Description
This Cherry Bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread bursting with juicy maraschino cherries and a hint of almond extract. Topped with a sweet cherry glaze, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread Ingredients
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup canola oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 jars (20 ounces) maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/3 cup cherry juice (reserved from cherries)
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9″x5″ loaf pan to ensure the bread doesn’t stick and bakes evenly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine granulated sugar, milk, canola oil, egg, and almond extract. Whisk together until well blended to create a smooth base.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly.
- Mix Wet and Dry: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Fold in Cherries: Gently fold the chopped maraschino cherries into the batter, ensuring even distribution without crushing them.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, melted butter, reserved cherry juice, and almond extract until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the bread is fully cooled, drizzle the cherry glaze over the top. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- For a nut-free version, ensure the almond extract is safe or substitute with vanilla extract.
- Drain cherries well to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
- If you prefer, substitute canola oil with vegetable oil.
- Use fresh cherries for a different flavor but reduce added cherry juice in glaze accordingly.
- Store leftovers wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
