Cherry Bread with Cherry Glaze

If you’re looking for a sweet, fruity treat that’s perfect for any occasion, Cherry Bread with Cherry Glaze is here to steal the show! Imagine a soft, moist loaf packed with juicy cherries that burst with every bite, and then topped with a sweet cherry glaze that adds a glossy, irresistible finish. This bread is like a cherry pie in loaf form—rich, decadent, and perfect for brunch, dessert, or just because you want something that tastes like a hug. It’s fruity, flavorful, and absolutely heavenly. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this one again and again!

Why You’ll Love Cherry Bread with Cherry Glaze

  • Fruity & Sweet: The cherries add a pop of color and a sweet, tart flavor that’s perfectly balanced by the soft bread.
  • Moist & Tender: The bread itself is incredibly moist, thanks to the perfect mix of wet ingredients that keep it tender.
  • Perfectly Glazed: The cherry glaze is the cherry on top (literally!), giving each slice a little extra sweetness and shine. It’s totally optional, but honestly, who could resist?
  • Versatile: This bread is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack. It’s a great way to enjoy the delicious taste of cherries all year round, even when they’re out of season!
  • Easily Customizable: Want to mix it up? Add some chopped almonds or walnuts to the batter for extra crunch, or swap the cherries for blueberries or raspberries!

Ingredients

This Cherry Bread is made with simple ingredients that come together to create something truly special:

For the Bread:

  • All-Purpose Flour: The main structure of the bread.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the bread and adds to the moistness.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise and become fluffy.
  • Salt: A pinch to balance out the sweetness.
  • Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and moisture.
  • Eggs: Help bind the ingredients and give the bread structure.
  • Milk: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cherries.
  • Cherries: Fresh or frozen cherries, chopped into pieces for that fruity burst.

For the Cherry Glaze:

  • Powdered Sugar: Gives the glaze a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Cherry Juice: Use juice from canned cherries or fresh cherry juice for the glaze.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the glaze and complements the cherries.

Instructions

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s get baking!

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This will ensure your dry ingredients are evenly mixed and ready to go.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat together the melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. The wet ingredients will help make the bread moist and flavorful.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can make the bread dense. It should be thick and smooth.

Step 5: Fold in the Cherries

Gently fold in the chopped cherries. You can reserve a few cherries to scatter on top of the batter before baking if you want to make it extra cherry-packed!

Step 6: Pour into Pan and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.

Step 7: Cool

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. While it’s cooling, you can prepare the glaze.

Step 8: Make the Cherry Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cherry juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy. Adjust the consistency by adding more cherry juice if it’s too thick or more powdered sugar if it’s too thin.

Step 9: Glaze the Bread

Once the bread has completely cooled, drizzle the cherry glaze over the top. The glaze will soak into the bread a little, making it extra sweet and delicious.

Step 10: Slice & Serve

Slice up the bread and serve it fresh. The cherries, soft bread, and sweet glaze will have everyone coming back for more!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 10-12
Calories per serving: Varies depending on glaze and portion size

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes

How to Serve Cherry Bread with Cherry Glaze

This cherry bread is perfect for all sorts of occasions. Here are some fun ways to enjoy it:

  • For Breakfast or Brunch: Serve warm slices with a cup of coffee or tea for a sweet start to the day.
  • As a Dessert: Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
  • Perfect for Gifting: Wrap up a loaf and give it as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family. They’ll love the personal touch.
  • With a Glass of Milk: Enjoy a slice with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Additional Tips

  • Substitute Fresh Cherries: If fresh cherries are out of season, feel free to use frozen cherries. Just make sure to chop them before adding them to the batter.
  • For Extra Flavor: Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the batter for a delicious nutty note that pairs beautifully with cherries.
  • Storage Tips: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  • Freezing: You can freeze the bread (before glazing) for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?
A1: Yes, frozen cherries work just as well! Just be sure to chop them and thaw them before adding them to the batter.

Q2: Can I make this bread without the cherry glaze?
A2: Absolutely! The bread is delicious on its own, but the glaze really adds that extra touch of sweetness and shine.

Q3: Can I make this bread gluten-free?
A3: Yes! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this bread gluten-free. The texture should still be great!

Q4: How do I store leftover cherry bread?
A4: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for up to a week.

Q5: Can I freeze cherry bread?
A5: Yes! Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw at room temperature before glazing and serving.

Q6: Can I add nuts to the bread?
A6: Definitely! Chopped walnuts or almonds would add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor to the bread. Just fold them into the batter with the cherries.

Q7: Can I use a different fruit in place of cherries?
A7: Yes! You can swap out the cherries for other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even diced apples.

Q8: How can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
A8: To thicken the glaze, add more powdered sugar. To thin it, add a little more cherry juice or milk.

Q9: Can I make mini loaves of this bread?
A9: Yes! You can make mini loaves by adjusting the baking time. Mini loaves typically bake for about 30-35 minutes, so keep an eye on them.

Q10: Can I make this bread ahead of time?
A10: Yes! You can bake the bread a day ahead, store it at room temperature, and glaze it just before serving.

Conclusion

This Cherry Bread with Cherry Glaze is a sweet, fruity delight that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender, moist texture, juicy cherries, and sweet glaze, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, sharing it with friends, or gifting it to loved ones, it’s a treat that’s impossible to resist. So grab your cherries and get baking—you won’t regret it!

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Cherry Bread with Cherry Glaze


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  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: 1 loaf (about 810 slices) 1x

Description

This Cherry Bread with Cherry Glaze is a sweet, soft loaf filled with juicy cherries and topped with a tangy cherry glaze. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a dessert, it’s a delightful treat that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Bread:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped (reserve a few whole cherries for garnish, if desired)

For the Cherry Glaze:

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 23 tbsp cherry juice (from fresh or maraschino cherries)
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • Optional: Chopped cherries for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
    In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
  3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
    In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar using an electric mixer or by hand until light and fluffy.
  4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
    Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Alternate Adding the Dry Ingredients and Milk:
    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  6. Fold in the Cherries:
    Gently fold in the chopped cherries, being careful not to overmix.
  7. Bake the Bread:
    Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean (a few crumbs are fine). If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
  8. Cool the Bread:
    Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Prepare the Cherry Glaze:
    In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cherry juice, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more cherry juice if needed to reach the desired consistency for drizzling.
  10. Glaze the Bread:
    Once the bread is completely cooled, drizzle the cherry glaze over the top. Optionally, garnish with whole cherries or chopped cherries for an extra touch of color and flavor.
  11. Serve and Enjoy:
    Slice and serve the bread. It’s perfect on its own or paired with a cup of tea or coffee.

Notes

  • If using frozen cherries, make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the batter to avoid excess moisture.
  • For a deeper cherry flavor, you can use maraschino cherry juice in the glaze.
  • This bread is best enjoyed within 2-3 days, but it can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 2 months.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

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