Cherry Bread is a delightful treat that brings a burst of flavor to your table. This quick bread features maraschino cherries in every bite, making it perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any occasion that calls for something sweet. The almond cherry glaze on top adds a unique touch, ensuring each slice is moist and delicious. Whether you’re serving it at brunch or enjoying it as an afternoon snack, this Cherry Bread will surely impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This Cherry Bread recipe requires simple ingredients and minimal prep time, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet maraschino cherries and almond extract creates a mouthwatering flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile: Enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or serve it with coffee for an afternoon treat. It’s perfect for any time of day!
- Impressive Presentation: With its vibrant color and glossy glaze, this bread looks stunning when served to guests.
- Freezer Friendly: Make a batch ahead of time and freeze it for later enjoyment. Just thaw and enjoy whenever you crave something sweet!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make the experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Food processor (optional)
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Loaf pan: Ensures your Cherry Bread bakes evenly and holds its shape.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients without mess.
- Whisk: Helps incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a lighter texture.
- Food processor: Great for quickly chopping maraschino cherries if you want uniform pieces.
Ingredients
A simple quick bread with maraschino cherries in every bite. Don’t forget the almond cherry glaze on top!
Ingredients:
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 grams)
– 1/2 cup 2% milk (4 ounces)
– 1/2 cup canola oil (or vegetable or melted coconut oil) (4 ounces)
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla extract) (5 grams)
– 2 cups all-purpose flour (260 grams)
– 1 teaspoon baking powder (5 grams)
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (3 grams)
– 1/2 teaspoon salt (3 grams)
– 2 jars maraschino cherries (10 ounces each)
– 1 cup powdered sugar (130 grams)
– 1 tablespoon melted butter (14 grams)
– 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice (30 grams)
– 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (2 grams)
How to Make Cherry Bread
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Spray a 9×5 loaf pan with cooking spray or grease it with shortening and dust with flour.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, stir together the granulated sugar, milk, canola oil, egg, and almond extract until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined; avoid overmixing.
Step 4: Prepare Cherries
Drain the maraschino cherries while reserving the juice for later use. Coarsely chop the cherries using a food processor or knife. Gently fold chopped cherries into the batter.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake for approximately 50–60 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 6: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, melted butter, reserved cherry juice, and almond extract until smooth.
Step 7: Glaze Your Bread
Once cooled completely, spread the glaze over the top of your Cherry Bread. Note that if you glaze while warm, it may melt off.
Step 8: Serve & Store
Slice your Cherry Bread and serve! Leftovers can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container or frozen for future enjoyment.
Enjoy every bite of this delectable Cherry Bread!
How to Serve Cherry Bread
Cherry bread is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it at breakfast, dessert, or as a snack, there are creative options to enhance your experience.
Breakfast Delight
- Pair with coffee or tea for a cozy morning.
- Toast slices lightly and spread with butter or almond butter for added richness.
Dessert Option
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast.
- Drizzle with chocolate sauce for an indulgent touch.
Snack Time
- Slice into small pieces and serve with fresh fruit for a refreshing snack.
- Enjoy with yogurt for a wholesome afternoon pick-me-up.
Brunch Addition
- Present alongside other pastries for a delightful brunch spread.
- Complement with whipped cream or fruit preserves for extra flavor.
How to Perfect Cherry Bread
To achieve the best cherry bread, follow these simple tips that will elevate your baking experience.
- Measure accurately: Use kitchen scales to ensure precise measurements for consistent results.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Allow milk and eggs to come to room temperature for better mixing.
- Don’t overmix: Stir the batter until just combined to keep the bread tender and fluffy.
- Check doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when fully baked.
- Cool properly: Allow the bread to cool in the pan briefly before transferring to a wire rack to prevent sogginess.
Best Side Dishes for Cherry Bread
Cherry bread pairs well with several side dishes that complement its sweet and fruity flavors. Here are some great options:
- Greek Yogurt: A creamy and tangy addition that balances the sweetness of the bread.
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add freshness and vibrant color alongside cherry bread.
- Almonds: Toasted almonds provide crunch and nutty flavor that enhances each bite of cherry bread.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and a refreshing contrast to the rich bread.
- Cottage Cheese: The mild flavor of cottage cheese pairs well, adding protein and creaminess.
- Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream makes an excellent topping when serving cherry bread as dessert.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Cherry Bread can be simple and rewarding, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect your results.
Skipping the Glaze: Many people skip the almond cherry glaze, thinking it’s unnecessary. However, this glaze adds a delightful flavor and sweetness that enhances the bread’s taste. Always include it for the best experience.
Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can lead to tough bread. Mix just until combined for a lighter texture. Remember, lumps are okay!
Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Inaccurate measurements can ruin your bread. Use a kitchen scale for precision when measuring flour and sugar.
Ignoring Baking Time: Each oven is different, so check your bread at the minimum baking time. A toothpick should come out clean from the center to ensure it’s fully baked.
Using Warm Ingredients: If your ingredients are too warm, it can affect how the bread rises. Make sure ingredients like milk and eggs are at room temperature before mixing.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Cherry Bread in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh in the fridge for about 4-5 days.
Freezing Cherry Bread
- Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating Cherry Bread
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat slices on high for 15-20 seconds. Watch closely to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions often asked about making Cherry Bread that may help clarify any doubts.
How do I make Cherry Bread gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes! Fresh cherries can be used; just be sure to pit and chop them properly before adding them to your batter.
What if my Cherry Bread is too dense?
If your bread turns out dense, it might be due to overmixing or using too much flour. Be careful when measuring and mixing!
Can I add nuts to Cherry Bread?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or almonds would be a delightful addition that complements the cherries well.
How long does Cherry Bread last at room temperature?
Cherry Bread can last about 2-3 days at room temperature if stored properly in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
Cherry Bread is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it as a sweet breakfast treat or a dessert option after meals. Feel free to customize it by adding different fruits or nuts to suit your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Cherry Bread
Cherry Bread is a delightful quick bread that bursts with the sweet flavor of maraschino cherries in every slice. Topped with a luscious almond glaze, this moist and colorful treat is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as an afternoon snack. Its vibrant appearance and appealing taste make it an impressive addition to any occasion, whether enjoyed with coffee at brunch or served warm with ice cream for dessert. Plus, this recipe is easy to make, ensuring success even for novice bakers!
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup 2% milk
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 jars maraschino cherries (10 ounces each)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a loaf pan by greasing it.
- In a medium bowl, mix together granulated sugar, milk, canola oil, egg, and almond extract until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Drain and chop the maraschino cherries; fold them into the batter.
- Pour into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, melted butter, reserved cherry juice, and almond extract until smooth. Spread over cooled bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (50g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Experiment with fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries for a different flavor profile. Add nuts like chopped walnuts or almonds for an extra crunch. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze for future enjoyment.
