Name: Cherry Bread with Cherry Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-495904H53M57S
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 Cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ Teaspoons baking powder; ½ Teaspoon kosher salt; 1 Cup granulated sugar; 1 Stick unsalted butter (½ Cup, softened); 2 large eggs (at room temperature); 2 Teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 Teaspoon almond extract; ½ Cup whole milk (at room temperature); 3 Tablespoons maraschino cherry juice; 1 Cup maraschino cherries (chopped, drained and stems removed, reserve juice for glaze); nonstick cooking spray (as needed); 1 ½ Cups powdered sugar (sifted); ¼ Cup heavy cream; 2 Tablespoons maraschino cherry juice (reserved from jar, more if needed); ¼ Teaspoon almond extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 63 reviews

There is something truly magical about a loaf that brings together the bright sweetness of cherries with a tender, buttery crumb and a glossy, flavorful finish. This Cherry Bread with Cherry Glaze Recipe does exactly that, creating a stunningly delightful treat perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack with your favorite cup of tea. The luscious maraschino cherries fold throughout the bread bring bursts of juicy flavor while the cherry glaze ties everything together with a satin sheen and just the right amount of sweetness. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your cherished homemade favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a flat lay of baking ingredients arranged on a white marbled texture. There are nine bowls and containers placed neatly: a white bowl filled with white flour in the center, a white bowl with bright red cherries at the bottom left, a white bowl with white powdered sugar at the bottom right, a white bowl with white granulated sugar at the left, and a white bowl with milk at the right. Two white eggs sit in a small white bowl near the top center. A stick of unsalted butter rests near the top left. A small dark brown bottle is at the center bottom between the cherries and powdered sugar. A small white bowl holds a white powder near the left edge while another small white bowl contains a measuring cup with white liquid near the right edge. A round wooden container with salt and a wooden spoon is placed at the top right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the tender crumb created by the all-purpose flour to the juicy pop of maraschino cherries, everything comes together seamlessly in this cherry bread.

All-purpose flour (2 cups): Provides structure and a soft crumb to the bread.
Baking powder (1 ½ teaspoons): Helps the bread rise beautifully and stay light.
Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the bread and helps create tenderness.
Unsalted butter (1 stick, softened): Adds rich flavor and moist texture.
Large eggs (2, room temperature): Bind ingredients and give structure.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Adds warm, sweet aromatic notes.
Almond extract (1 teaspoon): Highlights the cherry flavor with a nutty touch.
Whole milk (½ cup, room temperature): Keeps the batter smooth and moist.
Maraschino cherry juice (3 tablespoons + 2 tablespoons reserved): Infuses cherry flavor into both bread and glaze.
Maraschino cherries (1 cup, chopped, drained): The star ingredient providing bursts of sweetness and color.
Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures the bread releases easily from the pan.
Powdered sugar (1 ½ cups, sifted): Forms the base of the sweet and smooth glaze.
Heavy cream (¼ cup): Adds richness and silkiness to the glaze.

How to Make Cherry Bread with Cherry Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by heating your oven to 350°F, the ideal baking temperature for creating a golden crust and moist interior. Grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan lightly with nonstick spray, then line it with parchment paper that hangs over the edges. This clever trick makes lifting out the bread effortless once it’s baked and cooled, keeping the loaf perfectly intact.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt until evenly combined. This step ensures your rising agent and salt are distributed thoroughly, setting up the perfect foundation for your batter.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Using a mixer on medium speed, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar for 2 to 3 minutes. This process incorporates air into the mixture, helping create a tender and fluffy crumb in your cherry bread.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Extracts

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter. Then stir in both the vanilla and almond extracts. The almond extract especially enhances the cherry flavor, making every bite aromatic and delicious.

Step 5: Combine the Batter

Reduce the mixer speed to low and add half of the dry ingredients, mixing gently until combined. Pour in the whole milk and 3 tablespoons of maraschino cherry juice, blending thoroughly. Add the remaining dry ingredients last and mix just until the batter is smooth with no flour streaks—avoid overmixing to keep the bread light.

