Luscious Cherry Loaf

Cherry Bread is an incredibly simple and delightful quick bread recipe, celebrated for its tender crumb and a heavenly almond glaze. Each slice is bursting with the sweet, juicy flavor of maraschino cherries, giving this bread a charming pink hue that’s perfect for festive occasions like Valentine’s Day, spring brunches, baby showers, or simply brightening any ordinary day. This truly is the Best Cherry Dessert you can whip up with minimal effort.

Passed down through generations, this cherished recipe brings together classic flavors in an easy-to-follow format. The juicy maraschino cherries contribute not only their signature taste but also a beautiful texture and a stunning visual appeal to the bread. But what truly elevates this loaf is the decadent, yet simple, almond glaze that cascades over the top, adding an extra layer of sweetness and aroma. If you adore the unique pairing of cherry and almond, you’ll also love our Cherry Almond Cupcakes. For other fantastic cherry treats, be sure to try our Chocolate Covered Cherries, a rich Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe, or even our incredibly convenient Cherry Cobbler with Cake Mix.

Quick breads are a baker’s best friend – they require no yeast, no kneading, and minimal rise time, making them ideal for spontaneous baking sessions. They are wonderfully versatile, equally perfect as a satisfying breakfast, a delightful snack, or an impressive dessert. Beyond this exquisite Cherry Bread, our family also cherishes other effortless quick bread recipes like Peanut Butter Bread, zesty Orange Cranberry Bread, and the ever-popular Blueberry Banana Bread. Each offers a unique flavor profile and the same ease of preparation.

What is Cherry Bread?

Cherry Bread falls into the beloved category of “quick breads,” which are leavened with baking powder or baking soda rather than yeast. This means you can enjoy a freshly baked loaf without the waiting time associated with traditional yeast breads. Like its popular cousins, Banana Bread or Pumpkin Bread, Cherry Bread offers a moist, tender crumb that’s incredibly satisfying. What sets this recipe apart is its generous inclusion of bright red maraschino cherries and their flavorful juice. This dynamic duo infuses the bread with a distinctly sweet, slightly almond-like cherry flavor and bestows upon it that gorgeous, inviting pink color. It’s a sweet bread that feels both nostalgic and wonderfully unique.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons why this easy Cherry Bread will become a staple in your baking repertoire. First and foremost, its **simplicity** is unmatched. Even beginner bakers can achieve fantastic results, making it a perfect entry point into the world of quick breads. The use of readily available ingredients, particularly jarred maraschino cherries, eliminates the fuss of pitting fresh fruit. Beyond its ease, the **flavor profile** is truly irresistible. The sweet, fruity notes of cherry are beautifully complemented by the subtle nuttiness of almond, creating a harmonious and comforting taste. The rich, moist texture makes every bite a pleasure, and the optional (but highly recommended!) almond glaze adds a touch of elegance and extra sweetness that takes it from good to absolutely extraordinary.

This bread is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly **versatile**. Enjoy a slice warm from the oven with your morning coffee, pack it as a delightful afternoon snack, or serve it as a charming dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Its vibrant pink color makes it a showstopper for special occasions, from holiday brunches to bridal showers, adding a festive touch without any complex decorating. You might also find yourself craving our Strawberry Banana Bread for another fruity quick bread option. For those who can’t get enough of cherry flavor, don’t miss our creamy Cherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream or our adorable Cherry Thumbprint Cookies.

Ingredients for Cherry Bread

Creating this delightful Cherry Bread requires a selection of common pantry staples, alongside the star ingredient – maraschino cherries. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture.

For the Bread

• Maraschino Cherries: The hero of this recipe! A 10-ounce jar provides both the fruit and the essential juice for flavor and color. Be sure to drain them well, reserving the juice.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structural base of the bread, providing tender crumb. Using the right amount is key to avoid a dry loaf.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bread and helps with moisture retention, contributing to its tender texture.
• Baking Powder: Our primary leavening agent, ensuring the bread rises beautifully and is light and airy.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors, balancing the sweetness and bringing out the cherry notes.
• Large Eggs: Act as binders, adding richness, moisture, and helping the bread to rise.
• Vegetable Oil: Contributes to the moistness and tenderness of the bread, keeping it soft for days.
• Milk: Adds essential moisture and helps create a smooth batter. Any milk (dairy or non-dairy) will work.
• Maraschino Cherry Juice: Reserved from the jar, this juice is crucial for the bread’s signature pink hue and intensified cherry flavor. Don’t skip it!
• Almond Extract: This is the secret ingredient that truly makes the cherry flavor pop, creating that classic cherry-almond combination.

