
- Beautiful Presentation: Its lovely colors and texture make it a stunning centerpiece on any holiday table.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Pistachio Cherry Bread properly will keep it fresh and delicious for days! Once the bread has completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This will help maintain its moisture and prevent it from drying out. You can store it at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the bread! Just slice it first, then wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll stay good for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight or pop it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
For the best texture, I recommend reheating slices in the toaster or oven. This will help bring back that lovely, fresh-baked taste while giving you a nice crispy crust. Just remember, it’s best enjoyed warm, so don’t be shy about giving it a quick reheat before digging in!
FAQ About Pistachio Cherry Bread
Got questions about this delightful Pistachio Cherry Bread? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries and my answers to help you make the most of this festive treat.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries can add a burst of juiciness, but they may alter the moisture level in the bread. If you go this route, consider reducing the milk slightly to balance it out.
What if I don’t have pistachios?
No problem! You can swap them out for any nut you love—walnuts or almonds work wonderfully too. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change a bit, but it’ll still be delicious!
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes! You can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. I’ve had great success with it, and it still tastes fantastic!
How should I serve this bread?
Serve it warm, at room temperature, or even slightly toasted with some butter for a decadent treat. It’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack anytime!
Can I add other fruits?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in other dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for an added twist. The more colorful, the better!
How long does the bread stay fresh?
If stored correctly, this Pistachio Cherry Bread will stay fresh for about 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge. It’s perfect for making ahead for festive gatherings!
What’s the best way to freeze leftovers?
Slice the bread and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy just one slice at a time whenever the craving hits!
Got any other questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m here to help! Enjoy your baking adventure with this sweet and festive loaf!
Print
Pistachio Cherry Bread: 7 Steps to Festive Delight
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Festive and sweet pistachio cherry bread.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pistachios
- 1 cup dried cherries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Stir in milk and vanilla.
- In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in pistachios and cherries.
- Pour batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before slicing.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Add extra cherries for more sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Pistachio Cherry Bread, festive bread, sweet bread