Maraschino Cherry Bread: Amazing 15-Min Prep

Name: Maraschino Cherry Bread: Amazing 15-Min Prep
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and halved; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

by Jannet Lisa

16 de August de 2025

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Maraschino Cherry Bread has always been a little slice of sunshine in my kitchen, bringing back memories of my mom’s baking days. The vibrant red cherries dotted throughout the soft, sweet crumb always made it feel like a special occasion, even on a Tuesday. I remember the sweet, slightly almond-like aroma filling our house, a scent that instantly made me feel cozy and loved. This delightful cherry bread with maraschino cherries is so simple to whip up, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking to create some truly memorable homemade maraschino cherry bread. It’s a classic for a reason, and I can’t wait for you to try it! Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Maraschino Cherry Bread

This isn’t just any quick bread; it’s a delightful treat that’s surprisingly easy to make and incredibly rewarding. Here’s why you’ll keep coming back to this sweet cherry bread recipe:

Incredible Taste: The sweet, slightly tart flavor of the maraschino cherries combined with a tender, moist crumb is simply divine. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and fruity.
Quick Prep Time: With a prep time of just 15 minutes, you can have this delicious homemade maraschino cherry bread ready for the oven in no time.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore this vibrant loaf. It’s a fun and appealing bake that everyone will enjoy.
Budget-Friendly: Using common pantry staples alongside maraschino cherries makes this a cost-effective way to enjoy a special treat.
Versatile: It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert. This sweet cherry bread recipe fits any occasion.
Visually Appealing: The bright red cherries make this loaf a beautiful addition to any table or dessert spread.

Maraschino Cherry Bread Ingredients

Gathering your maraschino cherry bread ingredients is the first step to baking this delightful loaf. You’ll need the usual suspects for a quick bread, plus those star maraschino cherries! The combination of softened butter and granulated sugar creates a perfect base, while buttermilk adds essential moisture, ensuring your bread isn’t dry. Don’t forget to drain those cherries well; excess liquid can make your bread gummy. Here’s everything you’ll need:

2 cups all-purpose flour – the structure of our bread
1 teaspoon baking soda – for lift and a tender crumb
1/2 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness
1 cup granulated sugar – for that classic sweet cherry bread taste
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – essential for richness and texture
2 large eggs – bind everything together
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances the overall flavor
1 cup buttermilk – keeps the bread moist
1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and halved – the star of the show!
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) – for a lovely crunch

How to Make Maraschino Cherry Bread

Making this delightful loaf is surprisingly simple, and the process itself is quite rewarding. You’ll love how quickly this comes together, proving just how easy maraschino cherry bread can be!

Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, generously grease and flour a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan. This prep work ensures your beautiful maraschino cherry loaf cake won’t stick.
Step 2: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together your 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Set this dry mixture aside for a moment.
Step 3: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened and 1 cup granulated sugar. Beat them until the mixture is wonderfully light and fluffy, creating a perfect base for our bread.
Step 4: Beat in the 2 large eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for that classic sweet aroma.
Step 5: Now, it’s time to combine the wet and dry ingredients. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the 1 cup buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough loaf.
Step 6: Gently fold in the 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and halved, and the 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional). The vibrant red cherries will start to peek through the batter, promising a beautiful finished product. This is a key step in making your easy maraschino cherry bread truly special.
Step 7: Pour the luscious batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula for an even bake.
Step 8: Bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the maraschino cherry bread comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen will be heavenly!
Step 9: Let your masterpiece cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This brief rest helps the loaf set. Then, carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoying this easy maraschino cherry bread fresh is the best!

Best Maraschino Cherry Bread Baking Tips

Achieving the perfect loaf of maraschino cherry bread is all about a few key techniques. These maraschino cherry bread baking tips will help ensure your bake is a success every time!

Always drain your maraschino cherries thoroughly. Excess liquid can make the batter too wet, leading to a dense or gummy texture in your finished bread.
Don’t overmix the batter once you add the flour. Mixing until just combined is crucial for a tender crumb, preventing a tough loaf.
Bake in the center of the oven. This ensures even heat distribution, preventing the top from browning too quickly while the inside remains undercooked.
Let the bread cool in the pan for a bit before turning it out. This helps it set properly and makes it easier to handle without breaking.

