Easy Cherry BreadEasy Cherry Bread: A Simple, Flavorful Cherry Loaf for Every OccasionEasy Cherry Bread

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There’s something instantly comforting about a loaf of Easy Cherry Bread fresh from the oven a tender crumb studded with glossy cherries, a soft almond-scented glaze, and warm kitchen aromas that pull family and friends to the table. This Easy Cherry Bread recipe is designed for busy home bakers who want an impressive yet forgiving treat: it’s fast to mix, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and yields a loaf that’s equally at home for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a light dessert.

If you love quick bakes like a cozy banana loaf or seasonal pumpkin bread, you’ll appreciate how reliably this Easy Cherry Bread turns out. Try it alongside our Moist Easy Libby’s Pumpkin Bread for seasonal breakfasts or pair it with a rich coffee cake and if you prefer fruit-forward treats, also check out a classic Banana and Chocolate Chip Bread for comparison of textures and sweetness.

Chef’s secret (Kozinarecipes exclusive): toss the chopped maraschino cherries in a teaspoon of flour before folding them into the batter it helps suspend the cherries so they don’t sink and spreads color without bleeding too much.

Why this recipe matters: it delivers bright cherry flavor in an approachable, family-friendly loaf. Below you’ll find complete ingredient details, step-by-step instructions, variations, and serving ideas so your Easy Cherry Bread becomes a new favorite.

Why Choose This Recipe

Flavor & Texture

Easy Cherry Bread shines because it balances sweetness, tang, and a delicate cake-like crumb. The maraschino cherries provide bursts of bright, syrupy fruitiness while the melted butter and eggs deliver a moist, tender structure. A thin almond-flavored glaze adds a glossy finish and an aromatic lift without weighing the loaf down. Expect a soft interior that slices cleanly and a slightly crisp edge from a well-greased loaf pan.

• Aroma: warm vanilla and almond with a hint of cherry
• Mouthfeel: moist, tender crumb with cherry pockets
• Taste: sweet, mildly tangy, and rounded by butter and vanilla

Convenience & Time

This Easy Cherry Bread is a true quick bread no yeast, no lengthy rising, and minimal cleanup. The total active time is about 15–20 minutes for mixing, and one bake cycle of 50–60 minutes. It’s perfect when you want homemade freshness without a lot of fuss.

• Prep: ~15–20 minutes
• Bake: 50–60 minutes
• Cooling: 10–20 minutes before glazing

Because it’s forgiving, you can double the recipe for a bake sale, halve it for a small family, or mix the batter by hand if you don’t want to pull out mixers.

Diet-Friendly Options

This Easy Cherry Bread can be adapted to several eating preferences with a few swaps (see Ingredient Swaps and Healthy Option sections). It can be made gluten-free, lower-sugar, or dairy-free with careful substitutions. The plain but versatile base also welcomes flavor swaps almond extract in the glaze is optional but highly recommended for depth.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 1 teaspoon almond extract (for glaze)
• 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)

Ingredient notes: use room-temperature eggs for even mixing, and drain cherries well to prevent extra moisture. If your cherries are very wet, pat them dry and toss with a tablespoon of flour to keep them from sinking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This step ensures your Easy Cherry Bread pulls away cleanly when baked.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. A light whisk aerates the dry mix for a tender loaf.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and glossy. Use a fork or small whisk to emulsify the wet ingredients for consistent texture in your Easy Cherry Bread.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing; a few streaks of flour are okay. Overworking the batter can make the loaf dense rather than soft.
5. Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries with a spatula gentle strokes to prevent crushing the fruit. If you prefer less color bleeding, gently blot cherries before chopping and toss in a teaspoon of flour. This step keeps the cherries suspended within the Easy Cherry Bread.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Tap the pan once on the counter to release any large air pockets.
7. Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Oven times vary, so begin checking at 50 minutes. The crust should be golden and spring back slightly to touch.
8. While the bread cools, prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, almond extract, and milk until smooth and pourable. Adjust milk by 1/2-teaspoon increments to reach the desired drizzle thickness.
9. Transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool for at least 10–15 minutes before drizzling glaze over the top. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing and serving your Easy Cherry Bread.

Serving tip: slice with a serrated knife for clean edges, and wipe the blade between cuts for uniform slices.

