This Easy Classic Cherry Bread is a sweet treat that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack. Made with juicy cherries, it’s moist and packed with flavor!
Honestly, the best part is how simple it is to whip up. I love slicing it warm and slathering on a bit of butter—heavenly! 🍒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base of the bread. You can try whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but your bread may turn out denser.
Unsalted butter: I love the rich flavor of butter, but you can use vegetable oil or coconut oil if you prefer a dairy-free option.
Sour cream: It keeps the bread moist and adds a nice tang. If you don’t have sour cream, plain yogurt works well too!
Maraschino cherries: These sweet cherries are key for flavor. If you can’t find them, fresh cherries can work if you pit and chop them, but they won’t be as sweet.
Cherry juice: This adds extra cherry flavor to the bread. If you’re in a pinch, milk can substitute as a liquid, but it won’t have the same taste.
How Do You Get the Perfect Bread Texture?
Mixing technique is important for a light and fluffy texture. Overmixing can make your bread tough, so here are some steps to help ensure success:
- Beat the butter and sugar until fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This air incorporation is crucial!
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined.
- When combining dry and wet ingredients, use a gentle folding motion. You want to keep the air from the butter and eggs.
Remember, it’s okay if a few lumps remain in the batter—it’s better than overmixing!
How to Make 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 baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and finely chopped (reserve some whole cherries for garnish)
- 1/4 cup cherry juice (from the maraschino cherries jar) or milk
For the Cherry Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons cherry juice (or milk)
- Few drops of red food coloring (optional)
- Maraschino cherries for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cherry bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 50-60 minutes to bake. After baking, allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before glazing. Overall, you can plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to enjoying a slice!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This will help the bread come out easily after baking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will ensure they are evenly distributed in the batter. Set this bowl aside for now.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it becomes light and fluffy—this should take about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely flavor.
5. Combine Ingredients:
Now it’s time to combine the wet and dry ingredients. Add the flour mixture alternately with the sour cream and cherry juice. Start and end with the dry ingredients to keep everything well-mixed. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix!
6. Fold in the Cherries:
Gently fold in the finely chopped maraschino cherries. This will add sweetness and a lovely brightness to your bread.
7. Prepare to Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. This helps the bread to rise evenly while baking.
8. Bake the Bread:
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the bread is done.
9. Cool the Bread:
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Make the Cherry Glaze:
In the meantime, prepare the cherry glaze. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and cherry juice until it’s smooth and pourable. If you want a deeper pink color, add a few drops of red food coloring.
11. Drizzle and Garnish:
Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the cherry glaze over the top and garnish with whole maraschino cherries for a beautiful presentation.
12. Serve and Enjoy!
Slice the bread, serve it warm or at room temperature, and enjoy this moist piece of cherry goodness! It’s perfect for breakfast, snacking, or even dessert!
This cherry bread is nicely moist with a burst of cherry flavor, made even more delightful with the cherry glaze on top. Perfect for any occasion or simply when you’re craving something sweet!
FAQ: Easy Classic Cherry Bread
Can I Use Fresh Cherries Instead of Maraschino Cherries?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries! Just make sure to pit and chop them. Keep in mind that fresh cherries might not be as sweet as maraschino cherries, so you may want to adjust the sugar in the recipe if needed.
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 place it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I Make This Bread Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Cherry bread can be made a day in advance. Just let it cool completely, then store it wrapped or in an airtight container. The flavors may even enhance overnight!
What Should I Serve With Cherry Bread?
This cherry bread is delightful on its own, but you can serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet dessert. It also makes a lovely breakfast with a pat of butter!
