Cherry Bread Recipe | The BEST Maraschino Cherry Bread (2024)

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Looking for an amazing cherry bread recipe? This maraschino cherry bread is wonderful as a breakfast treat and great for the holidays. Serve with your favorite coffee or tea for a delicious snack any time of day.

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Cherry Bread Recipe | The BEST Maraschino Cherry Bread (1)

If you love cherries, especially maraschino cherries, then you’ve got to try this cherry bread. Made with simple, jarred maraschino cherries, and flavored with almond extract, this sweet quick bread recipe is amazing for the holidays.

With chopped almonds mixed into the batter and topped with sliced almonds, this bread also offers a pleasant crunch.

Cherry Bread Recipe | The BEST Maraschino Cherry Bread (2)

What do I need to make cherry bread?

Here’s a quick reference shopping list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this cherry bread recipe. Note that I’ve linked my favorite ingredients to Target (affiliate links) where you can do a quick, same-day Target pick-up, drive-up or delivery order.

Cherry Bread Dry Ingredients:

  • All purpose flour – all purpose flour is ideal for making this and most other quick bread recipes. You could also substitute gluten-free all purpose flour, if needed.
  • Baking powder – baking powder is the necessary leavening needed to help the bread rise. Don’t leave this essential ingredient out.
  • Salt – salt is necessary to enhance the flavor of the bread.
  • Granulated sugar – granulated sugar is traditionally used in most quick bread recipes. If you’re looking to cut the calories and refined sugar, you could substitute the granulated sugar with Whole Earth Granular Monk Fruit sweetener.

Cherry Bread Wet Ingredients:

  • Vegetable oil – vegetable oil is necessary for helping create a smooth batter and keeping the bread moist after being baked.
  • Milk – milk is a necessary liquid for the batter. You can use any dairy or plant based milk you prefer.
  • Egg – a large room temperature egg is ideal for this recipe. Eggs are a binding ingredient that helps the bread hold its shape after being sliced.
  • Almond extract – almond extract is a wonderful flavor that is very complimentary with the cherries and almonds. If you don’t like almond extract you can substitute with vanilla extract.
  • Jar of Maraschino cherries – you can purchase either stemmed or no-stem maraschino cherries. Most maraschino cherries are packaged in jars and found near the canned fruit at the grocery store.
  • Sliced almonds – found in the baking aisle, sliced almonds are ideal for this recipe. The almonds are mixed into the batter and used as a topping for each loaf.

For exact ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions be sure to scroll down to the bottom of this post to the recipe card. Thanks!

Cherry Bread Recipe | The BEST Maraschino Cherry Bread (3)
Cherry Bread Recipe | The BEST Maraschino Cherry Bread (4)

How do I make cherry bread?

To make cherry bread, start by mixing wet and dry ingredients in separate bowls.

For wet ingredients, combine the sugar, oil, milk, egg and almond extract. Whisk together to combine.

For the dry ingredients whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients a few spoonful’s at a time. Whisk together until all ingredients are well incorporated and a smooth batter is achieved.

Cherry Bread Recipe | The BEST Maraschino Cherry Bread (5)
Cherry Bread Recipe | The BEST Maraschino Cherry Bread (6)

Can I add nuts to a cherry bread recipe?

Once the batter has been mixed together, add in the sliced cherries and chopped almonds. Almonds are ideal in cherry bread, as the flavors are very complimentary. Mix together until just incorporated.

Instead of almonds, you could also use chopped walnuts, pecans or even chopped macadamia nuts.

Cherry Bread Recipe | The BEST Maraschino Cherry Bread (7)
Cherry Bread Recipe | The BEST Maraschino Cherry Bread (8)

Divide the batter evenly between two 8 x 8″ loaf pans. For best results, line each pan with a sheet of parchment paper. This will allow easy removal of the bread after it has baked, and you won’t need to spray or grease pans.

Top each loaf with the sliced almonds and bake.

Cherry Bread Recipe | The BEST Maraschino Cherry Bread (9)
Cherry Bread Recipe | The BEST Maraschino Cherry Bread (10)

FAQ’s about making a cherry bread recipe:

Does cherry bread need yeast?

No, typically cherry bread is made as a quick bread, which needs no yeast.

What is quick bread?

Quick bread is a bread made without yeast. These are often sweet breads like banana, pumpkin, zucchini, apple or cherry bread. Cornbread is also considered a quick bread.

