If you’re looking for a sweet, swoon-worthy treat that’s as nostalgic as it is delicious, Cherry Bread absolutely delivers. Bursting with bright maraschino cherries and a whisper of almond and vanilla, this loaf bakes up tender and golden, with little ruby jewels peeking through each slice. Whether you’re sharing it over coffee with friends or sneaking a piece for an afternoon pick-me-up, this is the kind of quick bread that feels instantly special. Trust me, Cherry Bread will quickly become one of those recipes everyone asks you for.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these simple but essential ingredients—each one plays a special role in creating that perfect, moist texture and delightful cherry-speckled color that makes Cherry Bread irresistible. Good basics, smart flavorings, and those glorious cherries are all you need.

All-purpose flour: The base of the loaf, delivering structure and a tender crumb.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and helps it brown beautifully as it bakes.
Baking powder: Lifts the bread, ensuring a soft, cake-like texture.
Baking soda: Reacts with the acidic cherries for extra rise and a lighter bite.
Salt: Balances and enhances the sweetness in every bite.
Milk: Adds gentle richness and keeps the loaf fluffy and moist.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread soft and tender throughout.
Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
Vanilla extract: Boosts the aromatic notes and deepens flavor.
Almond extract: Pairs perfectly with cherries and adds a subtle, bakery-style nuance.
Chopped maraschino cherries: The star ingredient, providing pops of sweetness and that vibrant color—be sure to pat them dry for best texture.
Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For a little crunch and nutty depth, if that’s your thing!

How to Make Cherry Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Lining the bottom with parchment paper gives extra insurance for an easy release—trust me, you’ll want every glorious crumb.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Give them a good whisk to evenly distribute the leaveners and break up any clumps—this sets up your Cherry Bread for a perfectly consistent rise.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and that dreamy almond extract. You might want to pause here for a big sniff—those aromas already hint at just how good your bread will taste.

Step 4: Combine and Fold

Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few little streaks of flour are fine. Next, fold in your chopped, thoroughly patted-dry maraschino cherries and nuts if you like. Each fold blends in something special without deflating the batter.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are fine, but no batter). Your kitchen will smell like a vintage bakery at this point!

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then run a butter knife gently around the edges to loosen. Carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely—this helps lock in moisture and makes slicing a dream.

How to Serve Cherry Bread

Garnishes

For a dazzling finish, drizzle your cooled Cherry Bread with a glaze made from powdered sugar and maraschino cherry juice. A sprinkle of extra chopped nuts or a few reserved cherry halves makes it look bakery-glam in an instant.

Side Dishes

A thick slice of Cherry Bread pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a generous pat of salted butter. It’s also perfect with coffee or hot tea for a cozy morning or sweet afternoon treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Try transforming Cherry Bread into easy French toast for a brunch showstopper, or cut it into cubes for a vibrant dessert trifle layered with cream and fruit. For gifting, wrap slices in parchment and tie with a ribbon—it’s charming and impossible to resist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Cherry Bread, tightly wrapped in plastic or in an airtight container, at room temperature for up to three days. The bread actually gets even moister on day two, making leftovers a treat to look forward to.

Freezing

Once completely cooled, wrap the loaf (or individual slices) in a layer of plastic wrap followed by foil. Pop in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready for a slice, either thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the oven.

Reheating

To freshen up thick slices, warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast lightly for a crunchy edge. If you’ve frozen your Cherry Bread, let it thaw at room temperature, then reheat as desired for a just-baked experience.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Absolutely! Just pit and chop your fresh cherries, and be sure to pat them very dry before folding into the batter to avoid too much extra moisture. The result is a slightly more tart, naturally flavored Cherry Bread.

How do I prevent the cherries from sinking to the bottom?

Toss the chopped cherries with a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This extra step helps suspend them evenly throughout the loaf for beautiful slices every time.

Can I make Cherry Bread dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute your favorite non-dairy milk and use a plant-based oil. The bread will still be deliciously moist, though the flavor may be slightly different without the richness of dairy milk.

Is it possible to make these as muffins instead?

Definitely! Divide the batter among muffin tins lined with paper cups. Bake at the same temperature but check for doneness after about 22-28 minutes. They’re a great grab-and-go treat.

What’s the best way to keep the glaze from soaking in?

Let your Cherry Bread cool completely before glazing. If you want a thicker, more defined drizzle, let the glaze sit until it thickens slightly, then pour it on and allow it to set before slicing.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to bake your first loaf of Cherry Bread and see why it’s such a beloved favorite in my kitchen. There’s just something about those pops of cherry and the hint of almond that feels irresistible. Give it a try, share a slice, and enjoy every cheery, cherry-filled bite!

Cherry Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 12 slices 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the sweet and fruity delight of Cherry Bread. This moist and flavorful quick bread is studded with maraschino cherries and optional nuts, perfect for any time of day.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

3/4 cup milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract

Mix-ins:

1 1/2 cups chopped maraschino cherries (well drained and patted dry)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
Combine Wet and Dry: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Add Mix-ins: Fold in the cherries and nuts if using.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For a sweeter loaf, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and maraschino cherry juice once cooled.
Be sure to dry the cherries well to prevent excess moisture in the bread.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American