This Easy Classic Cherry Bread is a lovely treat that brings a splash of color to your table! It’s made with fresh cherries, flour, sugar, and a hint of vanilla for sweetness.
Picture biting into soft, cherry-filled bread with that delightful sweet scent. I enjoy it warm with a bit of butter—it’s like a cozy hug for your taste buds! 🍒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted butter: I always go for unsalted butter to control the saltiness of my bread. If you have salted butter, just skip the added salt in the recipe.
Granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and moisture. You could use brown sugar for a deeper flavor or coconut sugar as a healthier alternative.
Eggs: Essential for binding. If you’re looking for a vegan option, you can use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed and 2.5 tablespoons water per egg, mixed and set for a few minutes).
Maraschino cherries: They provide a sweet cherry flavor. You can substitute with fresh cherries (de-stoned and chopped) or frozen cherries that have been thawed, just ensure they’re patted dry!
How Can I Ensure My Cherry Bread is Moist and Fluffy?
Getting the right texture in your cherry bread might be tricky, but it all comes down to mixing and baking techniques.
- Don’t overmix the batter; combine gently to keep the bread fluffy.
- Be precise with your measuring, especially for flour. Too much can make the bread dense.
- Make sure your oven is fully pre-heated to ensure even baking.
- Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean. If not, bake a little longer.
Trust me, the time taken here is well worth it for a moist and fluffy bread!
Easy Classic Cherry Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry)
Optional Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons cherry juice or milk
- 3-4 maraschino cherries for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for prep and about 50-60 minutes for baking. After that, let the bread cool for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Altogether, you can enjoy this delightful cherry bread in under 1.5 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step to ensure even baking. While it warms up, grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. It should look pale and airy.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract. This will add a beautiful flavor to your bread!
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent and salt in the batter.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Alternately add the dry flour mixture and the milk to the wet ingredients, starting with the flour and ending with the flour. This keeps your mixture smooth and helps to avoid lumps. Mix just until combined—no need to overdo it!
6. Fold in the Cherries:
Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries. You want to see lovely bits of cherries throughout the dough, so be careful not to overmix!
7. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and use a spatula to smooth the top out. It’s looking good already!
8. Bake the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Keep a close eye on it; you’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool the Bread:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important for texture!
10. Make the Glaze:
While the bread cools, you can make your glaze. Mix the powdered sugar with cherry juice or milk until smooth. This will give your cherry bread a pretty and tasty finish.
11. Serve:
Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. For a delightful touch, top with whole maraschino cherries. Now, it’s ready to slice and serve! Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container.
Enjoy your moist, flavorful cherry bread with its lovely pink glaze and chunks of bright cherries throughout! Perfect for breakfast or as a delightful afternoon treat!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Fresh Cherries Instead of Maraschino Cherries?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries can be used in place of maraschino cherries. Just be sure to pit and chop them, then let them dry slightly to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
How Should I Store Leftover Cherry Bread?
Store any leftover cherry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy!
What Can I Substitute for Milk in This Recipe?
If you need a dairy-free alternative, you can use almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Unsweetened varieties work best for maintaining flavor balance.
How Do I Know When the Bread is Done Baking?
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your cherry bread is ready to be removed from the oven!
