If you adore vibrant, fruity bakes that double as both a showstopper and a comfort classic, this Cherry Bread with Cherry Glaze will completely win your heart. A tender, buttery loaf studded with luscious maraschino cherries and draped in a naturally pink, almond-scented glaze, it’s as pretty as it is delicious. Whether you serve it as a teatime treat or a sweet breakfast indulgence, every bite bursts with the sweet-tart magic of cherries and nostalgic bakery goodness. This recipe is especially close to my heart, and I can’t wait for you to fall in love with Cherry Bread with Cherry Glaze just like I have.

Cherry Bread with Cherry Glaze Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this bread lies in its simplicity: just a handful of staple ingredients, each playing a starring role in the flavor, structure, or irresistible color of the finished loaf. Here’s a quick snapshot of what goes in and why you shouldn’t skip a thing.

All-purpose flour: Creates the base and structure for the bread, ensuring a tender crumb.
Granulated sugar: Gives sweetness to the loaf and balances the tartness of cherries.
Baking powder: Adds lift, giving you a soft and fluffy texture every time.
Salt: Enhances flavors and prevents the bread from tasting flat.
Maraschino cherries, chopped (drained and patted dry): Pack the loaf with juicy cherry flavor and bursts of color.
Whole milk: Provides moisture and richness, making every bite perfectly soft.
Unsalted butter (melted and cooled): Adds richness and a subtle buttery flavor.
Eggs: Bind everything together, contributing to structure and tenderness.
Vanilla extract: Infuses the bread with a warm, classic bakery aroma.
Almond extract: Lends a delicate nuttiness that sings alongside the cherries.
Powdered sugar (for the glaze): Creates a silky, sweet glaze that clings beautifully to the crust.
Maraschino cherry juice (for the glaze): Naturally tints the glaze pink and deepens the cherry flavor.
Almond extract (for the glaze): Echoes the almond note in the bread, creating a harmonious finish.

How to Make Cherry Bread with Cherry Glaze

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and giving your 9×5-inch loaf pan a generous coat of nonstick spray or a swipe of butter. Lining the bottom with parchment paper is a great tip if you want a guaranteed easy release every time. This first step means you’ll never struggle with sticking or breaking your gorgeous loaf!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This combines everything evenly and prevents any sneaky lumps later on. Once mixed, add in the chopped, well-drained cherries, tossing to coat them gently – this keeps them suspended throughout the bread rather than sinking to the bottom.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole milk, melted (and cooled) butter, the two eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Blend until the mixture looks smooth and creamy. Letting the butter cool a bit first helps keep your eggs from scrambling – no surprise bits here!

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour your wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir slowly and gently using a spatula just until everything is incorporated – a few streaks of flour are better than overmixing. Overmixing leads to dry, tough bread, and we want every slice of your Cherry Bread with Cherry Glaze to be tender and moist.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop it in the middle rack of the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. When a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean (or with just a few crumbs), you’re good to go. Resist the urge to open the oven too often; steady heat gives you the best rise!

Step 6: Cool Completely

Let the bread rest in the pan for about 10 minutes once it’s done – this makes unmolding a breeze. Transfer to a wire rack to cool all the way through. Applying the glaze to a warm loaf will cause it to melt off, so patience here is rewarded with picture-perfect presentation.

Step 7: Whisk and Drizzle the Cherry Glaze

For the magical finishing touch, whisk together powdered sugar, maraschino cherry juice, and almond extract until you get a silky, pourable glaze. Drizzle generously over the fully cooled loaf, letting it drip down the sides for that dreamy bakery look. Once set, your Cherry Bread with Cherry Glaze is truly ready to steal the show.

How to Serve Cherry Bread with Cherry Glaze

Garnishes

This bread is honestly so stunning that it hardly needs extra flair, but a scattering of finely chopped maraschino cherries or a sprinkle of toasted sliced almonds takes the visual appeal over the top. A dusting of extra powdered sugar adds a whimsical touch, making each slice feel utterly festive.

Side Dishes

Pair slices of Cherry Bread with Cherry Glaze alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a truly comforting experience. It’s also lovely with fresh fruit, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla yogurt if you’re serving it for brunch. The cheerful flavors play well with simple sides and turn any gathering into a celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeding a crowd or gifting a loaf, try slicing and fanning out on a pretty platter, drizzled with a little extra cherry glaze for drama. For a playful touch, cut the cooled bread into cubes and serve with toothpicks as bite-sized petit fours. Cherry Bread with Cherry Glaze also makes an amazing base for a dessert trifle layered with cream and more fruit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the Cherry Bread with Cherry Glaze has fully cooled and the glaze has set, simply store any extras in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm or humid, you may want to refrigerate it to keep everything fresh and the glaze beautifully intact for up to 5 days.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf (unglazed is best for freezing) tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and stash in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then glaze just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

To revive that just-baked taste, warm slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds, or pop them in a low oven (around 300°F) for a few minutes. The glaze will soften slightly, and the bread becomes wonderfully aromatic and moist, making leftovers feel luxurious.

FAQs

Can I use fresh or frozen cherries instead of maraschino?

Absolutely! If you’d like to swap in fresh or frozen cherries, just make sure they’re pitted, chopped, and patted dry to avoid excess moisture in the bread. The flavor will be a touch less sweet and more tart, but equally delicious.

Can I make Cherry Bread with Cherry Glaze gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Substitute a reliable cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Just keep an eye on the texture, as some blends may absorb liquid differently—if your batter looks dry, add a splash more milk.

What should I do if my glaze is too thick or thin?

If your cherry glaze is too thick to drizzle, simply add a few extra drops of maraschino cherry juice or milk until it flows smoothly. If it’s too thin, whisk in a little more powdered sugar. It should coat a spoon and drip slowly for that perfect finish.

Why did my cherries sink to the bottom of the loaf?

Cherries are denser and can sink if the batter is too thin or they aren’t coated with flour. Tossing the cherries in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter helps suspend them for an even, colorful loaf.

Can I make Cherry Bread with Cherry Glaze ahead for a party or brunch?

You sure can! Bake the bread the day before your event and glaze it once fully cooled. In fact, letting it rest briefly allows flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delightful when you’re ready to share.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Bread with Cherry Glaze is a joyful, crowd-pleasing bake that brings a burst of color and flavor to any table. Whether you serve it for breakfast, as a midday treat, or for gifting, every bite feels a bit special. Give it a try, share a slice, and see how quickly it becomes a favorite in your home too!

Cherry Bread with Cherry Glaze Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 7 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delightful Cherry Bread with Cherry Glaze, a moist and flavorful quick bread packed with maraschino cherries and topped with a sweet cherry glaze. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a sweet treat any time of day!

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup chopped maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry)
¾ cup whole milk
½ cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract

For the glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
¼ teaspoon almond extract

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Fold in chopped cherries.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk milk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
Mix Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir just until combined. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake: Bake for 50–60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Glaze: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Whisk together powdered sugar, cherry juice, and almond extract for the glaze. Drizzle over cooled bread.

Notes

For a richer flavor, add ¼ cup chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to the batter.
You can substitute fresh or frozen cherries (pitted and chopped) for maraschino cherries; drain excess moisture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American