This Easy Classic Cherry Bread is perfect for cozy mornings! With sweet cherries and a soft, fluffy texture, it’s a hit at breakfast or brunch. Plus, it fills your kitchen with a wonderful smell!
I love having a slice with my coffee—it makes me feel warm and happy! It’s super easy to whip up, so I can enjoy it fresh and warm before my day gets busy. What’s not to love? ☕🍒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the main structure for your bread. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead. Just make sure it has xanthan gum for texture!
Maraschino Cherries: These are sweet and colorful, making your bread pop! If you can’t find them, you can substitute with fresh pitted cherries, but chop them finely and reduce the amount of sugar slightly.
Sour Cream or Yogurt: This adds moisture and richness. For a lighter version, use low-fat yogurt, or for a dairy-free option, try coconut yogurt. Both will work well in this recipe!
Nuts: Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch, but if you’re nut-free, feel free to leave them out or replace with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a different texture.
How Do I Ensure My Cherry Bread is Moist and Fluffy?
The secret to moist and fluffy cherry bread is in the mixing! After cream the butter and sugar, add eggs one at a time, and don’t over-mix once you add the flour. Over-mixing can lead to dense bread, so mix just until combined.
- Make sure to properly cream your butter and sugar to incorporate air.
- Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing.
- Don’t skip the pat-dry step for cherries; excess moisture can affect texture.
Take your time and enjoy the process, and you’ll have a delightful loaf to share (or keep all to yourself)! This cherry bread is not just a treat; it’s a warm hug in bread form!
Easy Classic Cherry Bread
Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry)
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or pecans)
- For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons cherry juice or milk
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cherry bread recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 55-65 minutes to bake. Make sure to let the bread cool for 10 minutes in the pan and then allow it to cool completely on a rack before adding the delicious glaze. In total, you’re looking at about 1.5 hours from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing and flouring a 9×5-inch loaf pan helps the bread come out easily later. Get that ready before you start mixing!
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will help make sure everything is well combined before you add it to the wet ingredients.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step helps create a nice texture for your bread.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract until everything is well combined and smooth.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Now, you’ll add the flour mixture and sour cream alternately to the creamed mixture. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined—don’t overdo it!
6. Fold in Cherries and Nuts:
Gently fold in the finely chopped maraschino cherries and nuts if you’re using them. Be careful not to overmix, you want those juicy cherries to be distributed evenly.
7. Pour and Bake:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing by this point!
8. Cool and Glaze:
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. While it’s cooling, you can make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and cherry juice (or milk) until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread.
9. Garnish and Serve:
For the final touch, garnish the top with whole maraschino cherries. Now, it’s time to slice up this delightful cherry bread and enjoy it with a warm cup of coffee or tea. Perfect for cozy mornings!
Enjoy the sweet, fruity, moist cherry bread, and savor the comforting start to your day!
FAQ about Easy Classic Cherry Bread
Can I Use Frozen Cherries Instead of Maraschino Cherries?
Absolutely! If you prefer frozen cherries, make sure to thaw them first and drain excess moisture to avoid a soggy bread. Chop them into small pieces, just like you would with fresh cherries!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover cherry bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and place it in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Make This Recipe Without Eggs?
Yes! You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1/4 cup of yogurt for a vegan option. Additionally, you can use flaxseed meal by mixing 1 tablespoon of flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, letting it sit for a few minutes until it thickens.
What Pantry Substitutes Can I Use for the Glaze?
If you don’t have cherry juice, you can use lemon juice, orange juice, or milk instead for the glaze. Just adjust the flavor to your liking and mix until smooth!
