This Easy Classic Cherry Bread is a bright and fruity treat that’s hard to resist! It’s soft, sweet, and filled with juicy cherries that make every bite delightful.
I love serving it warm with a bit of butter on top. It’s perfect for breakfast or a fun snack—just be careful, you might eat the whole loaf in one sitting! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your bread. If you need a gluten-free option, consider using a gluten-free all-purpose blend as a substitute.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for controlling the salt levels. You can substitute with margarine or a plant-based butter if dairy-free is what you need.
Maraschino Cherries: These add flavor and color. If you want a twist, try using fresh cherries instead! Just make sure to pit and chop them first.
Milk: Any milk works, even almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option. Whole milk makes this bread extra moist!
How Do I Make My Cherry Bread Extra Moist and Fluffy?
Getting that perfect texture takes a few steps. Make sure your butter is softened, as this helps to incorporate air when you cream it with sugar.
- When adding ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense.
- Also, folding in the cherries gently helps keep the batter fluffy.
- Remember to check doneness with a toothpick. It should come out clean but not too dry!
These steps will ensure you have a light and moist cherry bread that everyone will love!
Easy Classic Cherry Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
- 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice (from the jar)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
For Garnish:
- Whole maraschino cherries with stems
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and 50-60 minutes to bake. After that, let the bread cool for some time before you add the glaze. Overall, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 15 minutes, plus cooling time before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease and flour a loaf pan to prevent your bread from sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This will ensure your bread rises nicely and has even flavor throughout.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. It’ll help create a tender texture!
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract until just combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour mixture into the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix!
6. Incorporate the Cherries:
Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and the cherry juice into the batter. This will give the bread that lovely cherry flavor and color!
7. Bake the Bread:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool Down:
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent a soggy bottom!
9. Prepare the Glaze:
While waiting for the bread to cool, you can make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and cherry juice until smooth and slightly runny.
10. Add Glaze and Garnish:
Once the bread is cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. For a pretty presentation, you can add whole maraschino cherries on top as garnish. It looks festive and delicious!
11. Slice and Serve:
Now, slice the bread into pieces and enjoy your moist, vibrant cherry bread! Perfect for sharing with family and friends, or simply treating yourself.
FAQ for Easy Classic Cherry Bread
Can I Use Frozen Cherries Instead of Maraschino Cherries?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries! Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before chopping and adding them to the batter. This will prevent the bread from becoming overly moist.
How Should I Store Leftover Cherry Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn, and it should last up to 3 months.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that your baking powder is also gluten-free!
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Bread?
If you’d like a less sweet bread, you can reduce the sugar to ½ cup instead of ¾ cup. Keep in mind that the sweetness balances the tartness of the cherries, so adjust according to your taste preference!
