If you’re seeking a showstopping yet effortless treat, look no further than Cherry Bread. This classic quick bread is bursting with juicy cherries in every bite, wrapped in a tender, golden loaf that’s just as perfect for lazy summer brunches as it is for cozy winter mornings. The combination of tart cherries, a delicate crumb, and a sweet crackly top makes it a must-bake for fruit lovers, with a flavor that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly bright.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about Cherry Bread is how each ingredient plays a starring role—there’s not a single wasted addition. Even better, these baking basics are probably already in your kitchen, ready to transform into something extraordinary. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

All-purpose flour: The reliable foundation for a soft, sturdy crumb.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and complements the fruit’s natural tang.
Baking powder: Gives the bread room to rise, creating a light texture.
Baking soda: Works with the buttermilk to provide extra tenderness.
Salt: Just enough to sharpen flavors and balance the sweetness.
Buttermilk: Adds rich moisture and a subtle tang, keeping things extra soft.
Vegetable oil: Ensures the loaf stays tender, never greasy.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
Vanilla extract: For a warm, inviting aroma that complements the cherries.
Fresh or frozen cherries: The star ingredient—make sure they’re pitted and halved for vibrant pockets of flavor.
Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Sprinkle in some crunch if you crave nutty contrast.
Coarse sugar for topping (optional): Adds a sparkling, sweet touch and a little crunch to every slice.

How to Make Cherry Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F—getting the temperature just right makes all the difference. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper if you want an easy lift. A well-prepped pan ensures your Cherry Bread will pop out cleanly and show off that gorgeous golden crust.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Taking a little time to blend these thoroughly ensures even distribution, which leads to the perfect rise and just the right amount of sweetness in every bite.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until completely smooth. This step is where the foundation for moisture and richness is built, so don’t rush—make sure everything is blended so your Cherry Bread turns out incredibly tender.

Step 4: Bring Batter Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. The key here is not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are a good sign because overworked batter can become tough. Aim for lumpy, and you’re golden!

Step 5: Fold in Cherries (and Nuts, If Using)

Gently fold the cherries into your batter, along with the optional nuts if you’re adding them. Fresh or frozen, those juicy bursts of fruit are the star—fold just enough so the cherries are dotted evenly throughout the mix. This is the moment your loaf’s personality shines through!

Step 6: Fill the Pan and Add Finishing Touches

Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a bit of coarse sugar over the top—it’ll bake up into a sweet, crackly crown that’s irresistible.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place your loaf pan in the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. You’ll know your Cherry Bread is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to finish cooling so it slices like a dream.

How to Serve Cherry Bread

Garnishes

Cherry Bread is a stunner all on its own, but a few well-chosen garnishes can take it to another level. Try a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of simple vanilla glaze, or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for extra indulgence. Even a pat of soft butter or swipe of cream cheese can make every bite more memorable.

Side Dishes

Pair your Cherry Bread with strong coffee, a creamy latte, or fruity herbal tea for a classic breakfast or snack. If you lean sweet, fresh berries or an orange segment salad amplify the fruit notes in the loaf, while a spoonful of Greek yogurt on the side keeps it balanced and wholesome.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch spread, try slicing Cherry Bread into thick wedges and serving on a board with fresh cherries, toasted nuts, and honey. Cube leftovers and layer into a yogurt parfait for a novel dessert, or turn slices into playful French toast that’s as pretty as it is delicious. For celebrations, a drizzle of pink-tinted glaze and scatter of chopped toasted nuts make an eye-catching centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cherry Bread stays fresh for up to three days when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Leave it on the counter to enjoy slices that stay moist and tender, or refrigerate if your kitchen runs warm—just bring to room temp before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

This loaf freezes beautifully! Once it has cooled completely, wrap the Cherry Bread well in foil and tuck it into a resealable freezer bag. It’ll keep its flavor and texture for up to three months. Thaw overnight at room temperature for slices that taste fresh out of the oven.

Reheating

The quickest way to revive Cherry Bread’s just-baked magic is to pop slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds. Warmed up, the cherries become even juicier and the crumb softens—perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen cherries work wonderfully in Cherry Bread—just make sure to thaw, drain, and pat them dry before folding into the batter. This prevents excess moisture, so your loaf stays light and fluffy.

Do I have to use nuts?

Nope, nuts are totally optional. If you skip them, your Cherry Bread will still be delicious and soft, with all the focus on those juicy cherries. It’s perfect for anyone with nut allergies or who likes a simpler loaf.

Why did my bread come out dense or gummy?

This usually happens if the batter is overmixed, or if there’s too much moisture. Remember to gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together just until combined, and pre-measure the cherries for best results.

How do I make a glaze for Cherry Bread?

Mix together 1/2 cup powdered sugar with about 1 tablespoon milk (or lemon juice for a tangy twist), then drizzle it over the cooled loaf. The glaze adds a sweet finishing touch and makes the bread look as amazing as it tastes.

Can Cherry Bread be made in advance?

Yes! In fact, some say it’s even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Bake your Cherry Bread a day ahead, let it cool fully, and wrap it up to keep those flavors locked in and ready to slice and share.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Cherry Bread enough for both new and experienced bakers—it’s that reliable, crowd-pleasing recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Try it for brunch, as a sweet snack, or as a gift from your oven to someone you love. Happy baking and enjoy every cherry-studded bite!

Cherry Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 10 slices 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the sweet and juicy flavors of cherry bread, a delightful treat that pairs perfectly with your morning coffee or afternoon tea. This moist and tender bread is loaded with fresh cherries and crunchy nuts, making it a wonderful addition to any brunch or snack time.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

3/4 cup buttermilk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
2 tablespoons coarse sugar for topping (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing and flouring it or lining it with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
Add Cherries and Nuts: Fold in the cherries and nuts if using.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smooth the top, sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired, and bake for 55 to 65 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve.

Notes

This bread is delicious when served warm with butter or cream cheese.
You can enhance the sweetness by drizzling a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the bread.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Bread, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American