There’s a certain magic that fills the air when the aroma of fresh-baked bread wafts through the kitchen, wrapping you in warmth and fond memories. This Cherry Bread has a way of inviting you back to simpler times—where family gather ’round the table, sharing stories and the sweet joys of life. It’s a delightful morsel that carries the laughter of loved ones and the sweetness of cherries.
Why make this recipe? Well, beyond the delightful blend of flavors, it’s a heartwarming tradition that sparks joy in every slice. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, Cherry Bread connects us to the joy of home. Let me take you through the simple yet satisfying journey of creating this lovely loaf.
How to make Cherry Bread
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup 2 percent milk
- 1/2 cup canola oil or vegetable or melted coconut oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon almond extract or vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 jars maraschino cherries
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Directions:
Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 350°F. As you sip a cup of coffee, take a moment to spray a 9×5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or rub it with shortening, then dust it lightly with flour. Now to the mixing bowl! In a medium-sized bowl, stir together the granulated sugar, fragrant milk, silky oil, an egg, and just a hint of almond extract, giving it a blend that feels like a hug.
In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Pour this delightful dry mixture into your wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined—remember, we don’t want to overwork it! Next, drain the maraschino cherries, definitely keeping that sweet juice for later, and then coarsely chop the cherries either with a food processor or the good ol’ method of using a knife.
With tender care, fold those gorgeous chopped cherries into your batter. Now, pour the beautiful mixture into your prepared loaf pan, ready to go into the oven for 50 to 60 minutes. When a toothpick comes out clean, your bread is ready to shine! Let it cool for 10 minutes and then carefully move it to a wire rack for cooling completely.
While your bread cools, whisk up a sweet glaze in a small bowl combining powdered sugar, melted butter, that reserved cherry juice, and a touch more almond extract. Once the bread is cool—if you can hold off on digging in!—spread the glaze over the top. If you spread it while the bread is warm, it might just dance off the edges, tempting you to take a bite right then and there.
Slice it up and serve warm or at room temperature. Store any extras in an airtight container at room temperature; it stays fresh. And here’s a lovely little secret—it freezes wonderfully, so you can enjoy this sweet memory later!
How to serve Cherry Bread
Serve this Cherry Bread with a steaming cup of tea or coffee, and don’t forget to share a slice with someone you love. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream too!
How to store Cherry Bread
Keep your Cherry Bread in an airtight container at room temperature, where it will stay moist and delicious for several days. If you want to keep it longer, feel free to freeze slices individually wrapped in plastic wrap, then placed in a ziplock bag.
Tips to make Cherry Bread
- Use high-quality maraschino cherries for the best flavor—always a treat!
- For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle some slivered almonds on top right before baking.
- If almond extract isn’t your thing, feel free to swap it with vanilla extract for a classic touch.
Variations
You could easily incorporate nuts, like chopped walnuts or pecans, for added texture. Alternatively, swap half of the flour for whole wheat flour for a heartier bread. You can even switch out the cherries for blueberries or cranberries if you’re experimenting with flavors!
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries can be a delightful alternative; just be sure to pit and chop them before adding to the batter.
2. How long does this bread last?
When stored in an airtight container, Cherry Bread can last about 4 to 5 days at room temperature. It can last longer in the freezer!
3. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes indeed! Cherry Bread holds its charm very well, so you can bake it a day or two ahead. Just glaze it right before serving.
Each time you pull a slice of Cherry Bread from a cozy loaf, remember that the heart of cooking is community. It’s about gathering around the table, sharing not just food but laughter and love. So, my dear friend, let’s celebrate these moments with every sweet bite!
Cherry Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x5 inch loaf pan by spraying with cooking spray or rubbing with shortening and dusting with flour.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, milk, canola oil, egg, and almond extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gently combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Chop the drained maraschino cherries and fold them into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, melted butter, reserved cherry juice, and additional almond extract to create the glaze.
- Once the bread is cool, drizzle the glaze over the top.
- Slice and serve the Cherry Bread warm or at room temperature, preferably with tea or coffee and optionally topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.