This Classic Cherry Bread is a sweet treat packed with juicy cherries. It’s soft, fluffy, and perfect for breakfast or a snack any time of the day!
Making this bread is super easy! I love the burst of cherry flavor in every bite—it’s almost like a little piece of sunshine on my plate. You can enjoy it plain or slather with butter. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base of the bread. If you want to make it a bit healthier, consider using whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend. However, the texture may differ slightly!
Maraschino cherries: These bright red cherries add sweetness and moisture. You could use fresh cherries when in season or frozen cherries. Just ensure that frozen ones are patted dry before adding to avoid excess moisture.
Butter: Unsalted butter is used here for precise control over salt levels. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil or vegan butter will work well too.
Milk: I love using whole milk for that extra richness, but almond milk or oat milk can easily be substituted for a non-dairy version.
How Do I Achieve the Best Texture for My Cherry Bread?
Getting the right texture in cherry bread comes from combining wet and dry ingredients well, but not overdoing it. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by creaming the butter and sugar properly; this adds air for fluffiness.
- When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you see no dry flour. This helps keep it tender.
- Fold in those glazed cherries gently to maintain the batter’s lightness.
- Don’t forget to toss cherries in flour! This simple step keeps them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
By following these tips, your cherry bread will have a soft, moist crumb with wonderful bursts of flavor!
Classic Cherry Bread Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups maraschino cherries, drained and chopped (reserve some whole for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for tossing with cherries)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) for added crunch
- Optional glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons cherry juice or milk
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 55-65 minutes of baking time. Don’t forget to let your bread cool for about 15 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. All in all, you’ll have a delicious cherry bread ready in about an hour and a half!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×5 inch loaf pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper. This makes removing the bread later much easier!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and ensure that your bread rises nicely. Once mixed, set this bowl aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Creaming incorporates air, which will give your bread a light texture.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
One at a time, beat in the eggs, making sure each one is well incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
5. Combine the Mixtures:
Now, alternate adding the dry flour mixture and the milk into the butter mixture. Start with a bit of the flour, add some milk, and continue until everything is combined, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently to avoid over-mixing, which can make the bread dense.
6. Prepare the Cherries:
In a small bowl, toss the chopped maraschino cherries (and nuts if you’re using them) in 1 tablespoon of flour. This step helps keep the cherries from sinking to the bottom of the loaf during baking.
7. Fold in the Cherries:
Gently fold the flour-coated cherries into your batter. Be careful not to smash them—just mix until they’re evenly distributed!
8. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. If you have reserved some whole cherries, place them decoratively on top.
9. Bake Your Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. Yours is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top of your bread is browning too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil during the last 20 minutes of baking.
10. Cool Down:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Add the Glaze (Optional):
If you want a sweet finish, mix the powdered sugar with cherry juice or milk until you reach your desired consistency, and drizzle it over the cooled bread.
12. Slice and Enjoy:
Once your bread is cool, slice it up and enjoy it on its own or with a spread of butter for an extra delicious treat!
Enjoy your fresh, moist, and flavorful Classic Cherry Bread!
Can I Use Fresh Cherries Instead of Maraschino Cherries?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries can be used for a more natural taste. Just make sure to pit them and chop them up. You may want to add a bit of sugar to your batter since fresh cherries are less sweet than maraschino cherries.
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but keep in mind the texture will be denser. If you’re gluten-free, a gluten-free flour blend can work as well, although the consistency may vary.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cherry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it fresh longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze slices for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before freezing!
What’s the Best Way to Reheat the Bread?
To reheat your cherry bread, you can warm slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or place them in a toaster oven at a low setting. This will help restore some of the freshness and make it taste delicious again!