Cherry Bread

Table of Contents

1. Ingredients for Cherry Bread
2. Substitutions and Additions
3. How to Make Cherry Bread
4. Why You'll Love This Cherry Bread Recipe
5. Recipe FAQ
6. Serving FAQ
7. Storage FAQ
8. JUMP TO RECIPE

Make this easy and delicious cherry bread for a sweet treat that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert! The juicy cherries blend perfectly with the soft, fluffy texture of this quick bread. It’s simple to make and packed with flavor, making it ideal for any occasion. Serve a slice with coffee or as a snack to impress your guests.

This bread recipe is super easy to make, and you can follow the step-by-step photos and directions below. We include pro tips and tricks to help you get the best results every time. Plus, check out the frequently asked questions for all the answers you need. 

This yummy cherry loaf has a slight sweetness, with maraschino cherries in every delicious bite. Topped with a sweet almond cherry glaze, you’ll crave a slice any time of the day.

The pink color makes it ideal for Valentine’s Day, Easter, or Mother’s Day. Cherry loaf cake can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

What you'll need to make this Cherry Bread loaf:

For The Bread:

• ¾ cup of granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon of almond extract
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• ½ cup of vegetable oil
• ½ cup of milk
• ¼ cup of maraschino cherry juice
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup of sour cream
• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• 1½ teaspoons of baking powder
• maraschino cherries from a 16-ounce jar, chopped

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup of powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream or milk
• ½ teaspoon of almond extract
• 1–2 drops of cherry extract or 1 tablespoon of maraschino juice

Chocolate Chips: Chocolate would pair incredibly well with the fruity flavor in this simple, quick bread, and having those bursts of chocolate in addition to the cherries would make this bread extra decadent.

Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to your bread batter.

Sour Cream: Greek yogurt can be substituted with a 1:1 ratio for sour cream in this homemade fruit bread recipe.

Cherry Extract: You can find cherry extract at most grocery stores if you’d like to add additional cherry flavoring (and a bit more color).

Add Nuts: Include Chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch in your cherry loaf.

Follow along with our step-by-step pictures and instructions to make this delicious cherry almond bread. Be sure to check out the helpful tips and tricks below. Let’s get started!

FIRST STEP: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.

SECOND STEP: In a large bowl, combine the sugar, almond flavoring, vanilla, vegetable oil, milk, cherry juice, eggs, and sour cream. Whisk to combine well.

THIRD STEP: In a separate medium bowl, sift together flour, salt, and baking powder.

FOURTH STEP: Drain maraschino cherries in the jar from the rest of the juice (you’ve already used ¼ cup of the juice in the bread batter) and coarsely chop the cherries into halves and/or quarters.

FIFTH STEP: Sprinkle 1 to 2 tablespoons of the flour mixture over the cherries and toss to combine. Set aside.

SIXTH STEP: Stir the remaining flour mixture into the milk/eggs mixture. Stir just until wet ingredients and dry ingredients are combined.

Lumps and streaks of flour in the batter are fine.

SEVENTH STEP: Gently fold the cherries into the batter to distribute them evenly, but do not over mix.

EIGHTH STEP: Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.

NINTH STEP: Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.

Cover bread with aluminum foil after 45 minutes to prevent it from over-browning on top.

TENTH STEP: Remove from the oven and cool. You can turn the bread out onto a wire cooling rack after it has cooled for an initial 10 minutes in the pan.

ELEVENTH STEP: Once the bread is fully cooled, whisk together the ingredients for the glaze in a small bowl.

Drizzle the glaze over top of the cooled bread. The glaze will set, dry to the touch, after about 30 minutes.

Maraschino cherry bread is sure to impress guests. It works for all seasons and will delight both kids and adults alike. Here are three fun ways to serve it:

• For Special Occasions: Serve cherry cake loaf for celebrations like Valentine’s Day, Easter, or Mother’s Day. The bright pink color adds a festive touch. Pair it with creamy whipped cream or a scoop of chocolate chip ice cream for an extra treat.

• For Breakfast or Brunch: This cherry bread makes a sweet addition to your morning spread. It’s easy to serve with coffee and a fresh fruit salad. Try it with a warm cup of hot chocolate or a fun orange julius for the perfect pairing.

• For a Snack or Dessert: Enjoy cherry bread as a sweet snack or after-dinner treat. It’s great with a cup of tea or milk. Complement it with a side of cinnamon rolls or a plate of Resse's crinkle cookies for a fun dessert spread.

This easy cherry bread recipe will quickly become a go to in your dessert line up, and it's easy to see why:

• A Burst of Sweetness and Flavor: The juicy maraschino cherries add a sweet, fruity burst to every bite. Combined with a soft, fluffy texture, each slice offers the perfect balance of sweetness and softness. The almond cherry glaze brings an extra layer of flavor, making it impossible to resist.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it's a holiday, a family brunch, or a weekend treat, cherry bread fits right in. Its vibrant pink color makes it perfect for special occasions like Mother’s Day or Easter. Plus, it's a great way to share a homemade delight with loved ones.
• Loved by Everyone: Cherry bread isn’t just for adults—kids love it too! Its sweet, fruity flavor and soft texture make it a hit with all ages. This simple, irresistible bread will become a family favorite in no time.

Enjoy this yummy quick bread for breakfast, a snack, or pack it in a lunchbox for a delightful surprise. It’s also great to serve at Christmas.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
Check the bread by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the bread is done.

Can I make cherry bread ahead of time?
Yes! Bake it a day before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Keep it covered at room temperature.

What type of cherries should I use for this bread?
Use maraschino cherries for the best results. Their sweetness and color work perfectly in this recipe.

How long does cherry bread stay fresh?
This bread stays fresh for about two to three days when stored properly. Enjoy it as a sweet snack throughout the week.

What’s the best way to serve cherry bread at a gathering?
Slice the cherry bread into thick pieces for easy serving. Arrange it on a platter for a beautiful display.

Should I serve cherry bread warm or at room temperature?
It tastes great both ways! Serve it warm for a comforting treat or at room temperature for easy enjoyment.

How do I make cherry bread more festive for a holiday?
Top the cherry bread with extra glaze or sprinkles to give it a festive look. Add some fresh cherries for color.

Can I serve cherry bread for breakfast?
Absolutely! Cherry bread makes a delicious breakfast treat. Pair it with a hot drink for the perfect morning start.

Follow the directions below for the best ways to store your cherry bread. From making it ahead to reheating, we’ve got you covered!

Can I prepare cherry bread ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cherry bread and let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.

What’s the best way to store leftover cherry bread?
Store any leftover cherry bread in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh for two to three days.

Can I freeze cherry bread?
Yes, you can freeze cherry bread! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in the freezer for up to a month.

How do I thaw and reheat frozen cherry bread?
Thaw the bread overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for ten to fifteen minutes or in the microwave for about twenty seconds.