Can I use fresh cherries in a cherry bread recipe?

Yes, fresh cherries like sweet Bing cherries or Rainier cherries can be baked into cherry bread. Before baking, make sure to remove the stems and pits. Ideally, the cherries should be sliced or roughly chopped before being added to the batter.

What pan do I need to make cherry bread?

Cherry bread can be made in a single 9″ loaf pan or divided into two 8″ loaf pans. The batter can also be poured into mini loaves. Be sure to adjust the baking time for different sizes of loaves.

Cherry Bread Recipe | The BEST Maraschino Cherry Bread (11)

What can I make with cherries?

Whether you’re using jarred maraschino cherries or fresh cherries from the produce section, you can make numerous recipe with cherries. Here are some of our favorite cherry recipes:

  • Cherry Overnight Oats with Greek Yogurt
  • Cherry Crisp with Almond Crumble
  • Very Cherry Cupcakes
  • Cherry Milkshake
  • Cherry Smoothie
  • Healthy Broccoli Salad with Apples and Cherries
  • Cherry Cobbler with Cake Mix
  • Cherry Jello Pretzel Salad
  • Cream Cheese Cherry Scones
  • Cherry Tart Recipe

Love an amazing quick bread recipe? Check out our most popular bread recipes:

Cherry Bread Recipe | The BEST Maraschino Cherry Bread (18)

Cherry Bread

Yield: 16

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Looking for a moist and delicious cherry bread recipe? This super moist and flavorful maraschino cherry bread with almonds is amazing anytime you're craving something sweet with cherries.

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cup all purpose flour
  • 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 2 teaspoons almond extract
  • 1 (10 oz.) jar, Maraschino Cherries, drained and quartered
  • 3/4 cup sliced almonds, divided

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line (2) 8" loaf pans with parchment paper. (You can also use 1 large 9" pan, or 4-mini 6" loaf pans.) Set prepared pans aside.
  2. Combine dry ingredients in mixing bowl; flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
  3. In another bowl, combine the sugar, oil, milk, egg and almond extract. Whisk these wet ingredients together until smooth.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients, a few spoonful's at a time, to the wet ingredients. Using a whisk, mix together until all ingredients are completely incorporated and smooth.
  5. Chop 1/2 cup of the sliced almonds. Fold in the chopped almonds along with the cherries. Mix together until just incorporated. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan(s) and top the batter with the remaining 1/4 cup of sliced almonds.
  6. Bake at 350 for 45-48 minutes for the 8" pans. (50-55 min. for large 9" pan, and 40-45 minutes for the mini loafs.) To test for doneness; insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean (no crumbs sticking), the bread is done baking.
  7. Let loaves cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Remove from pan(s), then let cool completely on a cooling rack.

Notes

Optional Glaze: 1 c. powdered sugar, 2 Tbsp. milk, 1/2 tsp. almond extract. Mix together well, then drizzle over the cooled loaves.

Storage: bread can be stored at room temperature. Store in an airtight container. Bread will keep at room temperature for 4-5 days. Storing in refrigerator, bread will keep for up to 7-10 days.

Freezing: wrap bread in press-and-seal wrap, then store in a freezer bag or container. Bread will keep frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 16Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 204Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 251mgCarbohydrates: 30gFiber: 1gSugar: 14gProtein: 4g

Cherry Bread Recipe | The BEST Maraschino Cherry Bread (22)

You Might Also Like These Recipes

  • Cherry Smoothie
  • Cinnamon Apple Bread
  • Cream Cheese Cherry Scones
  • Cherry Jello Pretzel Salad
  • Cherry Tart Recipe
  • Easy Peach and Cherry Sangria
Cherry Bread Recipe | The BEST Maraschino Cherry Bread (2024)

FAQs

Are maraschino cherries good baking? ›

Application. These cherries are commonly used as a garnish in drinks, ice cream sundaes and embellishment in decorated cakes. They can also be used in cookies, muffins and cold cake fillings such as black forest cakes and as a topping in pineapple upsidedown cake.

What type of cherry is used for maraschino? ›

Usually, varieties that are lighter in color, such as Gold, Rainier, or Royal Ann cherries, are used. The cherries are first soaked in a brine solution that typically contains calcium chloride and sulfur dioxide. This bleaches the cherries, removing their natural red pigment and flavor.

