Cherry Bread

A delightful Cherry Bread brings a burst of flavor to your table with the sweetness of maraschino cherries in every bite. This quick bread is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as an afternoon snack. The addition of almond cherry glaze elevates it to a new level of deliciousness, making it suitable for gatherings and cozy family meals alike. Whether you’re serving it at a brunch or enjoying it on a quiet afternoon, this bread is sure to impress with its vibrant color and irresistible taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up this Cherry Bread in no time.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cherries and almond creates a unique flavor profile that everyone will love.
• Versatile Occasion: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any gathering, this bread fits seamlessly into various occasions.
• Freezes Well: Make a double batch and freeze some for later enjoyment; it’s just as tasty after thawing!
• Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different extracts or add nuts for extra crunch.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to streamline the process. Having everything ready will make baking your Cherry Bread enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Loaf pan (9×5)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Loaf pan: The right size ensures even baking so your Cherry Bread rises perfectly.
• Mixing bowls: Using separate bowls for wet and dry ingredients helps avoid overmixing the batter.
• Whisk: A whisk allows you to mix ingredients smoothly, ensuring all components are well combined.

Ingredients

A simple quick bread with maraschino cherries in every bite. Don’t forget the almond cherry glaze on top!

Ingredients:
– 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)
– 1 cup powdered sugar (130 grams)
– 1 tablespoon melted butter (14 grams)
– 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice (30 grams)
– 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (2 grams)

How to Make Cherry Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Spray a 9×5 loaf pan with cooking spray or grease it with shortening and dust it with flour.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, stir together the following:
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup 2% milk
* 1/2 cup canola oil
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon almond extract

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix together:
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt

Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.

Step 4: Prepare the Cherries

Drain the maraschino cherries, reserving the juice for later. Coarsely chop the cherries using a food processor or knife. Gently fold them into the batter.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

Pour the bread batter into your prepared pan. Bake for approximately 50–60 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. Allow cooling for about ten minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, combine:
* 1 cup powdered sugar
* 1 tablespoon melted butter
* Reserved cherry juice
* 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Whisk until smooth.

Step 7: Glaze the Bread

Once cooled, spread the glaze over the top of your Cherry Bread. For best results, wait until it’s cool; glazing while warm may cause it to run off.

Step 8: Serve and Store

Slice your Cherry Bread and serve! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. It also freezes well for future enjoyment.

How to Serve Cherry Bread

Cherry bread is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you serve it as a breakfast option, an afternoon snack, or a dessert, its sweet and fruity flavor will please everyone.

Breakfast Delight

• With Coffee: Pair a slice of cherry bread with your morning coffee for a flavorful start to the day.
• Toast It: Lightly toast the bread for added texture and warmth before serving.

Afternoon Snack

• Cream Cheese Spread: Add a layer of cream cheese for a rich and creamy complement to the cherry flavor.
• Yogurt Dip: Serve with a side of yogurt for dipping; this adds a refreshing twist.

Dessert Option

• Ice Cream Topping: Serve warm slices topped with vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top makes for an indulgent treat.

How to Perfect Cherry Bread

Perfecting cherry bread involves paying attention to detail and following best practices. Here are some tips to ensure your bread turns out delightful every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially cherries, are fresh for the best flavor.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined; overmixing can lead to dense bread.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to verify that your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
• Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to maintain its structure.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Bread

Cherry bread pairs well with various side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some great options to consider when serving this delicious treat.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing option that complements the sweetness of cherry bread.
2. Scrambled Eggs: The savory taste of eggs balances out the sweetness nicely, making it perfect for brunch.
3. Mixed Nuts: A handful of mixed nuts adds crunch and contrast in texture alongside cherry bread.
4. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide a savory counterpoint to the sweet flavors of cherry bread.
5. Granola Parfait: Layered granola, yogurt, and fruit create a satisfying dish that pairs wonderfully with cherry bread.
6. Herbal Tea: A warm cup of herbal tea can enhance the overall experience when enjoying this sweet treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking Cherry Bread, it’s easy to make small errors that can affect the outcome. Here are some common pitfalls to steer clear of.

• Using unmeasured ingredients: Always measure your ingredients properly. Too much or too little can drastically change the texture and flavor of your Cherry Bread.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense bread. Stir until just combined for a light and fluffy result.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated. An incorrect temperature can cause uneven baking, affecting the final product.
• Skipping the glaze: The almond cherry glaze adds a delightful finish. Don’t skip it, as it enhances both sweetness and presentation.
• Not cooling before slicing: Allow the bread to cool completely before cutting. Slicing too soon can make it crumbly and difficult to handle.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep in a cool area of the fridge to maintain freshness.

Freezing Cherry Bread

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months.
• Label with the date for easy identification later.

Reheating Cherry Bread

• Oven: Preheat to 350ºF, wrap in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for about 20-30 seconds on medium power.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a pan over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying Cherry Bread.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

You can use fresh cherries, but they will need to be pitted and chopped. The flavor will differ slightly from using maraschino cherries.

How do I know when my Cherry Bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your Cherry Bread is ready!

Can I customize my Cherry Bread?

Absolutely! You can add nuts or substitute different extracts for unique flavors while keeping the core recipe intact.

What makes this Cherry Bread special?

The combination of moist bread with sweet maraschino cherries and almond glaze creates a delightful treat perfect for any occasion.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Bread is not only simple to make but also versatile enough for breakfast or dessert. With its sweet cherry flavor enhanced by the almond glaze, it’s sure to impress anyone you share it with. Feel free to customize it with your favorite additions like nuts or chocolate chips!