This Easy Classic Cherry Bread is a sweet treat that’s bursting with juicy cherries! It’s moist, fluffy, and perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Whenever I make this, I can’t resist sneaking a slice while it’s still warm. The smell of cherries baking is simply heavenly! 🍒
What I love most is how simple it is to whip up. Just mix, pour, and bake. You’ll have a delicious loaf in no time—perfect for sharing (or not)!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your bread, providing structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It works surprisingly well!
Maraschino Cherries: These cherries are sweet and add a bright pop of color. If you want a more natural flavor, use fresh cherries, but make sure to pit and chop them finely.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds moisture and tang. If you don’t have any, you can make a substitute by mixing milk with vinegar—just add 1/2 tsp vinegar to regular milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
Unsalted Butter: I always use unsalted butter to better control the saltiness. If you only have salted butter, just reduce the added salt in the recipe to 1/4 tsp.
How Do I Ensure My Cherry Bread is Moist and Fluffy?
A big part of making cherry bread light and moist is in the mixing process. When you’re creaming the butter and sugar, really take your time—3-4 minutes gives it the fluffiness you want. Also, folding in the cherries gently is key; you don’t want to overmix the batter.
- Start with softened butter so it creams easily with the sugar.
- Add eggs one at a time, fully mixing before adding the next.
- When combining dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the bread light!
Easy Classic Cherry Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1/2 tsp vinegar)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries, drained well
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice (from the jar)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp maraschino cherry juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cherry bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and requires 55-65 minutes to bake. After baking, let it cool for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Total time including cooling might sum up to around 1.5 hours, but it’s mainly hands-off once it’s in the oven!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that heats up, grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper—this will help the bread come out easily after baking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout the flour. Set the bowl aside for later!
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, grab your softened butter and granulated sugar. Cream them together using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take about 3-4 minutes. It’s important for the texture of your bread!
4. Add the Eggs and Flavor:
Beat in the eggs one by one, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. After that, mix in the vanilla extract and the maraschino cherry juice, stirring until everything is combined.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to bring the mixtures together! Alternately add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix each addition until just combined, being careful not to overmix!
6. Fold in the Cherries:
Gently fold in the finely chopped maraschino cherries—this is what gives your bread those lovely pops of color and flavor! Use a spatula or wooden spoon for this step.
7. Bake the Bread:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Glaze:
Once baked, let your bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. While it’s cooling, make the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and maraschino cherry juice until smooth and pourable.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your cherry bread is cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. If you like, you can also garnish with whole maraschino cherries for an extra touch. Slice it up and enjoy your sweet, delicious creation!
This bread is sure to be a hit with its beautiful pink speckles and sweet flavor. Enjoy every bite! 🍒
FAQ for Easy Classic Cherry Bread
Can I Substitute Fresh Cherries for Maraschino Cherries?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to pit and chop the fresh cherries finely. The flavor will be slightly different, and you might want to add a bit of extra sugar as fresh cherries can be less sweet than maraschino cherries.
What Should I Do if the Bread is Too Dense?
If your cherry bread turns out dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter. Make sure to mix just until the ingredients are combined and avoid overworking the batter after adding the dry ingredients. Also, ensure your baking soda and baking powder are fresh for optimal rise!
How Do I Store Leftover Cherry Bread?
Store any leftover cherry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just let it thaw overnight in the fridge before serving!
Can I Add Nuts or Other Mix-Ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to fold in about 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch. You can also experiment with chocolate chips or even dried fruit for a twist on the classic recipe.
