This Easy Classic Cherry Bread is a sweet treat that’s perfect for beginners! With juicy cherries and a soft, fluffy texture, it’s great for breakfast or a snack.
Honestly, the smell of this bread baking is enough to make anyone happy. I can’t resist having a slice warm with butter on top—so good! 🍞
I love whipping this up quickly since it’s super simple. Just mix, bake, and enjoy! You can even freeze it for later if you want to save some for another day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter gives this bread a rich flavor. If you’re out, you can use margarine or coconut oil as substitutes, but the taste may be slightly different.
Maraschino Cherries: These add a sweet and juicy punch. If you prefer something healthier, you could substitute with fresh cherries, chopped strawberries, or even blueberries for a different twist.
Milk: Whole milk is ideal, but you can swap it with almond milk, soy milk, or even yogurt for a tangy taste. Just ensure it’s not flavored if you want to keep it classic.
Powdered Sugar: For the glaze, powdered sugar gives a smooth finish. You can use honey or maple syrup if you’re looking for a less sugary option, but the glaze will be more like a drizzle.
How Do I Cream Butter and Sugar Properly?
Creaming butter and sugar creates air pockets, giving your bread a light texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with softened butter. If it’s too hard, microwave it for 10 seconds—just enough to soften, not melt.
- Use an electric mixer on medium speed, or a wooden spoon if you’re ready for a workout.
- Cream for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture looks pale and fluffy.
This step is important because it sets the base for a tender bread. Don’t rush it—time invested here pays off in texture!
Easy Classic Cherry Bread
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2-3 tbsp cherry juice or milk (for glaze)
- Optional: few drops red food coloring for more vibrant color
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 50-60 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to let the bread cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Total time: about 1.5 hours.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bread bakes evenly. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to keep the bread from sticking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or a wooden spoon. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy, which takes about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the flour mixture. Mix just until everything is combined—don’t overmix!
6. Fold in the Cherries:
Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries. If you want the bread to have a brighter color, you can add a few drops of red food coloring.
7. Pour the Batter:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly using a spatula.
8. Bake the Bread:
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it as baking times can vary slightly.
9. Cool the Bread:
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Prepare the Glaze:
As the bread cools, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar with cherry juice or milk until it’s smooth and pourable.
11. Drizzle and Garnish:
Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. For a decorative touch, add whole maraschino cherries on top!
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the bread and enjoy it warm or at room temperature. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert!
This recipe is straightforward and a delightful treat for both beginner bakers and experienced ones. Enjoy your moist, fruity cherry bread with its sweet glaze for that perfect finishing touch!
FAQ: Easy Classic Cherry Bread
Can I Use Fresh Cherries Instead of Maraschino Cherries?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries can be used for a more natural flavor. Just make sure to pit and chop them into smaller pieces. You may also want to reduce the sugar slightly since fresh cherries are not as sweet as maraschino cherries.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cherry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw the bread overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains a binding agent like xanthan gum to help achieve the right texture. The results may vary slightly, but it should still be delicious!
Can I Add Spices to the Bread?
Definitely! Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor. Start with 1/2 teaspoon of your preferred spice and adjust to your taste. Just be mindful that too much might overpower the cherry flavor.
