Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this *Pistachio Cherry Bread*! It’s like a little slice of festive joy that dances on your taste buds! Imagine the sweet, nutty crunch of pistachios mingling with the tart, chewy bursts of dried cherries—seriously, it’s a match made in baking heaven! Whenever I whip up this bread, my kitchen fills with the warm, inviting aroma that just screams cozy gatherings and celebrations. Whether it’s a holiday brunch or a simple afternoon treat, this bread is not only delicious but also so easy to make. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to share it with everyone you know! So, grab your apron and let’s get started on making this sweet, festive delight that’s sure to become a favorite in your home!

Ingredients for Pistachio Cherry Bread

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Each one plays a special role in making this Pistachio Cherry Bread so festive and sweet. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of our bread and gives it that lovely structure. Make sure to spoon and level your flour for accuracy!
1 cup sugar: This adds just the right sweetness. You can adjust a bit if you like it less sweet, but I wouldn’t go too low—trust me!
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Butter brings richness and moisture. Softening it is key for easy mixing and a light texture.
2 large eggs: These will help bind everything together and give our bread a lovely lift!
1/2 cup milk: This adds moisture and a bit of creaminess. You can use any milk you prefer—dairy or non-dairy works beautifully.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Oh, vanilla! It enhances all the sweet flavors and makes everything smell divine.
1 teaspoon baking powder: This is our leavening agent, helping the bread rise and become fluffy. Don’t skip it!
1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance all those wonderful flavors.
1 cup chopped pistachios: These add that delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with cherries.
1 cup dried cherries: Sweet and slightly tart, these guys are the star of the show, bringing bursts of fruity goodness in every slice!

Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a loaf that’s not just tasty but also bursting with festive cheer!

How to Prepare Pistachio Cherry Bread

Now that we’ve gathered all the delicious ingredients, let’s dive into the fun part: making our Pistachio Cherry Bread! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a warm, sweet loaf in no time!

Preheat the Oven

First things first, let’s preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures our bread bakes evenly. You want that nice, warm environment ready to make our batter rise beautifully!

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a light texture in your bread. It incorporates air into the mixture, which helps our loaf rise and gives it that lovely, tender crumb. Trust me, you’ll want to beat it for about 2-3 minutes until it’s just perfect!

Add Eggs and Mix

Next, it’s time to add the eggs! Crack them in one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to ensure that each egg gets fully incorporated into the batter, which is key for a nice, cohesive loaf. You’ll love how smooth and creamy the mixture becomes!

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, let’s combine our 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 everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will ensure our bread stays tender and fluffy. You want to see a few lumps, and that’s totally okay!

Fold in Pistachios and Cherries

Here comes the best part! Gently fold in those chopped pistachios and dried cherries. Use a spatula to carefully mix them in, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter without smashing them. This step is crucial for getting those delightful bursts of flavor in every slice!

Pour and Bake

Finally, pour the batter into a greased loaf pan. Make sure it’s evenly spread out, and then pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Just imagine the glorious aroma filling your kitchen as it bakes! Once it’s done, let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. And there you have it—a beautiful, festive loaf of Pistachio Cherry Bread ready to be sliced and enjoyed!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your Pistachio Cherry Bread turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips that I’ve picked up along the way:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before you start. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures everything mixes together beautifully. Trust me, it makes a difference!
Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense bread, and nobody wants that! A few lumps are perfectly fine.
Chop Your Pistachios and Cherries Evenly: Try to chop the nuts and cherries into similar sizes. This way, they’ll distribute evenly throughout the batter, giving you those delightful bites in every slice!
Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your bread a few minutes before the suggested baking time. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, you’re good to go!
Let It Cool: After baking, let your bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it set and makes it easier to slice without crumbling.
Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to get creative! You can swap in other nuts or dried fruits if you prefer. Just keep the proportions similar to maintain that delightful texture.
Storage Matters: If you have leftovers (which I doubt, because it’s so good!), store your bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage—just slice it first for easy thawing!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll definitely impress everyone with your baking skills. Enjoy making this festive and sweet Pistachio Cherry Bread!

Nutritional Information

Now, I know you’re curious about the numbers behind this delicious Pistachio Cherry Bread! Here’s a quick glance at the estimated nutritional values per slice. Keep in mind, these are just approximations and can vary based on specific brands or ingredients you use:

Calories: 250
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 200mg
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 15g
Protein: 4g

This sweet bread is definitely a treat, but it’s also got some good stuff going on with the nuts and cherries! Enjoy every slice, and remember, moderation is key! Happy baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive Flavor: The delightful combination of pistachios and cherries makes this bread a perfect treat for any celebration or gathering!
Sweet and Satisfying: With just the right amount of sweetness, it’s a delightful indulgence that pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea.
Easy to Make: The straightforward steps mean you can whip this up even on a busy day—no fancy techniques required!
Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors of the cherries and the crunch of the pistachios create a beautiful loaf that’s sure to impress your friends and family.
Great for Gatherings: Whether it’s brunch, potlucks, or holiday celebrations, this bread is a crowd-pleaser that disappears fast!
Perfect for Gifting: Wrap it up nicely, and you’ve got a delightful homemade gift that anyone would love to receive.
Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different nuts or dried fruits to make it your own!

Trust me, once you make this Pistachio Cherry Bread, you’ll find yourself coming back to it time and time again for all your festive occasions!

FAQ Section

Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?

Great question! While you can use fresh cherries, I recommend sticking with dried cherries for this recipe. Dried cherries add a lovely sweetness and chewiness that really complements the bread’s texture. If you do decide to go with fresh cherries, make sure to chop them and reduce the liquid slightly, as fresh fruit contains more moisture. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may vary a bit!

How should I store leftover bread?

To keep your Pistachio Cherry Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, slice it up and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy a slice whenever the craving hits! Just thaw in the fridge overnight, and it’ll be just as delicious as the day you baked it!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely, you can make this bread gluten-free! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum. This will help mimic the texture of traditional flour. I’ve had great success with brands that are specifically designed for baking. Just remember to check the other ingredients to ensure they’re also gluten-free, like baking powder and any add-ins you choose!

Pistachio Cherry Bread: 7 Tips for Sweet Festive Bliss

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Festive and sweet pistachio cherry bread.

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.

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

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