Tips & Tricks for Success

• Prepping cherries: drain and blot maraschino cherries to reduce excess syrup; toss with a pinch of flour so they don’t sink.
• Measure flour correctly: spoon into measuring cup and level with a knife to avoid overly dense batter.
• Don’t overmix: stop stirring when the flour streaks disappear tenderness depends on it.
• Test for doneness: a clean toothpick or a gentle spring back in the center signals readiness.
• Cool before glazing: a warm loaf will absorb glaze and become soggy; let it cool slightly for a glossy finish.

These simple steps help guarantee consistently superb Easy Cherry Bread every time.

Ingredient Swaps

• Flour: use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend to make this Easy Cherry Bread gluten-free (results may vary by blend).
• Milk: swap with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
• Butter: use a neutral oil (like light olive oil or vegetable oil) for a dairy-free adaptation, but reduce by about 1 tablespoon compared to butter to keep texture balanced.
• Sugar: replace up to half the granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute suitable for baking, keeping sweetness and structure in mind.
• Cherries: swap maraschino cherries for chopped fresh or frozen cherries with fresh fruit expect a more subtle flavor and with frozen fruit, toss in flour and thaw slightly to prevent excess moisture.

Avoid alcohol-based extracts; the recipe’s flavor profile relies on vanilla and almond extract only.

Healthy Option

To make a lighter version of this Easy Cherry Bread:

• Reduce sugar to 3/4 cup and balance with a half-ripened mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce for moisture.
• Use whole-wheat pastry flour for extra fiber (replace up to half of the all-purpose flour).
• Replace the glaze with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a yogurt-based drizzle made from Greek yogurt thinned with a little milk and vanilla.

These swaps lower refined sugar and add nutritional value while keeping the loaf tender.

Pairings & Serving Suggestions

Serve Easy Cherry Bread warm or at room temperature with:

• A cup of freshly brewed coffee or nutty tea for breakfast.
• A scoop of vanilla whipped cream or mascarpone for dessert.
• Slices alongside fresh fruit on a brunch platter.

For a creative spread, pair this loaf with a tangy citrus preserves or a nut-studded butter. If you enjoy contrasting textures, serve the loaf with a nut brittle or granola on the side. For seasonal comfort, this Easy Cherry Bread pairs wonderfully with pumpkin-flavored breakfast items or a simple cinnamon latte. For inspiration mixing seasonal loaves, try pairing ideas from our Moist Easy Libby’s Pumpkin Bread Recipe.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Room temperature: keep slices in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: store for 3–4 days in an airtight container to extend freshness.
• Freezing: wrap the cooled, unglazed loaf tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature and glaze before serving.
• Make-ahead: prepare the batter and refrigerate overnight for morning baking let batter sit in the pan for 15 minutes at room temperature before baking to reduce chill.

These storage recommendations maintain the chewy softness and cherry bursts that make Easy Cherry Bread irresistible.

Nutrition & Health Benefits

Easy Cherry Bread provides a comforting mix of carbohydrates for energy and protein from the eggs. Using whole-wheat flour substitutions or adding a nut-based topping can boost fiber, healthy fats, and micronutrients. Maraschino cherries add color and sweetness but are higher in added sugar than fresh cherries; choose fruit variations depending on your nutrition goals.

For specific dietary needs, please consult a qualified health professional.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Too much mixing: overworking the batter develops gluten and produces a dense, heavy loaf.
• Wet cherries: not draining cherries well may lead to a soggy center; blot and toss with flour.
• Incorrect oven temperature: an oven running hot or cold affects rise and browning use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
• Glazing too early: applying glaze to a hot loaf results in absorbed glaze and loss of shine cool slightly first.

Avoiding these common missteps ensures your Easy Cherry Bread bakes evenly and looks bakery-ready.

Hosting & Presentation Tips

• For brunch or casual gatherings, slice the Easy Cherry Bread into thick pieces and arrange on a wooden board garnished with whole cherries and mint sprigs.
• For potlucks, wrap slices in parchment and secure with twine for an attractive handheld treat.
• Dress up the loaf by sprinkling chopped toasted almonds or a flaky sea salt pinch over the glaze for contrast.
• Label any dietary adaptations at a buffet so guests know if a loaf is gluten-free or lower-sugar.

Aim for warm, rustic presentation to highlight the loaf’s homemade charm.

Personal Closing Thought + Call-to-Action

Baking this Easy Cherry Bread is an invitation to share something warm and simple with the people you care about. The method is forgiving, the results are reliably delicious, and the aroma alone is worth a try. If you make a batch, share a photo and tag Kozinarecipes so we can celebrate your loaf together and don’t forget to experiment with swaps to make the recipe your own.

Homemade Cherry Bread Recipe – Breads and Sweets.

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