What are the 7 basic ingredients for quick bread? ›

The possibilities are endless, but the common factor is the basic ingredients of fat, sugar, eggs, flour, liquid, leavening agent, and a flavoring ingredient. The flavoring might be a fruit or vegetable, a liquid such as buttermilk or fruit juice, an extract, herbs, or spices.

What's the difference between cherries and maraschino cherries? ›

Maraschino cherries, also known as co*cktail cherries, are preserved, sweetened, and artificially colored to become bright red cherries. That's why they have a different taste and composition (no pits) than natural cherries.

What cherry is best for baking? ›

Montmorency, Morello, and Balaton are all sour cherry varieties. They're usually soft, and smaller than sweet cherries. Some are sweet-tart, others are so sour your cheeks pucker. Use them to bake pie, crumbles, compotes, salsas, and to top yogurt.

Do maraschino cherries stay in your stomach? ›

Does a maraschino cherry stay in your stomach for seven years? Uhm, no. That's another one of those weird urban myths you don't need to worry about any more. You digest maraschinos just as you would any other fruit or candy.

Is there formaldehyde in maraschino cherries? ›

An urban myth prevented me early on from eating them – word got around they were preserved in formaldehyde and could not be digested. Not quite, as it turns out. The cherries are actually preserved in sodium metabisulfate, calcium chloride and citric acid and subsequently dyed those alarming shades of red and green.

What is another name for maraschino cherries? ›

Maraschino cherries are used in many alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and co*cktails, including the Tequila Sunrise, the Queen Mary and the Shirley Temple, giving them the nickname co*cktail cherries.

Can dogs eat maraschino cherries? ›

You should not feed any kind of cherry to a dog. There are many different types of cherries out there, including bing, rainier, black and maraschino. Although maraschino cherries don't have a pit, they contain a lot of sugar, which isn't suitable for dogs.

What are 2 tips to successfully making quick breads? ›

Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined, and then stop. If there are a few lumps in the batter, that's okay. To ensure that your quick bread rises properly, it's important to use room-temperature ingredients. Take the butter, eggs and milk out of the refrigerator an hour or two before you plan to bake.

What ingredient gives flavor to quick breads? ›

Muffin and Quick Bread Ratio of Ingredients

Fats are added for richness and flavor, and when creamed with sugar, they trap air creating lightness in the batter. Sugar, in addition to its interaction with fats, adds flavor, color, and aids in the tenderization of the batter.

What two chemicals must be in a quick bread recipe in order for it to have a chemical leavening reaction which gives off carbon dioxide and makes quick breads rise? ›

Combining baking soda with an acid produces a chemical reaction that releases carbon dioxide gas which causes the food to expand and become fluffy.

What can I do with a jar of maraschino cherries? ›

These cherries are just as delicious in pound cakes, cookies, and ice creams as they are on top of drinks, trifles, and hams. Many of these recipes also use the juices in the jar for a double dose of cherry flavor.

What does maraschino cherries do for the body? ›

Maraschino cherries supply only a small amount of certain nutrients. A 3.5-ounce serving of the cherries supplies 54 mg of calcium and 21 mg of potassium, 45 international units of vitamin A, and 1.5 µg of vitamin K.

Which type of cherry is the best? ›

Sweet cherry varieties, such as Bing, Rainier, and Lapins, are best for eating fresh due to their sweet and juicy flesh. On the other hand, bakers prefer tart cherry varieties, including Montmorency and Morello, for making pies and preserves because of their tangy flavor and firm texture.

Can you use maraschino cherries instead of grenadine? ›

Maraschino cherries, on the other hand, might already be sitting in your fridge -- especially if you've got a sweet tooth and like to indulge in homemade desserts. Even though they're more commonly used as garnishes or toppings, you can utilize them to replace grenadine.

Can you substitute maraschino cherries? ›

Originally, maraschino cherries were made from marasca cherries (a variety of cherry native to Croatia). Sour cherries are a popular alternative, but really, when it comes to making your own, you can use whatever variety you like.

What's the difference between maraschino and Amarena cherries? ›

In broad terms, co*cktail cherries can be divided into three categories: sweet, sour, and brandied. Generally speaking, Maraschino cherries are sweet and Amarenas are sour. The traditional European method for creating maraschino cherries is to preserve Marasca cherries in maraschino liqueur (think Luxardo Maraschino).

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