This Easy Classic Cherry Bread is a joyful treat! It combines sweet cherries and soft bread, making it a perfect snack or breakfast option. It’s super simple to make, so you’ll be enjoying it in no time.
Whenever I bake this bread, my kitchen smells amazing! I love to toast a slice and spread a little butter on top—so yummy! Give it a shot, and your taste buds will thank you! 🍒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for this recipe since it allows you to control the saltiness. If you want a lower-fat option, you can substitute with applesauce, which keeps the bread moist and adds a hint of apple flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Regular granulated sugar is used for sweetness. You can use coconut sugar for a slightly different taste, or for a healthier option, try honey or maple syrup. Just remember to adjust the wet ingredients accordingly!
Eggs: Eggs help to bind the ingredients together and add moisture. If you’re looking for an egg-free version, you can use flaxseed meal (1 tbsp ground flax mixed with 3 tbsp water for each egg) for a similar binding effect.
Cherries: Maraschino cherries give a nice pop of flavor and color. Fresh cherries can be a great substitute, just chop and pit them. You can also use canned cherry pie filling in a pinch—just drain some of the liquid!
How Do You Ensure a Moist and Fluffy Bread?
To achieve that perfect moist and fluffy texture, it’s all about the mixing process! Start by creaming the butter and sugar well. This incorporates air into the batter, helping it rise nicely.
- When adding the dry ingredients, do it gradually and mix gently. Overmixing can make the bread tough.
- Make sure to not skip the resting step after baking! Cooling it in the pan for just 10 minutes helps it set and retain moisture before moving to a wire rack.
How to Make Easy Classic Cherry Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries (drain well and pat dry with paper towels)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp maraschino cherry juice
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cherry bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 50-60 minutes to bake. After baking, let it cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. In total, plan for about 1.5 hours from start to enjoying your tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is important for even baking. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure that your bread doesn’t stick.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a mixer or a sturdy spoon to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes a couple of minutes and is key for a nice texture!
3. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture should look smooth and creamy.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps incorporate air into the flour, which is great for the bread’s rise!
5. Combine the Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start with a little flour mixture, then a splash of milk, and repeat until everything is combined. Be gentle and mix just until it’s all together—overmixing can make the bread tough.
6. Fold in the Cherries:
Carefully fold in the chopped maraschino cherries into the batter. This adds sweetness and a lovely burst of cherry flavor throughout the bread!
7. Pour the Batter:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
8. Bake the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the 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, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then carefully remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Prepare the Glaze:
In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar with maraschino cherry juice. Mix until you reach a drizzle consistency that can easily be poured over the bread.
11. Drizzle & Garnish:
Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. Finish off with whole maraschino cherries on top for an extra festive touch!
12. Slice & Enjoy:
Now it’s time to slice your delicious cherry bread and enjoy! Whether for breakfast, snack time, or dessert, this lovely treat is sure to delight!
FAQ About Easy Classic Cherry Bread
Can I Use Fresh Cherries Instead of Maraschino Cherries?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries can be a delicious alternative. Just wash, pit, and chop them before folding them into the batter. You may want to reduce the sugar slightly if the fresh cherries are sweet.
Can I Make This Bread Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is designed for baking. Just ensure that the blend has binding agents, or you might want to add a little xanthan gum for the best texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Cherry Bread?
Store leftover cherry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw before enjoying!
Can I Add Nuts to This Recipe?
Yes! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans would add a nice crunch and flavor. Just fold in about 1/2 cup with the cherries for added texture.
