Cherry Bread

Cherry Bread

Cherry bread is a delightful sweet treat that can brighten up any day. With its moist texture and rich flavor, this bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. The addition of maraschino cherries gives it a lovely pop of color and sweetness, making it a fun and eye-catching dish to share with family and friends.

Why Make This Recipe

Making cherry bread is a great choice for many reasons. First, it’s simple to prepare and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients. It’s a wonderful way to use maraschino cherries, bringing a burst of flavor to your loaf. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy afternoon snack, this bread is sure to impress. Plus, the glaze adds an extra touch of sweetness, making every slice even more tempting!

How to Make Cherry Bread

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 the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, almond extract, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, milk, maraschino cherry juice, eggs, and sour cream. Mix until smooth.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
4. Gently fold in the maraschino cherries.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. While the bread is cooling, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar, heavy whipping cream, almond extract, and cherry extract in a small bowl until smooth.
8. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cherry bread before slicing and serving.

How to Serve Cherry Bread

Cherry bread is lovely served fresh and warm or at room temperature. You can slice it and enjoy it plain, or you can add a bit of butter or cream cheese for extra flavor. It makes a wonderful addition to any brunch table and pairs well with coffee or tea.

How to Store Cherry Bread

To keep cherry bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay good for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and it can last for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy!

Tips to Make Cherry Bread

• Make sure to measure your flour correctly; spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off for accurate results.
• Don’t overmix the batter; gently folding in the cherries will keep the bread light and fluffy.
• If you like a stronger cherry flavor, you can add more cherry extract to the glaze or batter.

Variation

You can try adding nuts, such as chopped walnuts or pecans, to give the cherry bread a bit of crunch. This will add another layer of texture and flavor to your delicious loaf.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries. Just pit and chop them into small pieces before adding to the batter.

How can I tell if the bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is done.

Can I make mini loaves instead of one large loaf?
Absolutely! You can divide the batter into mini loaf pans and adjust the baking time to about 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.