What’s the secret to perfect maraschino cherry bread?

The real secret to a perfect, moist maraschino cherry bread lies in the balance of wet and dry ingredients, especially the buttermilk. It keeps everything tender and flavorful. Also, don’t overbake it!

Can I make maraschino cherry bread ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the batter and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking for the best results.

How do I avoid common mistakes with maraschino cherry bread?

To prevent common issues like why is my maraschino cherry bread dry, make sure you’re not overmixing the batter or overbaking the loaf. Always measure your flour correctly and use the recommended amount of moisture from the buttermilk. For more baking tips, check out these focaccia bread secrets and recipes.

Best Ways to Serve Maraschino Cherry Bread

This delightful maraschino cherry bread is wonderful on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple additions. For a lovely breakfast or brunch, I love serving it warm with a dollop of cream cheese or a light glaze. It’s also fantastic alongside a cup of coffee or tea. If you’re looking for a dessert pairing, consider it a base for something a little more decadent. Think of it as a foundation, much like you might find in a cherry almond bread recipe. Serving it with a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream while it’s still slightly warm is pure bliss!

Nutrition Facts for Maraschino Cherry Bread

This maraschino cherry bread offers a delightful treat with its sweet flavor and vibrant color. Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content per serving, based on the ingredients used:

Calories: Approximately 250
Fat: Approximately 12g
Saturated Fat: Approximately 7g
Protein: Approximately 3g
Carbohydrates: Approximately 35g
Fiber: Approximately 1g
Sugar: Approximately 20g
Sodium: Approximately 200mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and exact serving size. For more information on general baking nutrition, you can consult resources on food composition.

Maraschino Cherry Bread: Amazing 15-Min Prep - Maraschino Cherry Bread - additional detail

How to Store and Reheat Maraschino Cherry Bread

Once your delicious maraschino cherry bread has cooled completely on the wire rack, it’s time to think about storing it. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy this delightful treat for days to come. For short-term storage, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight container. This will keep your maraschino cherry quick bread fresh at room temperature for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is your best bet. Wrap the cooled loaf or individual slices securely in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil or a freezer bag, and it will keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, you can gently warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds until just warmed through. This brings back that wonderful fresh-baked aroma and taste!

Frequently Asked Questions About Maraschino Cherry Bread

What exactly is maraschino cherry bread?

Maraschino cherry bread is a type of quick bread or loaf cake that features maraschino cherries baked into the batter. These cherries give the bread a distinctive bright red color and a sweet, slightly fruity flavor. It’s often made with simple ingredients and comes together quickly, making it a popular choice for home bakers.

How do I make maraschino cherry bread successfully every time?

To ensure success when you learn how to make maraschino cherry bread, always start by preheating your oven and preparing your loaf pan properly. Don’t overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients, and be sure to drain your maraschino cherries very well to avoid excess moisture that can lead to a gummy texture.

Can I substitute the maraschino cherries for fresh or frozen cherries?

While you can experiment with other cherries, the classic look and taste of maraschino cherry bread comes from using maraschino cherries. If you do substitute, ensure fresh or frozen cherries are pitted and well-drained, and be aware that the color and sweetness profile will change.

Why are my maraschino cherries sinking to the bottom of the loaf?

Cherries often sink because they’re heavier than the batter. A good trick is to toss the drained cherries with a tablespoon of the flour mixture before folding them into the batter. This light coating helps them suspend more evenly throughout your maraschino cherry loaf cake. For other baking tips, consider these churro saltine toffee ideas.

Maraschino Cherry Bread Variations You Can Try

Once you master the basic recipe, why not get creative? There are so many fun ways to adapt this delightful treat. You can easily transform this into a decadent maraschino cherry pound cake by using a pound cake batter base and adding a simple glaze. Another fantastic variation is a maraschino cherry coffee cake; simply add a streusel topping made with flour, sugar, butter, and cinnamon before baking. For a healthier twist, try swapping some of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat or almond flour, and consider adding a touch of almond extract to complement the cherry flavor. These variations ensure your homemade maraschino cherry bread always feels fresh and exciting! You might also enjoy this apple cider donut cake recipe.