Prep Time, Bake Time, and Yield

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Bake Time: 55–60 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 16 slices)

Ingredients for Tart Cherry Christmas Bread

• 1 (10-ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate (use reserved cherry juice if desired)
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium)
• 1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts or walnuts

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the pan and oven.
   Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
2. Cream the wet ingredients.
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, eggs, and Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate together for 3–4 minutes, until the mixture looks creamy and slightly lighter in color.
3. Combine dry ingredients.
   In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
4. Bring the batter together.
   Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with the mashed bananas, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Stir just until everything is incorporated and no dry streaks remain.
5. Fold in cherries and nuts.
   Gently stir in the chopped maraschino cherries and chopped macadamia nuts or walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Transfer to the pan.
   Spread the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7. Bake the loaf.
   Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
8. Cool and slice.
   Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then carefully lift it out or turn it onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Chef’s Tips and Easy Variations

• Swap in fresh Michigan cherries. For a more natural twist, substitute Traverse Bay Farms fresh Cherries for the maraschino cherries. Looking for a healthy snack while making this cheerful holiday treat, enjoy some no-added sugar dried cherries. 
• Add a tart cherry glaze. Mix 1 teaspoon Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate with about 1/2 cup powdered sugar. Drizzle over the cooled loaf for extra color and flavor.
• Make mini gift loaves. Divide the batter between smaller loaf pans and reduce the baking time. Wrap cooled mini loaves in parchment and ribbon for easy holiday gifts.
• Plan ahead. Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic and refrigerate for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Nutritional Highlight

While this Tart Cherry Christmas Bread is a holiday treat, it also layers in some better-for-you benefits. Tart cherries provide natural antioxidants, including anthocyanins, while bananas contribute potassium and moisture. Macadamia nuts or walnuts add satisfying texture along with healthy fats that help the bread feel more filling than a typical sweet loaf.

Behind the Recipe

We made this recipe to blend old-fashioned holiday baking with the flavor of Northern Michigan cherries. Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate turns a classic banana bread base into something distinctly regional, with a bright cherry note that feels right at home in our orchard country.

Over the years, customers have told us this loaf reminds them of cozy mornings at the cottage, ski weekends, and Christmas gatherings where a single slice brings back memories of visiting our stores.

What Customers Are Saying

“I baked two loaves for Christmas morning and both disappeared before noon. The tart cherry flavor really stands out.” – Patty S., Grand Rapids, MI

“This has become our traditional neighbor gift. I bake and freeze ahead, then glaze with tart cherry right before delivery.” – Bill P., Columbus, OH

“The balance of sweet banana and tart cherry is perfect. My family requests this instead of regular banana bread now.” – Linda R., Santa Fe, NM

People Also Ask About Tart Cherry Christmas Bread

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?

Yes. Pit and chop fresh cherries, then toss them lightly in a spoonful of flour before adding them to the batter. This helps keep them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf while it bakes.

Can I make this bread ahead for Christmas gifts?

Absolutely. This bread actually tastes better the next day as the flavors blend. Bake, cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic or foil, and store in the refrigerator or freezer until you are ready to gift.

What nuts work best in Tart Cherry Christmas Bread?

Macadamia nuts give a rich, buttery crunch that feels a bit luxurious. Walnuts offer a more rustic, classic holiday taste. Use whichever you prefer or mix both for extra interest.

How do I keep the bread moist and tender?

Avoid overbaking, and remove the loaf from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean. Once it is cool, wrap it well. The bananas and tart cherry juice help keep the crumb soft and moist.

Can I leave out the nuts?

Yes. If you need a nut-free loaf, simply omit the nuts. The bread will still be moist and flavorful thanks to the bananas, cherries, and Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate.

The Traverse Bay Farms Promise

For more than two decades, our family-owned company in Northern Michigan has focused on one thing: creating award-winning superfruit foods you feel good serving. With over 38 national food awards for flavor and quality, we make our products in small batches, using as much Michigan-grown fruit as possible and always sourcing USA cherries for our tart cherry products.

Bring the Tart Cherry Tradition Home

Ready to add a burst of cherry flavor to your holiday baking? Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate is made using as much Michigan-grown fruit as possible and backed by our industry-leading sediment-free