This easy classic cherry bread is a sweet treat packed with plump cherries and topped with a golden crust. It’s perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Baking this bread makes your kitchen smell amazing! I love slicing it warm and spreading a bit of butter. It’s a simple joy I always look forward to. 🍒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the bread a rich flavor. If you prefer a lower-fat version, you could use applesauce or Greek yogurt in place of half the butter for moisture without the added fat.
Sour Cream: Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang. You can substitute it with plain yogurt or buttermilk for a similar texture and flavor.
Maraschino Cherries: These cherries add sweetness and fun color. If unavailable, fresh cherries can be used when in season. Just make sure to chop them finely, and you may want to reduce the sugar a little.
Granulated Sugar: For a twist, try using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper flavor. You can also use a sugar substitute if you’re looking to cut down on sugar.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Cherry Bread Texture?
One key to a fluffy cherry bread is careful mixing. Start by creaming the butter and sugar well until it’s light and fluffy. This incorporates air into the batter for a light texture.
- Mix the wet ingredients well, then add the dry ingredients gradually. This way, you won’t overmix.
- When adding cherries, fold them gently; this keeps the batter airy and prevents it from becoming dense.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready!
Letting the bread cool in the pan initially helps it set, ensuring it won’t fall apart when you transfer it to a wire rack. Enjoy your lovely cherry bread! 🍞
Easy Classic Cherry Bread
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries (drained well and patted dry)
For Cherry Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice (or milk)
- Optional: a few drops of red food coloring for a brighter pink glaze
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
Time Needed:
This delicious cherry bread requires about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus 50-60 minutes for baking, and a little time for cooling and glazing. Overall, plan for around 1.5 to 2 hours from start to finish, but most of that time is just waiting for the bread to bake and cool!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is well incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract to add that wonderful flavor!
4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, giving your bread a light texture.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Next, gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix!
6. Fold in the Cherries:
Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries. This will add pops of sweet flavor throughout the bread.
7. Pour Batter into Pan:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. This helps it bake evenly.
8. Bake the Bread:
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, your bread is ready!
9. Cool the Bread:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Prepare the Cherry Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and cherry juice (or milk) until the mixture is smooth. Add a few drops of food coloring if you like a brighter glaze.
11. Drizzle the Glaze:
Once the cherry bread is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. Feel free to let it drip down the sides for a nice presentation!
12. Garnish and Serve:
Top the glazed bread with whole maraschino cherries for an extra touch. Let the glaze set for a few minutes, then slice and enjoy your delightful cherry bread!
Enjoy your moist, sweet cherry bread with a lovely cherry glaze topping! Happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Fresh Cherries Instead of Maraschino Cherries?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries can be a great substitute. Just make sure to pit and chop them finely. You may want to reduce the sugar slightly since fresh cherries can be less sweet than 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 place it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Check that the blend contains xanthan gum, which helps give the bread structure. Baking times may vary slightly, so check for doneness with a toothpick.
How Can I Enhance the Flavor of the Cherry Bread?
To add extra flavor, consider incorporating a teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla. Almond pairs beautifully with cherries and will enhance the overall taste of the bread!
