This Easy Classic Cherry Bread is perfect for a cozy morning! With sweet cherries and soft, fluffy bread, it’s a great way to start your day. Plus, the smell while it bakes is pure bliss!
Whenever I make this bread, my family can’t resist the warm, fruity goodness. It makes breakfast feel special—like a little treat to enjoy with coffee or tea. Trust me, you’ll love it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This adds richness to the bread. If you’re out, you can use vegetable oil or coconut oil in a 1:1 ratio. I like using butter for the best flavor!
Milled Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect here, but you can substitute with whole wheat flour for a healthier version. Just note that it may change the texture slightly.
Maraschino Cherries: These give the bread its sweet, fruity flavor. If you prefer a healthier option, you can use fresh or frozen cherries, but make sure to chop and pit them first. It changes the taste a bit, but I love the natural flavor!
Milk: Regular milk works well, but almond milk or oat milk can be good alternatives if you want a dairy-free option!
What’s the Best Way to Cream Butter and Sugar?
Creaming butter and sugar together is a crucial step for fluffy bread. Here’s how to get it right:
- Make sure your butter is soft, but not melted. Left it out for about an hour before baking.
- Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- This process incorporates air into the batter, helping your bread rise and be fluffy!
Don’t rush it! The more air you incorporate, the better your bread will turn out.
How Can I Ensure My Bread is Moist?
To keep your cherry bread moist:
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour. Just fold it in until you see no dry flour.
- Adding milk helps maintain moisture. You can even add an extra tablespoon if the batter seems too thick!
- Letting it cool in the pan initially helps it retain moisture too!
Enjoy every slice of this delightful cherry bread that’s perfect for mornings or as a sweet treat any time of day!
Easy Classic Cherry Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups maraschino cherries, drained and chopped (reserve some whole cherries for garnish)
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice (or milk)
- A few drops of red food coloring (optional)
Time Needed:
This delightful cherry bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 55-65 minutes to bake, plus 15 minutes to cool in the pan. In total, plan for around 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish, with delicious aromas filling your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan so your delicious bread won’t stick!
2. Creaming the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is important for texture, so really mix it well! You can use a hand mixer or just a whisk for this.
3. Adding Eggs and Flavor:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for a lovely aroma and flavor boost!
4. Combining Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder throughout the flour.
5. Mixing the Batter:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined—don’t overdo it!
6. Adding Cherries:
Now for the star of the show! Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries into the batter, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout. It’s going to be colorful!
7. Pouring the Batter:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula for an even bake.
8. Baking Time!
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it toward the end!
9. Cooling:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes. This helps it firm up a bit, making it easier to remove from the pan.
10. Making the Icing:
While the bread cools, whisk together the powdered sugar with maraschino cherry juice (or milk) until smooth. You can adjust the consistency by adding more liquid, and toss in a few drops of red food coloring if you like for a pretty touch.
11. Icing the Bread:
After the bread has cooled completely, drizzle the icing over the top and garnish with whole cherries for that special finishing touch!
12. Slice and Serve:
Finally, slice up your beautiful cherry bread and serve it for breakfast, brunch, or any sweet occasion—enjoy every soft, moist bite filled with cherry goodness!
Great job baking! This cherry bread is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Fresh Cherries Instead of Maraschino Cherries?
Absolutely! Fresh or frozen cherries can be used; just make sure to pit and chop them first. This will give your bread a more natural cherry flavor. Keep in mind that fresh cherries might create a slightly different texture and sweetness compared to maraschino cherries.
How Should I Store Leftover Cherry Bread?
Store any leftover cherry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just make sure to slice it before freezing for easy thawing!
Can I Make This Bread Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just check that the blend contains xanthan gum, or add 1/4 teaspoon to help with the texture. Your bread may vary slightly in texture, but it should still turn out delicious!
How Can I Tell When the Bread is Done Baking?
The best way to check if your cherry bread is done is to insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready! Additionally, the bread should be golden brown on top, and it’ll spring back when lightly pressed.
