Cherry Walnut Chocolate Bread

This dense, moist and chewy chocolate bread with walnuts has become a Christmas tradition. It is perfect for a brunch, for afternoon coffee, or to bring into the office to share as a holiday treat. Nothing says holidays like walnuts and chocolate, and the bright red cherries make it festive.

Yield: 18 slices

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup dried tart cherries
• 6 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 cup, + 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup fat free sour cream or lowfat sour cream
• 1 large, very ripe banana, mashed
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup chopped California walnuts

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Soak dried cherries in very hot water for about 15 minutes and drain thoroughly prior to chopping them. Coarsely chop and set aside.
3. In bowl of electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs until smooth.
5. Beat in sour cream, banana and vanilla until blended.
6. In a separate medium bowl, combine dry ingredients; add to banana mixture beating on low speed until just mixed.
7. Fold in nuts and chopped cherries.
8. Spread batter into 9 x 5 inch loaf pan that has been coated with nonstick spray, and bake for about 1 hour, or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.
9. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then remove from pan and cool completely on wire rack.
10. Store in a sealed plastic bag in refrigerator or freezer.

Nutrition

Per serving: Calories 202 Total Fat 9 Saturated Fat 3 Monounsaturated Fat 2 Polyunsaturated Fat 3 Cholesterol 32 Sodium 101 Carbohydrates 28 Dietary Fiber 3 Protein 4

Attribution

Recipe and photo used with permission from: California Walnuts
Created By Cindy Beberman.