This Easy Classic Cherry Bread is a sweet and fruity treat that will brighten up your day. With juicy cherries and a soft, fluffy texture, it’s perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Baking this bread fills your kitchen with a lovely smell. It’s so simple to whip up, I can almost feel like a baker without all the fuss. 🍒 Give it a try; your taste buds will thank you!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base of your bread. If you’re gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose blend instead. Just check that it has xanthan gum in it for best results!
Unsalted butter: I find butter gives the best flavor, but you can substitute coconut oil or a dairy-free butter for a vegan option. Just make sure it’s softened for easier mixing.
Granulated sugar: Regular sugar works great, but coconut sugar or even honey can be used instead. Keep in mind that using honey will alter the texture a bit, so reduce the liquid slightly.
Maraschino cherries: These add a sweet, bright flavor. If you prefer fresh cherries, pit and chop them, but you might want to add a bit more sugar to balance the tartness!
What’s the Best Way to Ensure My Cherry Bread is Moist?
Keeping your cherry bread moist is key! Start by not overmixing once you add the dry ingredients; mix just until combined. Also, the creaminess from the butter and the wetness from the cherries contribute to moisture. Adding milk makes a big difference too!
After baking, let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. This prevents it from becoming dry. When you’re ready to store leftovers, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil to lock in moisture!
Easy Classic Cherry Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped (plus extra whole cherries for garnish)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2-3 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice (for glaze)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Easy Classic Cherry Bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 50-60 minutes to bake. After baking, allow it to cool for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. So, overall, you will need about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Doing this now saves you time later on!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step combines the dry ingredients evenly, so set it aside for later.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take a few minutes. It’s an important step to get that nice texture in your bread!
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract to give the bread a lovely flavor.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now it’s time to mix things up! Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with the milk, starting and finishing with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined—don’t overmix!
6. Fold in the Cherries:
Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries. You want to distribute them evenly through the batter, which will make every slice a fruity delight!
7. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Make sure everything is even and ready to bake.
8. Bake the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, it’s ready!
9. Cool the Bread:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. After that, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
10. Make the Glaze:
While the bread is cooling, you can prepare the glaze. In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and enough maraschino cherry juice to reach a smooth, pourable consistency.
11. Drizzle and Garnish:
Once the bread is fully cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top and garnish with whole maraschino cherries. This adds a lovely presentation and makes it even more delicious!
12. Slice and Enjoy:
Finally, slice your Moist Classic Cherry Bread and serve it. Enjoy every bite of this colorful and flavorful treat!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Fresh Cherries Instead of Maraschino Cherries?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh cherries, just pit and chop them. You might want to add a little extra sugar to balance the tartness since fresh cherries can be less sweet than maraschino cherries.
What If I Don’t Have Unsalted Butter?
No worries! If you only have salted butter, just skip adding any extra salt from the recipe. The flavor will still be delightful!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum. This will help maintain the structure and texture of the bread.
How Should I Store Leftover Cherry Bread?
Store any leftover cherry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be refrigerated to extend its freshness, but make sure to bring it back to room temperature before enjoying it for the best taste!
