If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, flavorful loaf that combines fruitiness with a tender crumb, you are going to fall head over heels for this Cherry Bread with Cherry Glaze Recipe. This moist, sweet cherry bread bursts with juicy cherry pieces and is finished off with a glossy, fragrant cherry glaze that makes each slice look as good as it tastes. It’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a delightful dessert that’s both simple and satisfying. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to breads for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Cherry Bread with Cherry Glaze Recipe so irresistible is how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that soft texture, rich flavor, and beautiful cherry notes that dance on your palate.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the bread providing structure and tenderness.
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder: Ensures your bread rises perfectly and stays light.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional): Adds a warm, subtle hint that complements the cherries beautifully.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread just right without overpowering.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Creates a tender crumb and rich taste.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add moisture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Deepens the bread’s flavor and aroma.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Keeps the bread moist and soft.
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped: The star ingredient for bursts of juicy flavor—reserve some whole cherries for garnish if you’d like.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: The base for a smooth, sweet glaze.
- 2-3 tbsp cherry juice: Adds vibrant cherry flavor and beautiful color to the glaze.
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract: Rounds out the glaze’s taste with warmth.
How to Make Cherry Bread with Cherry Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a standard loaf pan. This simple step ensures your bread won’t stick and bakes evenly throughout, setting a great foundation for the perfect texture.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon if you’re using it. Combining these dry elements first helps distribute the leavening and spice evenly so every bite bursts with consistent flavor.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a mixer or a sturdy spoon, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process traps air, contributing to the bread’s tender crumb and sweet base.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Incorporating these wet ingredients gradually ensures they blend fully with the butter-sugar mixture, creating a smooth batter.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Milk and Dry Ingredients
Begin by adding about one-third of your dry flour mix to the wet ingredients, followed by half the milk. Continue alternating until all the dry ingredients and milk are absorbed. This method keeps the batter from getting overmixed, so your bread remains tender and light.
Step 6: Fold in Chopped Cherries
Gently fold in the chopped fresh or frozen cherries, taking care not to break them into pulp. These juicy pockets are what make the bread truly special, delivering an irresistible fruitiness in every slice.
Step 7: Bake Your Bread
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for about 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen will give you the exciting hint that something wonderful is baking!
Step 8: Make the Cherry Glaze
While your bread cools, it’s time to whip up the cherry glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, cherry juice, and vanilla until smooth and glossy. This shiny glaze will add moisture, sweetness, and a gorgeous finish to your bread.
Step 9: Glaze and Garnish
Once the bread has cooled slightly but is still warm, drizzle the cherry glaze over the top so it seeps into the cracks beautifully. Sprinkle any reserved whole cherries for an eye-catching, fruity decoration that’s as inviting as it is delicious.
How to Serve Cherry Bread with Cherry Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
While the glaze and reserved cherries already dress the bread splendidly, you can elevate presentation by adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar. Fresh mint leaves also bring a pop of color and refreshing contrast.
Side Dishes
This cherry bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a perfect morning or afternoon treat. If you want to turn it into a brunch centerpiece, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or creamy yogurt for a balanced and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice your cherry bread and make mini sandwiches with cream cheese or mascarpone. You can also toast slices lightly and spread with almond butter or jam for a simple, delicious snack that highlights the cherry glaze’s tang.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover cherry bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy that tender crumb and luscious cherry flavor without rushing.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the bread wrapped well in plastic and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen cherry bread keeps beautifully for up to 3 months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge for a quick breakfast treat.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your cherry bread again, gently warm slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at a low temperature. This revives its soft texture and intensifies the cherry glaze’s sweetness, making each bite feel like it was freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work just as well as fresh ones — just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid adding too much moisture to your batter.
Is it possible to make this cherry bread dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a non-dairy alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter, and use your favorite plant-based milk instead of whole milk.
How do I know when the cherry bread is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (but no wet batter), your bread is ready to come out of the oven.
Can I use dried cherries instead of fresh or frozen?
Dried cherries can be used, but since they lack moisture, soak them in warm water or cherry juice beforehand to plump them up. This helps them stay juicy and flavorful in the bread.
What’s the best way to drizzle the cherry glaze?
Use a spoon or a small piping bag to drizzle the glaze evenly over the warm bread, allowing it to pool in the cracks and create that beautiful shiny finish everyone will admire.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Bread with Cherry Glaze Recipe is truly one of those heartwarming, crowd-pleasing treats you’ll want to bake again and again. It’s simple yet sophisticated, sweet yet balanced, and packed with the bright flavor that only cherries can offer. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or enjoying it as a personal indulgence, this bread promises to bring a smile to your face and delicious memories to your kitchen.
Print
Cherry Bread with Cherry Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 slices)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cherry Bread with Cherry Glaze is a moist and flavorful loaf packed with fresh or frozen cherries and topped with a sweet cherry-infused glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack, this bread combines the subtle warmth of cinnamon with the natural tartness of cherries, making it a unique and delicious treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Fruit
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped (reserve a few whole cherries for garnish, if desired)
Cherry Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp cherry juice (from fresh or maraschino cherries)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Garnish
- Chopped cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and optional cinnamon to ensure they are evenly combined.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine milk and dry ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and whole milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently after each addition until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Fold in cherries: Carefully fold the chopped cherries into the batter, making sure they are evenly distributed.
- Bake the bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent the loaf with foil.
- Prepare the glaze: While the bread bakes, in a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, cherry juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Adjust the consistency by adding more juice or sugar if needed.
- Cool and glaze: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool almost completely. Drizzle the cherry glaze over the top of the loaf and garnish with reserved cherries or chopped cherries as desired.
- Serve: Slice the bread into 8-10 slices and serve as a sweet breakfast or snack treat.
Notes
- If using frozen cherries, thaw and drain excess liquid to avoid overly wet batter.
- The optional cinnamon adds a warm, spicy note but can be omitted if preferred.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and butter with a dairy-free spread.
- Store the bread covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- This bread also freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
