Cherry Bread

Cherry Bread: A Sweet Slice of Nostalgia

Hello, friends! Today, I’m excited to share one of my all-time favorite recipes that’s near and dear to my heart: Cherry Bread. There’s something magical about a warm loaf of bread that fills your home with the sweet scent of cherries. Trust me, it’s not just a snack—it’s a memory, a story, and a big hug in every slice.

A Personal Journey: The Love for Cherry Bread

Let me take you back to my childhood, spinning in a cozy kitchen filled with the laughter of my family. One of my clearest memories is standing on my tippy-toes, craning my neck to get a glimpse of my grandmother pulling her famous Cherry Bread out of the oven. The vibrant red from the maraschino cherries burst through the golden bread, a sight I still cherish.

Every holiday season, Grandma would whip up batch after batch, and we’d race to the kitchen, eager to slather warm slices in butter. She’d always say, “A little sweetness goes a long way,” and boy, did she know how to sprinkle those words into everything she made.

As I grew into my own love for cooking, I wanted to carry on that legacy, and this Cherry Bread became a cherished recipe in my collection. It’s simple, comforting, and just downright delicious. So let’s dive into this delightful adventure together!

Ingredients

Before we get our hands doughy, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: This is the sweet base of our bread. Don’t have granulated sugar? You can substitute with brown sugar for a richer flavor!

• 1 teaspoon almond extract: It adds a delightful nutty flavor that complements the cherries. If you’re not an almond lover, feel free to use vanilla extract instead.

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A classic pairing with cherries that provides depth and warmth.

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil: This keeps our bread moist. You can swap it with melted coconut oil or butter for a different flavor profile.

• 1/2 cup milk: Dairy or plant-based milk works! Almond milk or oat milk are great alternatives.

• 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice: This juice gives the bread its unique flavor and a lovely pink hue.

• 2 large eggs: They help bind everything together. For an egg-free version, use 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).

• 1/2 cup sour cream: This ingredient adds richness and moisture. Greek yogurt can serve as an excellent substitute.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of our bread. You could try whole-wheat flour here for added nutrition.

• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Don’t skip this! It balances the sweetness perfectly.

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: This is our leavening agent, ensuring a fluffy loaf.

• 16 ounces maraschino cherries (chopped): The star of the show! Feel free to use fresh cherries when they’re in season—just pit and chop them up!

• 1 cup powdered sugar: For our luscious glaze!

• 2 to 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream (or milk): This will help create our glaze’s perfect consistency. If you’re in a pinch, stick to water!

• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract: Just a touch more to keep that almond flavor consistent in our glaze.

• 1 to 2 drops cherry extract (or 1 tablespoon maraschino juice): It’s optional but will enhance that cherry flavor even more!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.

2. Mix dry ingredients. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. This will help ensure even distribution of the leavening agent through the flour. Set aside.

3. Whisk wet ingredients. In a separate large bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and eggs until they are light and fluffy. Then, add in the vegetable oil, milk, maraschino cherry juice, sour cream, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined. Don’t be afraid to get your whisk in there—it needs some love!

4. Combine. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. We don’t want to over-mix—remember, we’re making bread, not a workout!

5. Fold in the cherries. Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries. The vibrant color and sweetness will be a delightful surprise in every bite!

6. Pour and bake. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Pop that beauty into your preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Cool down. Once it’s ready, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. The aroma in your kitchen is going to be heavenly, so try not to nibble too much while it cools!

8. Prepare the glaze. While the bread cools, it’s time to whip up the glaze. In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, heavy cream (or milk), almond extract, and cherry extract (or maraschino juice) until smooth and drizzle-able.

9. Drizzle on top. Once the bread is completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top, letting it run down the sides. It’s the cherry on top of a sweet creation!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving Cherry Bread, there are so many delicious ways to enjoy it!

• Toast it: Serve warm slices topped with a pat of butter or a spread of cream cheese for an indulgent breakfast treat.

• Pair with coffee: A warm slice beside your morning coffee or afternoon tea is a delightful combination!

• Fruit platter: Slice it up and serve it on a platter with fresh fruits—think berries, banana slices, and cherries for a festive touch.

• Brunch star: This bread is perfect for brunch gatherings, served alongside a fruit salad or yogurt for a balanced meal.

Recipe Variations

Feeling a little adventurous? Here are some fun twists you can put on this Cherry Bread:

1. Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or almonds can add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor. Just fold them in at the same time as the cherries.

2. Coconut Cherry Bread: Add shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist! Use about 1/2 cup of sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut.

3. Chocolate cherry bread: Fold in some chocolate chips for a decadent treat! A surprise in every bite.

4. Berry blend: Swap half of the cherries for other berries like raspberries or blueberries to create a mixed berry bread!

5. Spiced version: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice note perfect for cozy winter days.

Chef’s Notes

Now, let’s chat about this recipe! Over the years, I’ve done a fair amount of experimenting with Cherry Bread. When I first made it, I accidentally added double the amount of cherries—what a sweet (and slightly messy) mistake that turned out to be! We ended up calling it “Cherry Bomb Bread,” and it was a hit!

Also, I collect the funny recipe cards my grandma used, and her handwritten notes still make me smile! Sometimes, the best meals come from a little chaos and laughter in the kitchen. So don’t be afraid to make it your own—after all, every cook adds their flavor to a recipe!

FAQs and Troubleshooting

Q: My Cherry Bread came out too dry. What did I do wrong?

• A: It’s important not to over-bake your bread! Keep an eye on it in the last few minutes—every oven is different. Make sure your toothpick comes out clean, but not dry!

Q: Can I make this bread vegan?

• A: Absolutely! Substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water) and use plant-based milk and yogurt.

Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?

• A: Yes, fresh cherries work beautifully! Just make sure to pit them and chop them up. You may want to reduce the sugar a bit since fresh cherries are less sweet.

Q: What if I don’t have a loaf pan?

• A: You can use a round cake pan, just adjust the baking time to check for doneness a bit earlier!

Nutritional Info

(Per slice, approximately based on 12 slices):

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 10g

And there you have it, my dear foodies! A slice of Cherry Bread serves up heaps of nostalgia, warmth, and comfort. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this delightful recipe just as much as my family and I do. Remember, cooking isn’t just about following the steps—it’s about the love you pour into it. So put on your apron, crank up the tunes, and let’s fill our kitchens with the sweet scent of cherries! Happy baking! 🥰🍒

Cherry Bread

Print Recipe

A delightful Cherry Bread recipe that evokes nostalgia with every slice, featuring maraschino cherries and a sweet glaze.

• Author: ninabellamy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 70 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 16 ounces maraschino cherries (chopped)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 to 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream (or milk)
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (for glaze)
• 1 to 2 drops cherry extract (or 1 tablespoon maraschino juice)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Whisk wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and eggs until light and fluffy. Add the vegetable oil, milk, maraschino cherry juice, sour cream, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
4. Combine the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined.
5. Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top, and bake for 45-55 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool the bread in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Prepare the glaze by combining powdered sugar, heavy cream (or milk), almond extract, and cherry extract until smooth.
9. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread.

Notes

For best results, do not over-bake. Feel free to experiment with different types of cherries and nuts.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: cherry bread, quick bread, dessert recipe, baking, nostalgic recipe