This Easy Classic Cherry Bread is a sweet treat that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack! With juicy cherries, fluffy dough, and a lovely golden crust, it’s hard to resist!
Making this bread is so easy, even my dog could help if he could reach the counter! 🐶 I love serving it warm with a bit of butter—yum!
What I appreciate most is how simple the recipe is. Just mix, bake, and enjoy! It makes every morning feel special and cozy.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of our bread, creating that lovely texture. If you’re gluten-free, try a gluten-free all-purpose blend, which usually works great in baked goods!
Sour Cream or Yogurt: These add moisture and a bit of tang. If you don’t have either, a thick plain Greek yogurt can work well. You could also use applesauce for a healthier twist.
Maraschino Cherries: These are sweet and colorful, but if you want a fresher taste, you can use fresh or frozen cherries. Just chop them smaller and, if using frozen, let them thaw and drain excess moisture first.
Butter: Unsalted butter is my go-to for this recipe. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with equal amounts of vegetable oil or coconut oil.
How Do I Ensure My Bread Stays Moist and Fluffy?
The key to keeping your cherry bread moist and fluffy lies in a few careful steps. First, don’t over-mix the batter once you combine the wet and dry ingredients. Over-mixing can lead to dense bread.
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, as this gives a light texture.
- When adding the wet ingredients, mix just until you see no flour streaks.
- Letting the bread cool for a bit in the pan before transferring it helps keep it moist—don’t skip this step!
Lastly, don’t forget to enjoy it warm, topped with a little butter—trust me, it’s delicious!
How to Make Easy Classic Cherry Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For The Bread:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and finely chopped
- ¼ cup maraschino cherry juice (from the jar)
- For The Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice (or milk for a less pink glaze)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cherry bread will take about 15 minutes to prepare and then 50-60 minutes to bake, plus a little cooling time. So, about 1 hour and 15 minutes total, and you’ll have a delightful bread that fills your kitchen with a sweet aroma!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan to prevent the bread from sticking later on.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps to ensure that everything is evenly distributed. Once mixed, set the bowl aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a larger bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a nice texture!
4. Add Eggs and Flavor:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is well incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for a lovely flavor boost!
5. Combine Wet Ingredients:
Add the sour cream (or yogurt) and cherry juice to the butter mixture, mixing until everything is evenly combined.
6. Mix Dry Into Wet:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until you see no streaks of flour. Be careful not to over-mix!
7. Fold in the Cherries:
Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries with a spatula or wooden spoon, ensuring they’re distributed evenly throughout the batter.
8. Pour into Pan:
Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with your spatula.
9. Bake:
Pop it into the oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing at this point!
10. Cool:
Once done, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key!
11. Make The Glaze:
While the bread is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and cherry juice until smooth. You can adjust the consistency with milk if you prefer a less pink glaze.
12. Drizzle and Serve:
Once the bread is fully cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. If you like, add a few whole maraschino cherries on top for extra flair. Slice and enjoy your delicious cherry bread!
Now, sit back, take a bite, and relish your homemade cherry bread. Perfect for sharing or savoring all on your own. Happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Easy Classic Cherry Bread
Can I Use Fresh Cherries Instead of Maraschino Cherries?
Absolutely! Fresh or frozen cherries can be used for a more natural flavor. Just make sure to pit and chop them into smaller pieces. If using frozen, thaw and drain them to avoid extra moisture in the batter.
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 refrigerate it for about a week or freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
Can I Substitute Greek Yogurt for Sour Cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute! It will add moisture and a bit of tang, similar to sour cream. If you prefer, you can also use plain regular yogurt.
What Should I Do If My Bread Is Too Dense?
If your cherry bread turns out dense, make sure you didn’t over-mix the batter after adding the flour. This can lead to a tougher texture. Additionally, make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh, as old leavening agents can affect the rise.
