Old-Fashioned Cherry Bread

A traditional cherry bread made with candied cherries, walnuts, and a touch of citron or candied pineapple. This vintage recipe produces a lightly sweet fruit-and-nut loaf that’s lovely for the holidays or served with a cup of tea.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 3/4 cup milk
• 3 large eggs, separated
• 1/4 cup additional granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup candied cherries, chopped
• 1/4 cup citron or candied pineapple, chopped
• 1 cup walnuts, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a standard loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and 1/2 cup sugar.
3. Cut the butter into the flour mixture until crumbly.
4. Stir in the chopped cherries, citron or pineapple, and walnuts.
5. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks and combine with the milk.
6. Add the milk mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until combined.
7. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites, gradually adding the additional 1/4 cup sugar, until stiff peaks form.
8. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter.
9. Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan.
10. Bake for approximately 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Allow to cool before slicing.

Recipe Notes

• Cherries: Candied cherries give this bread its traditional flavor and sweetness.
• Walnuts: Chop them into smaller pieces so they’re distributed throughout the loaf.