This Easy Classic Cherry Bread is a sweet treat packed with juicy cherries. It’s perfect for breakfast or a fun snack, and the best part? It’s super simple to make!
When I bake this bread, my whole house smells amazing! I love enjoying a slice warm with a little butter. It’s like a hug in bread form. Who could resist that? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: A standard choice for this recipe as it gives structure. If you need gluten-free options, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Maraschino Cherries: These add sweetness and color. You can substitute fresh cherries or frozen cherries for a different flavor profile. Just remember to pit and chop them if using fresh.
Unsalted Butter: I prefer unsalted to control the salt level in baked goods. If you’re using salted butter, simply reduce the added salt to 1/4 teaspoon.
Milk: You can use any milk you have on hand. Almond milk or oat milk can work for a dairy-free version.
How Do I Ensure My Cherry Bread Stays Moist?
Keeping the bread moist is key! Here are some tips:
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding flour. Mix until just combined for a tender texture.
- Make sure to properly drain and pat the cherries dry. Excess moisture can make the bread soggy.
- Let the bread cool completely before glazing to avoid making it wet or heavy.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain moisture.
Easy Classic Cherry Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups chopped maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice or milk
- A few drops of red or pink food coloring (optional)
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Classic Cherry Bread will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 55-65 minutes baking time. After baking, you’ll want to let it cool completely before glazing, which adds about another 30 minutes. In total, expect to spend around 2 hours from start to finish, but most of that is just waiting for it to bake and cool!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This step helps prevent sticking!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Make sure these dry ingredients are well combined, then set them aside. This will help your bread rise beautifully!
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes, and it’s key to getting a good texture in your bread.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for that delicious flavor.
5. Combine the Mixtures:
Next, alternately add the dry flour mixture and the milk to the butter mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined after each addition. Overmixing can lead to tough bread, so just mix until everything is blended!
6. Fold in the Cherries:
Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries. This part is fun—try not to crush them too much while mixing, as you want those lovely bursts of cherry throughout the bread.
7. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to make it nice and even.
8. Bake the Bread:
Pop the bread into your preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, it’s ready to come out!
9. Cooling Time:
Once baked, let the bread cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This should take about 30 minutes. You want it cool so the glaze doesn’t melt right off!
10. Make the Glaze:
While the bread is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and cherry juice (or milk) in a small bowl until smooth. If you want a pop of color, add in a few drops of food coloring.
11. Glaze the Bread:
Once the bread is cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. Feel free to get creative and let it drip down the sides if you like! Top it off with some whole maraschino cherries for a beautiful finish.
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Now, it’s time to slice and serve your delicious cherry bread! It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Enjoy the moist, sweet, cherry-filled goodness!
This bread is not only a delightful treat but also a lovely centerpiece for any gathering! Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect pairing!
FAQ about Easy Classic Cherry Bread
Can I Use Fresh Cherries Instead of Maraschino Cherries?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries can give a lovely flavor, but make sure to pit and chop them before adding. You might want to adjust the sweetness slightly, depending on how tart your fresh cherries are.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains a binding agent like xanthan gum for the best texture!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cherry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to two months. Just thaw it at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it!
Can I Add Nuts or Other Fruits to This Recipe?
Yes, feel free to customize! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch. Just replace part of the cherries with your desired nuts or even add in some blueberries for a mixed fruit bread!
