Cherry Bread

Cherry Bread: A Slice of Sweet Nostalgia

Hello, fellow food lovers! Today, I’m excited to share a delightful recipe that evokes warm memories and sweet aromas wafting through the kitchen—Cherry Bread! A treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or just a cozy afternoon snack, this loaf will have you leaning back in your chair, savoring every bite while reminiscing about simpler times. So let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this scrumptious creation!

A Sweet Memory

Growing up, my grandmother had a cherry tree in her backyard that produced the juiciest, most vibrant cherries you could ever imagine. Every summer, my cousins and I would pick baskets full of those little beauties, our fingers stained with bright red juice, our laughter echoing as we raced each other to see who could gather the most. One of my fondest memories was the day we decided to make Cherry Bread together.

With my grandma at the helm, we transformed our cherry haul into a loaf of goodness, blending the sweet and tart flavors with flour and butter. That heavenly smell drifting from the oven was pure magic! We eagerly awaited the moment we could slice into that soft, warm bread and slather it with butter. Every bite was a celebration of summer, family, and the joy of being together in the kitchen. Now, I’m sharing this cherished recipe with you so you can create your own memories around the table. Let’s gather those ingredients!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this Cherry Bread to life:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • This is the foundation of your bread! It gives it structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

• 1 cup granulated sugar

  • Sweetness is key! You can substitute half the sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor or use coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index.

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • Butter adds richness and moisture. For a healthier option, use unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt.

• 1/2 cup milk

  • Whole milk works best for creaminess, but you can use almond milk or any other non-dairy alternative for a twist.

• 2 large eggs

  • Eggs act as a binding agent and add richness. If you’re vegan, chia seeds or flaxseeds mixed with water can make a great substitute.

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Vanilla enhances the flavor beautifully! If you’re short on time, imitation vanilla will also do, but the real deal shines.

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

  • This is your leavening agent, helping the bread rise and stay light. Make sure it’s fresh for the best results!

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • A pinch of salt balances out the sweetness. You can also use sea salt for a slightly different flavor profile.

• 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and chopped

  • The star of the show! Fresh cherries are best, but if they’re out of season, frozen cherries work too—just thaw and drain them well first.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to get baking? Let’s make that Cherry Bread!

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bread is baked evenly and rises perfectly.

2. Prepare the pan: Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. A well-prepared pan means your bread won’t stick!

3. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This step helps to incorporate the leavening agent evenly so your bread rises just right!

4. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This aeration is what gives your bread a lovely texture.

5. Add the eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and creamy. The smell of butter and vanilla will have you dreaming of what’s to come!

6. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start with the flour mixture, then the milk, and continue until everything is just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; a few lumps are okay!

7. Fold in the cherries: Gently fold in the chopped cherries with a spatula. This step is crucial—over-mixing at this stage can result in a tougher bread, and we want it light and fluffy!

8. Pour into the pan: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. It’s okay if the batter is a bit lumpy—that means there are still juicy bits of cherry waiting to burst with flavor!

9. Bake your bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil.

10. Cool and enjoy: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Try to wait before slicing; I know it’s hard, but letting it rest enhances the flavors!

Serving Suggestions

Now that your Cherry Bread is baked to perfection, it’s time to serve! Slice the bread while it’s still warm and serve it with a dollop of butter or a generous spread of cream cheese. For a fun twist, drizzle some honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness. This loaf pairs perfectly with a steaming cup of coffee or tea—ah, bliss at its best!

Recipe Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some creative twists to explore:

• Almond Cherry Bread: Add a teaspoon of almond extract instead of vanilla, or fold in some sliced almonds for extra crunch.

• Chocolate Cherry Bread: Add a cup of chocolate chips for a decadent treat. Cherries and chocolate? Yes, please!

• Spiced Cherry Bread: Incorporate a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the cherries beautifully.

• Zesty Cherry Bread: Zest a lemon or orange and fold it into the batter for a bright, citrusy kick that elevates the dish!

Chef’s Notes

As with any recipe, feel free to make it your own! I’ve played around with Cherry Bread a lot over the years, and each time brings new memories and flavors. I remember one time I had some leftover ginger from another recipe, so I chopped it finely and tossed it in, creating a deliciously unexpected spiced kick. Don’t hesitate to get creative—it’s all about experimenting and making this loaf your signature dish!

FAQs and Troubleshooting

Q: My Cherry Bread turned out too dense. What went wrong?
A: Dense bread can result from over-mixing the batter or not having enough leavening agent. Be sure to gently combine ingredients and check that your baking powder is fresh!

Q: Can I use frozen cherries?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in your batter.

Q: How should I store leftover Cherry Bread?
A: Store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for up to a week. It also freezes beautifully—wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I make this recipe without eggs?
A: Yes! Chia seeds or flaxseeds mixed with water can replace eggs, providing a similar binding quality and moisture.

Nutritional Info (optional)

While I know many of us indulge in treats like this from time to time, it’s good to be mindful of nutrition. A typical slice of Cherry Bread has about 230 calories, 10 grams of fat, and 32 grams of carbs. If you’re looking to lighten it up, consider some of the substitutions mentioned above!

There you have it, my tasty goal of cherry-infused goodness! I hope you whip up this Cherry Bread and create your own delightful memories around the table. Remember, cooking is about bringing people together, so share a slice with someone you love, and savor the moments as much as the flavors. Let’s fill the plate, and happy baking! 🍒🥖

Cherry Bread

Print Recipe

A delightful Cherry Bread recipe that evokes warm memories and sweet aromas, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack.

• Author: platefulkitchen
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 75 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.
3. Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl: flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
4. Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, then stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, alternating with the milk.
7. Fold in the chopped cherries gently.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
9. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
10. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Notes

Slice the bread while warm and serve with butter or cream cheese.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: cherry, bread, dessert, sweet, baking, nostalgia