Cherry Bread

Cherry Bread

Cherry bread is a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of maraschino cherries with a soft, moist texture. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or even as dessert. The bright flavor of cherries adds a refreshing twist to traditional bread, making it a fun addition to any meal.

Why Make This Recipe

Making cherry bread is a great way to enjoy the sweet flavor of cherries in a simple, homemade loaf. It’s an easy recipe that doesn’t require special skills, and the end result is something delicious that your family and friends will love. Plus, the bread is colorful and can brighten up your table. Whether you want a tasty treat for a special occasion or just a cozy snack for yourself, cherry bread is a fantastic choice.

How to Make Cherry Bread

Making cherry bread is straightforward and fun. You will start by mixing your wet and dry ingredients separately. Then, you’ll combine everything, fold in the cherries, and bake your loaf to perfection. A simple glaze adds a sweet finish on top that makes the bread even more irresistible.

Ingredients

• 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
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 to 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 to 2 drops cherry extract

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, almond extract, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, milk, maraschino cherry juice, and eggs. Stir until combined.
3. Add the sour cream and mix well.
4. In another bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Fold in the maraschino cherries.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. While the bread is cooling, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar, heavy whipping cream, almond extract, and cherry extract until smooth.
9. Once the bread is cool, drizzle the glaze over the top.
10. Slice and serve!

How to Serve Cherry Bread

Cherry bread is best enjoyed fresh. You can slice it and serve it plain, or add a little butter for extra flavor. It pairs perfectly with coffee or tea, making it a great option for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Feel free to add more maraschino cherries on top for decoration!

How to Store Cherry Bread

To keep your cherry bread fresh, wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months; just make sure to wrap it well.

Tips to Make Cherry Bread

• Make sure to drain the maraschino cherries well before adding them to the batter to prevent excess liquid.
• If you want stronger cherry flavor, you can add more cherry extract to the glaze.
• Don’t overmix the batter; stir gently just until everything is combined for a lighter texture.

Variation

You can add nuts, like chopped walnuts or pecans, for a crunchy texture. Alternatively, try swapping the maraschino cherries for fresh or frozen cherries for a different flavor!

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes, using fresh or frozen cherries will give a different, but tasty flavor. Just make sure to pit and chop them before adding to the batter.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free.

3. How can I make the bread more moist?
Ensure you are not overbaking the bread, and you can add an extra tablespoon of sour cream to keep it moist.

Enjoy baking and tasting your homemade cherry bread!