For the Glaze

• Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): Provides the sweet, smooth base for our glaze. Its fine texture ensures a lump-free consistency.
• Milk: Used to thin the glaze to your desired pouring consistency. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
• Almond Extract: Echoes the flavor in the bread, making the glaze irresistibly aromatic and delicious.
• Maraschino Cherry Juice: A touch of this vibrant juice gives the glaze a beautiful pink tint and reinforces the cherry flavor.

The precise measurements for each ingredient can be found in the detailed recipe card at the bottom of this page, ensuring you have everything you need for baking success.

Creative Variations for Your Cherry Bread

While this classic Cherry Bread recipe is perfect as is, it also serves as a fantastic base for creativity. Feel free to experiment with these variations to tailor the bread to your taste or to simply try something new:

• Extract Experiments: The almond extract truly complements the cherries, but you have options. If you have an almond allergy or simply don’t prefer the taste, you can omit it entirely from both the bread and the glaze. While it won’t be the same, a high-quality vanilla extract can offer a comforting alternative, adding warmth and sweetness. For an even more intense cherry flavor, consider adding a few drops of cherry extract to the glaze. This will amplify the fruity notes and enhance the bread’s overall cherry appeal.
• Add Chocolate Chips: Cherries and chocolate are a match made in heaven! Stir in about ½ to 1 cup of mini chocolate chips (milk chocolate, semi-sweet, or even white chocolate) into the batter along with the floured cherries. The chocolate will melt slightly during baking, creating pockets of gooey deliciousness that pair wonderfully with the sweet cherries. This addition makes the bread even more decadent and dessert-like.
• Zesty Lemon Twist: Introduce a bright, citrusy counterpoint to the sweetness by incorporating lemon zest. Add 1-2 teaspoons of finely grated lemon zest to the bread batter, and another ½ teaspoon to the glaze. The fresh lemon notes will cut through the richness, adding a refreshing zing that elevates the overall flavor profile. Orange zest could also be a delicious substitute for a slightly different citrus dimension.
• Nutty Crunch: For added texture and a deeper flavor, fold in ½ cup of finely chopped pecans, walnuts, or slivered almonds into the batter. Toasting the nuts lightly before adding them will bring out their natural oils and enhance their flavor, adding a delightful crunch to every bite of your soft cherry bread.
• Spice it Up: A hint of warm spice can transform this quick bread. Consider adding ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or a ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients. These spices will add depth and a cozy aroma, making the bread perfect for cooler weather or holiday gatherings.
• Dried Fruit Addition: While maraschino cherries are key, you can complement them with other dried fruits. A ¼ cup of chopped dried cranberries or golden raisins could add an interesting chewiness and another layer of fruity flavor, working well with the existing cherry base.

How to Make the Perfect Cherry Bread

This recipe is designed for ease, guiding you through each step to create a beautifully baked and irresistibly moist Cherry Bread. Follow these simple instructions for delicious results.

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, generously spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with a non-stick cooking spray, or grease it with butter and flour, ensuring every corner is covered to prevent sticking. Next, take your jar of maraschino cherries. Carefully drain the juice into a separate measuring cup and set it aside; you’ll need it for both the bread batter and the glaze. Once drained, roughly chop the cherries into smaller pieces. This ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the bread.

Step 2: Flour the Cherries. In a small bowl, combine the chopped maraschino cherries with approximately 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Gently toss them until each cherry piece is lightly coated. This seemingly small step is crucial, as the flour coating helps to prevent the cherries from sinking to the bottom of the loaf during baking, ensuring they are beautifully dispersed throughout the bread.

Step 3: Prepare the Dry Ingredients. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the remaining all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Use a whisk to thoroughly combine these dry ingredients, ensuring the leavening agent is evenly distributed. This step helps in achieving a consistent rise and texture in your finished bread. Set this bowl aside for a moment.

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients. In a separate, larger mixing bowl, crack the two large eggs. Add the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, milk, the reserved ¼ cup of maraschino cherry juice, and the almond extract. Using an electric mixer (or a whisk and good arm strength), beat these wet ingredients together until they are well combined and the sugar has largely dissolved. The mixture should be smooth and a lovely light pink color from the cherry juice.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures, Then Add Cherries. Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients into the wet ingredient mixture. Start your electric mixer on low speed and mix only until the flour streaks have just disappeared. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a tough bread. Once just combined, gently fold in the floured chopped cherries using a spatula. Mix just enough to evenly distribute the cherries without mashing them.

