If you’re on the hunt for a showstopping treat that’s as cheerful as it is delicious, let me introduce you to Cherry Bread. This recipe brings together fluffy, golden quick bread with vibrant maraschino cherries speckled throughout each slice, creating a beautiful, bake-shop-worthy loaf you can make right at home. Every bite strikes a perfect balance between rich, buttery flavor and bursts of sweet cherries, making this the kind of recipe you’ll want to bake for every brunch, holiday, or simply when you need a pick-me-up. Cherry Bread is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration in every slice!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how simple ingredients come together to make something so delightful! Each component in this Cherry Bread recipe serves a purpose, enhancing the flavor, tenderness, and eye-catching color in every bite.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, giving our loaf a soft yet sturdy structure.
- Baking powder: Adds lift and ensures a light, airy crumb.
- Baking soda: Teams up with the sour cream for a perfectly tender texture.
- Salt: A must for balancing sweetness and highlighting the cherry flavor.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Brings richness and moisture; using unsalted lets you control the overall saltiness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread just right and helps it bake to a lovely golden crust.
- Large eggs: Bind the mixture together and add richness.
- Sour cream: The secret to an incredibly moist crumb.
- Milk: Loosens the batter for the perfect pourable consistency.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth without overshadowing the cherries.
- Chopped maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry): Offer bright color and fruity sweetness—make sure they’re dry to prevent sogginess.
- Chopped nuts (optional): For those who love a little crunch (pecans or walnuts work beautifully here).
- Maraschino cherry juice: Infuses the whole loaf with cherry flavor and a hint of rosy color.
How to Make Cherry Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C); a properly hot oven ensures your Cherry Bread rises beautifully. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan so nothing sticks and you get that perfect golden crust. Don’t skip this step—it’s the key to easy unmolding later!
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly, which translates to a loaf that rises consistently and has a lovely, even crumb.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Grab a large bowl and cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step adds air, making the Cherry Bread extra tender and giving it that irresistible bakery texture we all love.
Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Flavors
Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream, milk, vanilla extract, and maraschino cherry juice until everything is smooth and well blended. These ingredients are what make Cherry Bread moist and flavorful at every turn.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, gently mixing until just combined. Overmixing can toughen the loaf, so stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour.
Step 6: Fold in Cherries (and Nuts!)
With a spatula, fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and nuts (if you’re using them). Make sure the cherries are well-dried—too much moisture is the enemy of a beautifully baked loaf. Every slice will look like a stained glass window!
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes—or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs. The aroma of Cherry Bread filling your kitchen is a real treat!
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
After baking, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, remove it and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This extra patience ensures every slice comes out clean and pretty.
How to Serve Cherry Bread
Garnishes
Gussy it up with a simple dusting of powdered sugar, or drizzle a quick glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash more cherry juice for color and shine. A scattering of extra chopped cherries or sliced almonds on top can make each slice look bakery-stunning.
Side Dishes
Cherry Bread is pure joy on its own, but for brunch or tea, pair it with creamy vanilla yogurt, a platter of fresh berries, or even a dollop of whipped cream. A hot cup of coffee or a gently brewed black tea makes it taste even more comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
This loaf presents beautifully sliced on a pretty platter, but consider toasting it lightly and spreading with soft butter for a cozy breakfast. For festive occasions, serve cubes of Cherry Bread as part of a dessert charcuterie board alongside truffles and chocolates!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Cherry Bread tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container. It will stay moist and flavorful at room temperature for two to three days. If you’re in a humid climate, refrigerate to extend freshness, just bring to room temperature before serving.
Freezing
Cherry Bread freezes beautifully! Wrap the entire loaf or individual slices securely in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. It will keep for up to three months—just be sure to label with the date for best results.
Reheating
To enjoy that just-baked goodness, gently rewarm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven for a touch of crispness. Let thaw at room temperature if frozen, then reheat as desired for a cozy breakfast or snack.
FAQs
Can I use fresh or frozen cherries instead of maraschino?
Absolutely! Fresh or frozen cherries give a more natural flavor and color. Just be sure to chop and pat them thoroughly dry to avoid excess moisture, which can make your Cherry Bread soggy.
What type Dessert
Pecans and walnuts are classic choices, offering both crunch and flavor. You can skip them if you prefer a nut-free loaf; the Cherry Bread will still be moist and packed with flavor.
How do I prevent the cherries from sinking to the bottom?
Toss your chopped cherries with a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps suspend them evenly throughout the bread, creating that beautiful marbled effect in every slice.
Can I make Cherry Bread dairy-free?
Certainly! Substitute the butter with non-dairy margarine, use a non-dairy sour cream and milk alternative. The bread stays tender and flavorful, so everyone can enjoy a slice.
Is it necessary to glaze the Cherry Bread?
Not at all! The bread is delicious all by itself, but a simple glaze or dusting of powdered sugar makes it extra festive and adds a bit of sweetness and color.
Final Thoughts
Cherry Bread is pure happiness in loaf form, and I can’t wait for you to try it yourself. Whether you bake it for a gathering, a special morning, or just because, it’s sure to brighten your day and win raves from anyone who gets a slice. Don’t be surprised if it disappears quickly—this is one recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
Cherry Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet and fruity flavors of this delicious Cherry Bread. Moist and flavorful, this bread is perfect for breakfast or as a delightful dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups chopped maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan. In a medium bowl, combine the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar, then add eggs, sour cream, milk, vanilla, and cherry juice.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in cherries and nuts. Pour into the loaf pan.
- Bake: Bake for 55–65 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure cherries are well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the bread.
- You can use fresh or frozen cherries as an alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
