Quick Summary
This festive Tart Cherry Christmas Bread combines maraschino cherries, ripe bananas, and crunchy macadamia nuts into one irresistible loaf. A splash of Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate gives it a hint of tang that balances the sweetness — perfect for gifting or Christmas morning brunch.
Published: March 2011 | Updated: September 2025
Chef’s Note
Every December, the Traverse Bay Farms kitchen turns into a holiday workshop of aromas — cinnamon, butter, and cherries in the air. This recipe came from a snowy morning when we tested a twist on classic banana bread using Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate. The result was moist, colorful, and festive, just right for our store holiday open house. We’ve made it every year since, and customers say it’s the bread that tastes like Christmas in Michigan.
Prep & Yield
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Bake Time: 60 minutes
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Yield: 1 loaf (about 16 slices)
Ingredients
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1 (10-ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
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⅓ cup butter, softened
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⅔ cup packed brown sugar
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2 large eggs
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1¾ cups all-purpose flour
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2 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp salt
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1 tbsp Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate (use reserved cherry juice if desired)
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1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium)
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½ cup chopped macadamia nuts or walnuts
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease or line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment.
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In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, eggs, and Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate for 3–4 minutes, until creamy.
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In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Add flour mixture to wet ingredients alternately with mashed bananas, starting and ending with flour.
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Stir in chopped cherries and nuts until evenly distributed.
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Spread batter into prepared pan.
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Bake 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Chef’s Tips & Variations
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Substitute Traverse Bay Farms Dried Cherries for maraschino cherries for a natural twist.
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Add a drizzle of tart cherry glaze by mixing 1 tsp Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate with ½ cup powdered sugar.
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Wrap cooled loaves in plastic and refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutritional Highlight
This loaf delivers a balance of sweet, tart, and nutty — the natural antioxidants of tart cherries meet the healthy fats of macadamias and potassium from bananas.
Behind the Recipe
We love how this recipe bridges old-fashioned holiday baking with Traverse Bay Farms innovation. Using our Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate turns a classic banana bread into a Michigan-inspired masterpiece.
People Also Ask
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?
Yes — just pit and chop them, then toss lightly in flour before adding.
Can I make this bread ahead for Christmas gifts?
Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
What nuts work best?
Macadamias give a buttery crunch, but walnuts add a nice rustic flavor.
How do I keep the bread moist?
Wrap tightly in plastic once cool — banana keeps it naturally tender.
Bring the Taste Home
Add Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate to your holiday baking for a burst of festive cherry flavor. Made using as much Michigan-grown fruit as possible and trusted nationwide for its sediment-free guarantee and rich taste.