Step 6: Bake the Bread. Pour the prepared batter evenly into your greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Place the pan into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50 to 55 minutes. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven, so check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready. If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes and check again. Towards the end of the baking time, keep an eye on the top of the bread; if it begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with a piece of aluminum foil to prevent overbrowning.

Step 7: Cool the Bread. Once baked, carefully remove the loaf pan from the oven. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This crucial cooling period helps the bread to firm up and prevents it from breaking when removed. After this initial cooling, gently invert the pan to release the bread onto a wire rack. Let the bread cool completely on the wire rack before applying the glaze. A completely cool bread ensures the glaze sets properly and doesn’t simply melt off.

Step 8: Prepare and Apply the Glaze. While the bread cools, prepare your almond glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon of almond extract, and 1 tablespoon of maraschino cherry juice. Slowly add milk, one tablespoon at a time, whisking continuously, until you achieve your desired glaze consistency. For a thicker, more opaque glaze, use less milk; for a thinner, drizzly glaze, use slightly more. Once the bread is completely cool, generously pour the prepared almond glaze evenly over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides for an attractive finish.

Step 9: Allow Glaze to Set. Let the glazed bread rest on the wire rack for at least 15-30 minutes, or until the glaze has fully set and hardened slightly. This prevents mess when slicing and ensures each piece has a beautiful, firm layer of sweet frosting.

Step 10: Slice, Serve, and Enjoy! Once the glaze is completely set, your beautiful Cherry Bread is ready to be sliced and served. Use a sharp, serrated knife for clean cuts. Enjoy this yummy bread as a delightful breakfast, an afternoon treat, or a simple, elegant dessert.

For a quick reference of the complete recipe, jump to the recipe card below.

Expert Baking Tips and Tricks

Achieving the perfect loaf of Cherry Bread is easy, but a few expert tips can elevate your baking even further:

• Prevent Browning: If you notice the top of your bread browning too quickly during the last 15-20 minutes of baking, don’t worry! Simply tent a piece of aluminum foil loosely over the loaf pan. This will shield the top from direct heat, allowing the inside to continue baking without over-browning or burning the crust.
• Cherries Stay Put: The trick of tossing chopped maraschino cherries with a small amount of flour is a game-changer. This thin coating creates a barrier that helps the cherries suspend evenly throughout the batter, preventing them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference in the presentation and distribution of flavor.
• Do Not Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until the flour streaks disappear. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, which can result in a tough, dense bread instead of a moist and tender one. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature. This allows them to emulsify better with the other ingredients, creating a smoother, more uniform batter and a more consistent bake.
• Pan Preparation is Key: Properly greasing and flouring your loaf pan (or using parchment paper slings) is essential for easy removal. Nothing is more disappointing than a perfectly baked loaf that sticks to the pan!
• Cool Completely Before Glazing: Patience is a virtue, especially with glazes. Applying glaze to warm bread will cause it to melt and absorb, rather than creating that beautiful, set coating. Ensure your bread is completely cool to the touch before drizzling on the almond glaze for the best finish.
• Adjust Glaze Consistency: The amount of milk needed for the glaze can vary slightly. Start with the minimum amount and add more gradually, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired pouring consistency. You want it thick enough to coat, but thin enough to drizzle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

More Mouthwatering Cherry Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with the vibrant flavor of cherries, be sure to explore these other fantastic recipes that celebrate this delightful fruit:

• Cherry Chip Cake: A festive and fun cake bursting with cherry flavor.
• Easy Cherry Fluff: A light, airy, and wonderfully simple cherry dessert.
• Cherry Almond Cupcakes: The perfect bite-sized treat with the classic cherry-almond combo.
• The Best Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies: A delightful twist on a cookie favorite.
• Cherry Poke Cake Recipe: A super moist cake infused with cherry goodness.
• Cherry Strudel Recipe: A flaky, fruity pastry that’s surprisingly easy.

We invite you to try this incredibly easy and delicious Cherry Bread recipe and experience the joy of homemade baking. It’s a simple pleasure that brings smiles with every bite. Once you’ve baked and enjoyed your loaf, please come back and share your experience by leaving a comment and a star recipe rating!