Step 6: Fold in the Chopped Cherries

With a rubber spatula, gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries. Their delightful bursts of flavor and charming red flecks throughout the batter are what make this bread truly special. The batter will be thick, which helps the bread achieve a beautifully domed top during baking.

Step 7: Bake the Cherry Bread

Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with your spatula and tapping the pan gently to release any large air bubbles. Bake on the center rack for 55 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s perfectly done when the top is golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean with only a few moist crumbs attached.

Step 8: Cool and Prepare the Cherry Glaze

After removing the bread from the oven, allow it to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before lifting it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. While you wait, whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, 2 tablespoons of the reserved cherry juice, and almond extract until the glaze is smooth and pourable. Adjust the thickness by adding more cherry juice for a thinner drizzle or more powdered sugar to thicken.

Step 9: Glaze Your Bread

Generously drizzle or pour the cherry glaze over the cooled loaf, letting it cascade over the edges. Allow the glaze to set for about 15 minutes before slicing so it forms a glossy, irresistible finish that perfectly complements the cherry bread.

How to Serve Cherry Bread with Cherry Glaze Recipe

A loaf cake sliced into seven pieces is shown from above, placed on parchment paper on a light brown wooden board. The cake has a soft pink glaze spread thickly on top, with a smooth but slightly uneven texture. The inside of the cake is light pink with scattered bright red cherry pieces throughout all slices. Three shiny red cherries are placed around the wooden board on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your serving presentation by adding a few extra maraschino cherries on top or sprinkle with finely chopped toasted almonds for a delightful crunch and visual appeal. A lightly dusted sprinkle of powdered sugar can also add a wintery touch that’s eye-catching and elegant.

Side Dishes

Pair this cherry bread with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. If serving for breakfast or brunch, a side of fresh fruit or a simple cream cheese spread complements the sweetness beautifully and rounds out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or gathering, slice the cherry bread into bite-sized squares and arrange on a wooden board with fresh cherries and sprigs of mint for a rustic, inviting display. You can also toast slices lightly and serve with almond butter for a cozy, autumnal snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover cherry bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the bread moist and flavorful while preventing it from drying out. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration can extend freshness but might slightly firm the texture.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. Slice the bread first and wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag to avoid freezer burn. Frozen cherry bread can be stored for up to three months, allowing you to enjoy this delicious treat anytime.

Reheating

To revive the bread’s freshly baked warmth, toast or microwave individual slices for 15 to 20 seconds. The glaze will soften and the cherries inside will become delightfully juicy again. For whole loaves, warming wrapped in foil at 300°F for about 10 minutes does the trick without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries will work but they have a different texture and less sweetness than maraschino cherries. You may want to increase the sugar slightly and expect a more subtle cherry flavor without the distinctive maraschino cherry juice for the glaze.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

If almond extract isn’t on hand, vanilla extract alone still makes a delicious bread, though the cherry flavor won’t be as pronounced. Adding a small pinch of almond meal could also enhance the nuttiness subtly.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend at a 1:1 ratio. Be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to help maintain structure, and watch baking times closely since gluten-free flours can brown faster.

How long does the cherry glaze keep?

Cherry glaze is best used fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Rewhisk before using as it may thicken or separate slightly when chilled.

Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! The steps are straightforward, from mixing to baking, and the ingredients are simple. Plus, the result is impressively delicious, making it a perfect recipe to build kitchen confidence.

Final Thoughts

Once you whip up this Cherry Bread with Cherry Glaze Recipe, you’ll understand why it’s so beloved. The moist, fragrant bread dotted with cherries and topped with a luscious glaze is the kind of treat you want to share with loved ones over laughter and stories. So grab those cherries and get baking — this recipe is waiting to become your next go-to for irresistible homemade sweetness.