If you are looking for a delightful treat that balances sweetness with a hint of almond and bursts of fruity goodness, this Cherry Bread is your new best friend in the kitchen. Every slice is studded with vibrant maraschino cherries that bring juicy pops of color and flavor, while the almond cherry glaze on top gives it that perfect finishing touch that will have everyone asking for seconds. This quick bread is simple to whip up but full of personality, making it a fantastic choice for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Cherry Bread as irresistibly moist and flavorful as it should be, gather a handful of simple, everyday ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating the perfect texture, depth of flavor, and that beautiful cherry hue throughout.
- Granulated sugar: Adds the essential sweetness, balancing the tartness of the cherries perfectly.
- 2% milk: Keeps the bread tender and moist without overpowering any flavors.
- Canola oil: Provides a light texture and keeps the bread soft for days; you can swap with vegetable or melted coconut oil if preferred.
- Large egg: Binds all the ingredients together and contributes to the bread’s structure.
- Almond extract: Infuses a subtle nutty aroma that complements the cherries beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation which forms the bread’s sturdy yet tender crumb.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents ensure your Cherry Bread rises perfectly light and fluffy.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavors, making every bite pop.
- Maraschino cherries: The star ingredient, adding vibrant color and that signature cherry sweetness in every bite.
- Powdered sugar (for glaze): Makes a smooth, sweet coating that beautifully contrasts the bread’s texture.
- Melted butter: Adds richness to the glaze for a luxurious finish.
- Maraschino cherry juice: Gives the glaze a lovely pink tint and extra cherry flavor.
How to Make Cherry Bread
Step 1: Prepare Your Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and prepping your loaf pan with cooking spray and a light dusting of flour — this ensures your bread releases flawlessly after baking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, milk, canola oil, egg, and almond extract. This wet mixture forms the flavorful, moist base for your bread, so be sure to mix until combined but not overbeat.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift or stir together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. These dry ingredients work together to create the perfect rise and light crumb. Gradually add them to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just incorporated. Overmixing at this point can make your bread dense, so a light hand does the trick!
Step 3: Add the Maraschino Cherries
Drain the maraschino cherries thoroughly, reserving their juice for the glaze later on. Roughly chop the cherries either by hand or pulse gently in a food processor to avoid turning them into mush. Folding these into the batter ensures that every bite delivers bursts of sweet, juicy cherry goodness evenly throughout the bread.
Step 4: Bake Your Cherry Bread
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out gently to the edges. Bake for about 50 to 60 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick in the center — it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Let your bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period allows the flavors to set and prevents the glaze from melting away.
Step 5: Prepare and Apply the Almond Cherry Glaze
While your bread cools, mix together powdered sugar, melted butter, the reserved cherry juice, and almond extract in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and glossy. Once your bread has fully cooled, generously spread the glaze on top for that incredible almond-cherry finish that elevates this simple quick bread into something truly special.
How to Serve Cherry Bread
Garnishes
Cherry Bread is already a showstopper, but you can dress it up with a dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh cherries placed on top for an inviting look. A sprinkle of slivered almonds adds a lovely crunch and enhances the almond notes in the glaze.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning treat. For a more indulgent snack, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or smooth vanilla yogurt to balance the sweetness while complementing the cherry flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the Cherry Bread thick and serving it warm with a pat of butter melting on top. You could also cut it into cubes and toast them lightly to make delightful cherry-flavored croutons for salads or desserts. Or, turn slices into decadent French toast for an extra special brunch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, keep your Cherry Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the bread moist, while preserving that fresh-from-the-oven texture and flavor so you can enjoy it anytime during the week.
Freezing
If you want to make this Cherry Bread ahead of time (and let’s be honest, who wouldn’t?), wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. It will stay delicious for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To bring your Cherry Bread back to life, warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for just a few seconds. This revives the glaze’s luscious shine and makes the bread soft and inviting again, almost like it just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Fresh cherries can be used, but they are less sweet and don’t provide that characteristic maraschino cherry flavor and color. Plus, fresh cherries release more juice which might make the bread wetter, so you might need to adjust the recipe accordingly.
Is this Cherry Bread suitable for freezing with the glaze already on?
It’s best to freeze the bread without the glaze and add it after thawing. The glaze may lose its texture or become too runny if frozen and reheated.
Can I make this bread vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the egg with flaxseed or chia egg and use a plant-based milk and oil. Just keep in mind the texture might alter slightly, but it will still be delicious.
How long does Cherry Bread stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, your Cherry Bread stays fresh for about three days. Beyond that, it’s better to refrigerate or freeze to maintain its quality.
Can I add nuts to this Cherry Bread?
Absolutely! Adding chopped walnuts or pecans would pair wonderfully with the almond extract and cherries, adding extra crunch and flavor complexity.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Bread is such a joyful, comforting recipe to have in your baking arsenal. The sweet cherries combined with a delicate almond glaze make every slice feel like a little slice of happiness. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or keeping it all to yourself, it’s easy to fall in love with this bread’s charm. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe soon — it’s the kind of deliciousness that brings people together and leaves everyone smiling!
PrintCherry Bread
This cherry bread is a moist, flavorful quick bread packed with maraschino cherries in every bite. Topped with a luscious almond cherry glaze, it’s a perfect treat for breakfast, dessert, or anytime snacking. The combination of almond extract and cherry juice in the glaze adds a delightful sweetness and depth of flavor that enhances the cherry-studded loaf.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Bread:
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 grams)
- 1/2 cup 2% milk (4 ounces)
- 1/2 cup canola oil (or vegetable or melted coconut oil) (4 ounces)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla extract) (5 grams)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (260 grams)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (5 grams)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (3 grams)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (3 grams)
- 2 jars maraschino cherries (10 ounces each), drained and coarsely chopped
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar (130 grams)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (14 grams)
- 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice (30 grams), reserved from cherries
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (2 grams)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Prepare a 9″x5″ loaf pan by spraying it with cooking spray or greasing it with shortening, then dust the pan with flour to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, stir together the granulated sugar, 2% milk, canola oil, egg, and almond extract until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure they are evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir gently just until combined—avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Add Cherries: Drain the maraschino cherries, reserving the juice for the glaze. Coarsely chop the cherries using a food processor or a knife. Gently fold the cherries into the batter to evenly distribute them without crushing.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool the Bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature before glazing.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, melted butter, reserved maraschino cherry juice, and almond extract until smooth and well combined.
- Glaze the Bread: Once the bread is completely cool, spread the glaze evenly over the top. Applying the glaze while the bread is warm will cause it to melt and run off.
- Serve and Store: Slice the glazed cherry bread and serve. Store leftover bread at room temperature in an airtight container. It also freezes well for longer storage.
Notes
- For best results, do not overmix the batter to keep the bread light and tender.
- Use the juice from the maraschino cherries for the glaze to enhance the cherry flavor.
- You can substitute almond extract with vanilla extract if preferred.
- Make sure the bread is completely cool before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting excessively.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- This bread freezes well—wrap tightly and thaw at room temperature before serving.