This Easy Classic Cherry Bread is fruity and delightful! With sweet cherries mixed into soft, fluffy bread, it makes a great snack or breakfast treat.
Baking this bread always fills my kitchen with a lovely smell. I love to enjoy a slice warm with butter. Can you even resist that cherry goodness? 🍒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for your bread, giving it structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute it with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Maraschino cherries: These add a sweet cherry flavor. If you want a fresher taste, you can use fresh or frozen cherries, just make sure to pit and chop them. If cherries aren’t available, you could try dried fruits like cranberries.
Butter: Unsalted butter is great for controlling the saltiness. You can swap it with coconut oil or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free option. I’ve tried both, and they work well!
Granulated sugar: Regular sugar keeps the bread sweet, but you can replace it with brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Alternatively, try coconut sugar for a healthier twist.
How Do I Cream Butter and Sugar Properly?
Creaming butter and sugar is a vital step for light, airy bread. Here’s a simple way to do it:
- Use room temperature butter so it mixes easily with sugar.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 30 seconds.
- Gradually add the sugar while mixing. Continue to beat for 2-4 minutes until it’s light in color and fluffy.
- This process incorporates air, which helps your bread rise well.
Why Should I Use the Right Baking Technique?
For best results, follow these baking tips:
- Preheat your oven! This ensures even cooking and helps with rising.
- Don’t open the oven door while baking. It can cause the bread to sink.
- Test for doneness at the minimum baking time. Insert a toothpick or knife in the middle – it should come out clean.
Using these key ingredients and techniques will help you create a delightful cherry bread that everyone will love! Enjoy baking!
Easy Classic Cherry Bread Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 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 cherries for garnish)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons reserved maraschino cherry juice
- A few drops of red food coloring (optional, for a pink tint)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then you’ll need to bake it for approximately 50-60 minutes. After baking, allow your cherry bread to cool for another 10 minutes in the pan and fully on a wire rack. Total time including cooling is around 1 hour and 30 minutes!
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 to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt throughout the flour. Set this mixture aside for now.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Beat them together on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
It’s time to add the eggs! Beat them in one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. This keeps the mixture creamy and well-combined.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients and Milk:
Now, gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Start and end with the flour. Mix just until everything is combined; avoid over-mixing to keep your bread nice and fluffy!
6. Fold in the Cherries:
Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries with a spatula or spoon, making sure they’re evenly spread throughout the batter.
7. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to smooth the top evenly.
8. Bake the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come 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. Then, gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This part is important for the bread to set properly!
10. Make the Glaze:
While the bread is cooling, prepare the glaze! In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, reserved cherry juice, and food coloring (if you’re using it) until smooth and creamy.
11. Drizzle and Decorate:
After the bread has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Feel free to get creative! Add whole maraschino cherries on top to make it look extra special.
12. Slice and Serve:
Allow the glaze to set for a little while before slicing into your delicious cherry bread. Serve it warm or at room temperature and enjoy every bite!
Happy baking! Enjoy your moist, flavorful cherry bread with a sweet cherry glaze! 🍒
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Fresh Cherries Instead of Maraschino Cherries?
Absolutely! Fresh or frozen cherries can be used in place of maraschino cherries. Just be sure to pit and chop them before folding them into the batter. Fresh cherries will give you a more natural flavor, but may require a bit more sugar depending on their tartness.
Can I Make This Bread Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! The cherry bread can be made a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep it longer, slice it and freeze the individual pieces, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover cherry bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for a week. Just be sure to let it come back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture!
Can I Add Nuts or Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can add a lovely crunch to your cherry bread. You could also mix in chocolate chips or coconut flakes for an extra twist. Just be mindful of the additional moisture and adjust your baking time accordingly if needed!
